zoso-mb OP t1_j4ntjoz wrote on January 17, 2023 at 12:48 AM

Reply to comment by ScipioSectex in Prusik Peak, The Enchantments, October 2022 by zoso-mb

I've only ever gotten lucky with the Colchuck Lake permit, never was able to secure the Core Permit. On this particular day when I took this photo, I did the entire thing as a day hike. Logged about 25 miles that day is including all of the side trips I did, including the one up to Gnome Tarn for this photo.

I'd guess you'd have the best chances of attempting to get permits in late September. It starts cooling off by then, but everyone will be trying to land the first week of October to try to see the Larches change, so I could see that being the least visited time during the permit season.

If you try to secure a Colchuck permit, it's not that bad of a situation. Obviously you'd rather be up in the Core zone, but Colchuck Lake is beautiful, and you can dayhike up Asgaard Pass with a light pack instead of a full backpacking kit. Unfortunately this means you have to descend Asgaard the same day, which is an absolute killer on the knees, but it's still an incredible trip with Colchuck as a base camp.

ScipioSectex t1_j4o7p5q wrote on January 17, 2023 at 2:29 AM

I like that alternative, but hate the idea of day hikes. If I'm going out into the wilderness I gotta experience the night and finding peace(sleep) for atleast a couple days. Definitely have to find my way out there at some point though, that whole region is just brimming with potential backpacking trips. Thanks for the advice! I'll shoot for late September.

zoso-mb OP t1_j4oagor wrote on January 17, 2023 at 2:47 AM

After the lottery is settled, keep an eye on Recreation.gov for the dates you'd like to go. There is a set amount that they release every Monday morning I believe. That's how I was able to land a Colchuck Permit. I have seen a Core Permit available that way as well, but I couldn't go that day.