I just called the Wilderness Office to hold my permit for late arrival on Wednesday. When I called I was told that the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is closed, basically the entire trail, due to fires started by a lightening strike. The ranger that I spoke with said when we arrive we can talk about alternatives.
Is anyone familiar with this situation? I have to admit I had my heart set on this trip, I don't even know what alternative trail I would take...
Does anyone know what happens when the trailheads are closed? All the other good trailheads that I would be interested in are at their quotas, I'm assuming people turned away from their reserved trailhead don't get to go to Sunrise, for expample, because it's already full. Is this correct? Do they ever refund your money if you decide you don't want to go? Or give you a raincheck? That might sound like a silly question, but I really don't know. I was surprised when I was told the trail was closed, so I didn't think quickly enough to ask the ranger these questions. I am going to call tomorrow, but any help or advice would be really appreciate.
I'm so disapointed