Adding to the confusion here, the DAY hike permits are good for both the main trail and the mountaineers route. So it is not surprising that people get mixed up.
Inyo staff has told me they plan to separate the two areas in the future so the MR has its own day hike permit quota that is separate from the Main Trail.
...Of course, I wonder how the Trail Crest Exit Permit will affect the process.
Are we all confused yet?
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In CaT's situation, he was using the overnight permit to set up a base camp, and then planned on making various day hikes from that point. I am wondering.... if he camped at Lone Pine Lake on the wilderness permit, would he then be authorized to descend the trail to the North Fork, and then hike up the MR???
