George wrote:
> So the answer to why should a JMT through hiker be subject to the same quota as a destination hiker (e.g. to LYV). It's because they're all estimated into the dispersal from point x. LYV, for instance, has a maximum carrying capacity per night. Everyone who leaves the trailhead is part of that, even though some continue on either on Day 1 or on Day 2.
Well, if I wanted to get a permit, and the normal permits available for an impacted trail head, like the Happy Isles/ Little Y.V. trail were full, I would happily accept a permit that dictated:
1) No camping in ANY impacted area (with restricted spots identified on the permit).
2) Must camp Off trail at least 30 yards or out of sight of 90% of the trail.
3) No fires.
4) etc.
It certainly would be nice to have such a "restricted permit" available. It would challenge the hiker to find a true "wilderness" spot to camp. It would have only a minor impact on the wilderness experience of those camping in the traditional (high impact) spots.
