[pct-l] Kearsarge Pass

[Emily Toby]

Bristlecone and I were camped out at the Onion Valley campground at Kearsage Pass last year in June for two weeks when the herd passed by, shuttling folks to/from Independence.  
Be aware that there was absolutely NO sign of life at the Pack Station, there was nobody there, no horses, no operations, no camping or showers, no nothing, as late as the July 4th weekend, when we left.  They may open earlier when the snow levels aren't as high, but you absolutely must contact them if you intend to use them or their facilities, IMHO.
There were plenty of day hikers during the weekends at this trailhead, but, it was pretty deserted during the week.  Same for the campground.  I wouldn't want to leave anything that I absolutely needed in one of those boxes, including a bear can.  As far as I know, everyone got a ride to and from town from this trail head that needed one (and a beer or two), and didn't have to wait too long. 
We'll be back, by popular demand again in 2012.  We intend to camp out at the Onion Valley campground for several weeks sometime in June - to help this years thrus get to/from town.  I can almost drive that steep windy twisty mountain road with my eyes closed.  (Definitely with my nostrils closed! you stinky hiker trash).
Uber B



> From: wandering_bob at comcast.net
> To: thopkins415 at gmail.com; pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:41:19 -0800
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Kearsarge Pass
> 
> I did it, but only once. The public bear boxes (as opposed to the private
> ones in the campground) are on the north side of the parking lot, near the
> bathrooms. These are your typical metal boxes - long and low. They are out
> in the blazing sun all day, accessible to anyone, anytime, and subject to
> being improperly closed by careless folks. Bear all of that in mind if you
> elect to cache a box there. Needless to say, anything that can melt, WILL.
> My partner left my Bearikade Expedition there one year. It was still there
> when we retrieved it - much to my surprise and his relief. Be sure to leave
> your name and expected arrival date on it.
> 
> That said, the Onion Valley Pack Station offers showers and camping for a
> small fee, and will hold boxes for a hefty fee (similar to Muir Trail Ranch)
> or deliver them to you at selected locations for an even heftier fee.
> Contact Brian or Dee Berner at Sequoia King Pack Trains in Independence;
> bernerspack at yahoo.com or pinecreekps at aol.com, and phone is 800-962-0775 or
> 760/387-2797.  
> 
> For a listing of other Sierra packers, see
> http://www.owensvalleyhistory.com/pack_stations/page54.html
> 
> Incidentally, the access road to Onion Valley is a very steep, curvy asphalt
> snake. Drive it slowly and carefully. You would never want to walk it, even
> downhill. Hitching a ride into Independence should be easy enough as there
> are lots of cars in the parking lot - KP up and back is a popular day hike;
> getting back from Independence is more "iffy".
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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