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

[Debbie Mendel]

thank you everyone for this great advice.

one more question - what do you think the best book is to buy to start
beginning planning the trip and finding out information? We've heard of so
many, but is there one in specific that people like when first planning the
trip?

On Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 5:02 PM, Denis Stanton <denisstanton at mac.com> wrote:

> 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
>
>