How bad is Wave lottery in August?

[JFstego]

Does anybody know how many people typically show up for the Wave lottery in mid August? I am kind of torn on whether or not I should try the lottery each day as it "blocks" the precious cool mornings that could otherwise be put to better use.

I just (unsuccessfully) tried four times in the first part of May and there were between 50 and 85 people each day => hopeless :(


Many thanks for any info.

[powderglut]

I'm guessing at least that many, probably more!

[Deathcricket]

i don't know, but do they have the last minute drawing system for the Wave like they do for canyons? Do they have to buy $5 tickets each day? I shall admit I find the new permit system easy. It's pretty easy to buy up all the tickets and "scare" other competition off. Mystery used to be insanely difficult to get permits for and it was easy to poach, so who bothered. But now look at it. here is a shot of today. A single group could easily bully these guys out. It's been like this since it's inception. It the wave is similar I don't imagine it would be difficult to get permits anymore.

[JFstego]

I believe the wave lottery is quite fair. There is an on-line lottery for 10 permits (I do not know exactly how this is implemented to avoid one person applying multiple times) and then, one day prior to your hike, a walk-in lottery for another 10 permits. They are drawn in front of everyone.