Originally Posted By Nelli
I have reservations but flexibility would be nice.
I may want to walk more or less one day but with the reservation system you are locked in.
What would happen if I tried to stay in a shelter without reservations?


It depends on who is there. That time of year, you won't likely run into a ridgerunner checking permits. But you could perhaps encounter a ranger working bear control. It would mean you would betold to continue on (or back) to your reserved shelter. This isn't likely, but it IS possible.

More likely is you will arrive at a full shelter. Because other folks like flexibility (or may not even get a permit), you may run into a full shelter even if stick to your itinerary. Carry at least an emergency shelter.

When my wife and I hiked through the park 2 years ago, we carried groundcloths and ponchos that we could rig up as shelters just in case. We never had to use them as shelters, but at least they were available.

And most importantly, enjoy yourself!
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