Doxory?

lakmiseiru has decided Permit reservations for the John Muir Trail's starting point are all taken for the entirety of July-August. We'd like to start on July 30th. Timing is sensitive, so flexing days is difficult. The Park Service splits permits: 60% are available online, 40% available day-of or day-before in person at Yosemite.

Better - we got a permit for the same trailhead but a slightly out-of-the-way first night campsite. It'll be an extra day but the extra hiking looks like it comes with great views!

Asked 204 days ago

I picked something else

Apply for a permit starting from one of the less-common trailheads that still have spots open - meaning you'd definitely get it

photon: Yosemite's quite touristy, but if you can start from elsewhere, do it!
AndieBee: i think making sure that you have a permit is a good idea. unless of course you're sure that there will be tons of permits left.

coolworld, Ian, jtu, kyrandil, mutePenguin, kevinr, gugod

Go to Yosemite, visit the permit station at opening time on July 29th, hope a permit is available, and spend July 29th bumming around Yosemite enjoying the sights

peggusus, trs, perturbed, Yoyo

Skipped (with comments)

Juan: Do both. This will increase your chances.

If you make a stupid choice because a website tells you to, it's your own damn fault.