[pct-l] alternate trails for the pct in Giant Sequia andYosemite

[AsABat]

There is a backpacker campground behind North Pines Campground, arrangements similar to that in Tuolumne (wilderness permit required, one night before or after your trip only, etc.). It's not advertised for many obvious reasons, but ask around. I haven't used it in years, but talked to some hikers who were there two years ago. I hope it's still there. 

I'd rather leave Tuolumne before sunrise and head to Tuolumne, timing it so I was at Cathedral Pass around sunrise. That would leave plenty of time for sightseeing and still catch the 5:00 bus. 

AsABat


---- Bob Bankhead wrote: 
> It is 23 miles  from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley/Happy Isle. There are two shuttle bus options for you, depending on when you arrive.
> 
> 
> Morning Shuttle:
> The Hikers' Shuttle Bus leaves Curry Village at 0800, arrives T. Mdws Store at 1020.  
>       http://www.yosemitepark.com/content3col.cfm?SectionID=75&PageID=217 
> 
> $14.50 one-way
> 
> 
> Evening Bus:
> YARTS also runs their Highway 120 East bus route from Yosemite Valley (Yosemite Visitors Center) to Mammoth Lakes with a stop in T. Mdws. It leaves the Valley at 1700 and gets to TM Store at 1850. http://www.yarts.com/schedule/2006/120ESUMMER06.pdf
> 
> There is only one walk-in campground (Camp 4) in Yosemite Valley (near Yosemite Lodge) and it's first-come, first-served; $5 per night; 35 sites; 6 people to a site. If you get there too late for the 1700 bus, you're unlikely to get a spot. Hope your super-stealth camping skills are up to par as the rangers (and the bears) reportedly patrol heavily to discourage unauthorized camping. all other campgrounds and the hotel are reservation only. Good luck.
> 
> T. Mdws has an excellent campground with a LARGE walk-in Backpackers' area in the middle. The rest of the CG is by reservation only. Self-registering; about $7.50 per person per night as I recall.