[pct-l] Lone Pine via Trail Pass

[weathercarrot@hotmail.com (The Weathercarrot)]

>Do any day-hikers or circuit hikers ever drive to Horseshoe Meadows Parking 
>lot?

yes, that seems to be very common. The hitching here is very hit and miss. 
"Miss" means having to wait several hours, but it's not worth doing the 20+ 
mile road walk. A long wait for a ride will virtually always be faster than 
the walk. Much more often however, people are going by quite frequently. I 
would camp a few miles before Trail Pass so you can get down to Horseshoe 
Meadows as early in the morning as possible. Ask around at the campground or 
parking lot about a ride - which i didn't do because i'm shy about these 
things - i walked right through all the activity there, went down the road 
about 500 yards and waited for a car to come buy. Got a ride in 30 minutes 
(first or second car). Getting back to the trail can be more tricky. Some 
have suggested going to the FS Ranger Station and asking around there. I 
lucked out and had a friend me us in Lone Pine and got a ride back up to HM.

>Also, does this parking lot close through late spring?

I get the impression that in a low to average snow year, the area becomes 
active by June 1st (which was the case last year). In a super hight snow 
year that can be delayed by 2-3 weeks. So far, it looks like that won't be a 
problem this year.

wc
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