And I'm happy for you! I'm not saying everyone values the same things, I'm just sharing my perspective and noting that it's not an uncommon one within the context of what this means at an economic and cultural level. For someone who strongly values being directly in nature, I'd certainly point them in your direction before mine!
So uncharitable, and false. Unless you were already remote in Gold Country or Markleeville, your “back door” was a 3-5 hour drive each way, depending on traffic. Kinda kills your efficient carbon footprint for living in a city. Been there, done that, moved away from the Bay Area to avoid exactly that. And I would climb at Mission Cliffs after work to be ready for that weekend in the Sierra—-and wasn’t alone in doing so.
I love the Sierras and have spent a lot of nights in the backcountry, but good luck getting any permits now. Pre-pandemic it was already extremely difficult. Now you need to get up at 7am and grab a day use ticket to even enter Yosemite (or even drive through!).
Most of the Sierras don’t require any type of permit or ticket to access. I’ve noticed among techie friends with a new desire to go outdoors a belief that they need to make an appointment to enjoy nature, and since all the appointments are taken online, there is no nature to enjoy. Or to google for “best hike San Francisco”, go there, and find that the parking is full.
In fact the nature is much larger than the city, and it’s most entirely empty if you aren’t intentionally visiting the most popular spots.
I’m sure most of the Sierras don’t require day use reservations, but I’m pretty sure nearly all of it requires permits for car camping or backcountry camping, and those permits are difficult to get (apart from taking the risk of showing up for a walk-in permit).
And I understand the stereotype of the techie who thinks Yosemite Valley reservations is the only way to enjoy nature, but I don’t think that’s me. I’ve been on dozens of trips to the Sierras and I’m fairly experienced with the various permit systems. That said, I’m sure there are still less-travelled gems that I haven’t discovered. :)
As far as I know, the national forests (excluding the designated wilderness ares) don’t require permits for dispersed camping, which includes car camping.
Sure, I agree, certainly permits are required in some locations yes. But you can usually find something available. Even locations off the beaten path. There are a lot more options to climb along the hundreds of miles of mountain range when compared to a city.
