[pct-l] Getting a ride to VVR

[Bob Bankhead]

You might have better luck hitching OUT of Vermillion Valley than into it. While you might get lucky enough to find someone going all the way to Fresno, you're more likely to find a ride headed to SOMEPLACE that has public transportation. You can then get home from there. 

I'd start at Tuolumne Mdws (take the train from Oakland to Merced, the bus to Yosemite Valley, and the 5 pm [17:00] YARTS bus to TM, stay overnight at the TM backpackers' campground, and go south the next morning. To start at Red's Mdw, do the same, but ride YARTS all the way to its last stop at the Mammoth Mountain Inn (have reservations in hand). Take the 1st shuttle bus of the morning down to Reds Mdw Resort and start south. 

Be advised, this YARTS bus is the main source of transportation for Mammoth residents who work in Yosemite Valley, so the bus fills rapidly and no reservations are possible for individuals. Be in line at the YV Visitor's Center stop well in advance of departure time. First come, first served.

Wandering Bob

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Denis Stanton 
  To: PCT List List 
  Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 1:41 PM
  Subject: [pct-l] Getting a ride to VVR


  Hi, looking for advice or assistance

  I'm visiting the USA from New Zealand for the Apple conference in June and hoping to do the next stage of my long-term PCT section hike.  I started from Kennedy Meadows three years ago.  This year I hope to resume at VVR and hike to Reds Meadow or Tuolumne.

  The big problem is getting to VVR.  I know I can get from my temporary base in Oakland to Fresno by Amtrak, but I can't find any public transport from Fresno to VVR.  Are any hikers, or supporters, likely to be driving up to VVR on Saturday 12th June or maybe the day after?  Willing to share costs/pay gas or whatever it takes. There are two of us traveling.  My son ("SunWalker" or "Heaps") through-hiked the PCT in 2007 and is coming along to supervise.

  I understand VVR can arrange a shuttle but it's very expensive for just two.  It gets much cheaper for the third or forth person, so sharing a shuttle becomes a possibility.  I have hitched between resupply towns on Hwy-395 quite successfully but I can't see trying to hitch out of central Fresno being so straight forward.

  Thank you

  Denis Stanton
  "Walks with Son"