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Remember when the trail to the Enchantment Lakes core zone was just a quiet permit lottery you mailed in?
Now you need to win a hyper-competitive online system months ahead, a change that happened after 2015 when the area blew up on social media and visitor numbers doubled, so has anyone else found a solid backup route in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness for when you don't get the permit?
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marymorgan3mo ago
Honestly, the whole permit system feels broken now, not just competitive. My backup plan is just not going into the Alpine Lakes at all on summer weekends. The crowds have ruined the vibe everywhere nearby. I've started looking at trails way east of the crest, where you still get that quiet feeling without the fight.
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daniel5113mo ago
Wait, didn't the online lottery start in 2016? Anyway, yeah, it's brutal now. For a backup, check out the Necklace Valley or Tank Lakes area. It's still a tough hike but way easier to get a permit for.
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jade27118d ago
The online lottery started in 2016? Great, so that's the year we all decided to make getting into the mountains a full-time job. Tank Lakes is a solid tip though, if you don't mind the leg burning and the feeling like you're on a secret mission to find a quiet spot. Honestly, what's next, a raffle just to park at the trailhead? I guess the real backup plan is just staying home and staring at pictures of lakes on Instagram like everyone else.
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