Brent your statement is true, the option for driving to the visitors center to get a permit doesn't exist any longer. If you missed the primary lottery there is the option of the secondary lottery where they will release the permits that were not confirmed & paid for. That happens on April 22 at 0700 but you need to be cued up & ready to submit entry because they will be gone in 15 mins. If you miss that then you are subjected to checking online daily for any available permits whenever your travel window is. Also if you do secure a permit the visitor center won't even print it for you. One time last year I wanted to pick up my permit, ended up calling the main permit # & they faxed it right over. Or they can fax or email it to your home for you to print. They are making things ever more difficult. Hope this helps...