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Hi, Im traveling thru the area on my way to alaska and would really like to hike into the falls however i don't have a camping reservation and am concerned if i go in without one they will turn me back.

if anyone has a reservation and is going in sometime over the next week and wouldn't mind if i join you i would be incredibly grateful (and will kick in money of course).

i am 34 male, good shape, wont slow you down, very laid back and easy to get along with.

thanks so much to anyone who can help me out. i would really hate to miss it.

dustin

Call them and you can probably get a reservation during the week. The prime time for hiking to the falls has passed as the heat is starting to set in, so maybe you will have some luck. I surely would call right now to find out. I don't have their phone number handy, but it's on their website. Have your credit/debit card handy.

Friends have had good luck hiking solo down to visitors' center, buying camping permit when they get there. The tribe wants your money and is sometimes not very particular about their rules regarding numbers of campers. This would be "plan B" if I were you--I would call first, though, and try to get a reservation.

Also, just FYI, it will probably be very hot while you make your hike in! Make sure you wear t-shirt, not tank top, sunscreen all over, water and electrolyte replacement, big hat, carry and DRINK at least a gallon of water to make the hike in. After about 6 or 7 miles you'll get to the creek and can splash in it. Many hike this at night but that may not be recommended for your first time. You can then opt to make return hike during the night if you wish.

Sorry if I am telling you stuff you already know, but if you haven't hiked in the low-humidity desert before you will need this info.

azbackpackr wrote:Sorry if I am telling you stuff you already know, but if you haven't hiked in the low-humidity desert before you will need this info.

Your post above was all good info. Even desert dwellers need to be reminded from time to time.

dustuf, good luck on your trip. Sounds like fun!

yeah, i gave them a call they said they were actually overbooked thru the end of june. im thinking i may just go ahead and make the hike in and see what happens. If i set out at daybreak i should get in early and would have most of the day to relax and try to find a solution. worst case i guess they make me hike out same day at which point i can set out later in the evening. would be a very long day hike but i really hate to miss it. unfortunately, i have a very long trip and i never know when im going to be at any particular location so making reservations is nearly impossible.

thanks for all the good advice. i appreciate it.

if anyone out there is going this week i would love to hear from you. im planning on hiking in on sunday if i dont hear from anyone. thanks again.

While I certainly encourage respecting the people and laws of the reservation and thus purchasing the necessary permits, I will agree with the previous post indicating that they really just want your money. I will also add that I have hiked in at night before and found no "authority" awake to check for a permit upon entering the campground. If I was in your position, it's a risk I would take.