This sounds crazy.
I have a backcountry permit for the 21st, but we wanted to arrive on the 19th and relax in teh valley for a day. I was in the park 10 years ago and we got a valley site no problem, arriving in the evening with no reservation. Not the case anymore?
It this a lot of worry over nothing or will we really and truly be screwed if we get there on Sunday afternoon/evening with no reservation? (We can't do backpackers till the 20th).
Thanks.