The slow chase for a Teton Crest Trail permit

I've seen that scoring permits for famous backpacking spots now takes real time and effort. Last year, I set my sights on the Teton Crest Trail in Wyoming. I began looking for permits in January, but most summer weekends were already full. It took checking the site almost daily for a month to find a Tuesday slot in September. I rearranged my work schedule just to make that date work. The whole process felt like forever, but the hike itself was perfect. With fewer people on the trail, I had peaceful days and crisp fall air. Learning to plan far ahead has become my new normal for any big route.

4 comments

4 Comments

drew_hart43mo ago

Yeah it's wild how even the off days get snapped up now. I remember when you could maybe wing a weekday permit, but now you're competing with everyone who had the same idea. Kinda makes you wonder what the next big permit chase will be in a few years.

sage6753mo ago

Got shut out trying to book a Denali permit on a weekday, total madness.

lewis.mila2mo ago

Actually, @sage675, Denali doesn't need a permit just to visit.

leo_black763mo ago

What if the chase, like drew_hart4 said, is part of what makes finally getting out there feel so good?