[pct-l] Question on best route to hike in April, May and June

[Denis Stanton]

Hi Debbie

Bob has given an excellent and detailed analysis of the distances from  
trail to 'civilization' at each of the possible exit points from the  
PCT in the Sierras.

I'd just like to add a comment to one statement: 'That translates into  
no rides and very long roadwalks.'

In my experience of hanging around the Sierras in June over the last  
three years it's not quite that bad.  I have successfully hitched to  
or from Kennedy Meadows (inwards, June 2007), Horseshoe Meadow (out  
June 2007, in May 2008) and Onion Valley (out May and June 2008).  I  
have also picked up hitching PCT hikers in and out of Onion Valley in  
June 2007 and 2008.  So my experience is it's possible to hitch to and  
from these points at least in June.

This is not meant to deny anything about Bob's advice, which is spot  
on.  I wish I had had these numbers so readily to hand when I started  
my planning.

Denis

On 12/07/2008, at 11:32 AM, Bob Bankhead wrote:

> Andria is correct, even if we miraculously get a low snow year.  
> Unless you are all experienced mountaineers with the proven field  
> expertise and gear to handle mile upon mile of continuously snow- 
> buried trail, you really have only one logical choice by starting in  
> April: southern California.
>
> Start at Campo ahead of the herd and go north as far as you feel  
> comfortable going. You should be able to at least reach Kennedy  
> Meadows. Decide when you get there if you're going any further,  
> based on snow conditions at the time. If you do go on, you might  
> want to hook up with some of the through-hikers for added protection  
> and support through the Sierras.
>
> Be advised, once you leave Kennedy Meadows, you will face a  
> significant off-PCT walk to reach civilization along highway 395  
> since the campgrounds and roads will no doubt still be blocked by  
> snow. That translates into no rides and very long roadwalks.
>
> For example, going north:
>
> 1) exit at Trail Pass; 3 miles down to Horseshoe Meadow CG plus  
> another 23 miles of roadwalk down to Lone Pine.
>
> 2) exit at Kearsarge Pass; 7.5 miles down to Onion Valley plus  
> another 15 mile roadwalk into Independence.
>
> 3) exit at Bishop Pass; 11.6 miles to South Lake plus 22.5 mile  
> roadwalk to Bishop
>
> 4) exit at Piute Pass; 15.6 miles to North Lake plus 20 mile  
> roadwalk to Bishop
>
> 5) exit at Reds Mdw: 8 miles uphill roadwalk to Mammoth Mountain Inn  
> plus 4.2 mile roadwalk into Mammoth Lakes proper. Cabs and shuttles  
> will be available for the last 4.2 miles or someone could meet you  
> at Mammoth Mountain ski resort.
>
> 6) exit at Tuolumne Meadows; a possibility if and only if the  
> highway is open. Otherwise, TM will still be closed up and you'd be  
> facing 23 miles on the JMT down to Yosemite Valley, which will be  
> open.
>
>
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Denis Stanton
denisstanton at mac.com