[pct-l] John Muir Trail Questions

[dude@coruscant.net (dude@coruscant.net)]

>From the context of your email, it sounds like you are starting in 
Yosemite, so I will base my response on that assumption.

As far as getting to Yosemite, by far the easiest cheap way would be 
to fly into San farncisco or Sacramento and take the Amtrak to 
Merced.  From Merced, you can take the YARTS (Yosemite Area Rapid 
Transit) to Yosemite Valley where the JMT starts.  There may be other 
ways that will take less time, but that will be the cheapest and most 
reliable.

As far as where to get out, that could raise 2 difficult issues:  

1.  There is not really any reliable way out of the east side of the 
Sierras anymore.  Last summer the Greyhound stopped running their LA 
to Reno route up 395, which stopped at Lone Pine, Independence, 
Bishop, Mammoth, and Lee Vining.  This sounds totally sketchy, but I 
have done it several times: Hitch-Hike back to Lee Vining and take 
the YARTS Shuttle back to Yosemite Valley/Merced where you can then 
get Amtrack back to SF or Sac. (You will actually have to take 3 
shuttles because the east shuttle stops at Tuolumne Meadows, where 
you will have to get anithe shuttle to Yosemite Valley, then another 
back to Merced).

2.  The other issue is where to stop in 9 days.  This all depends on 
how much ground you can cover in 9 days.  I have done the entire JMT 
in 9 days, but going ultra-light.  There is no way I could have done 
it with traditional weights.  Anyway, I would say that your best bet 
would be to leave via VVR if that is about how much distance you 
could cover.  The Muir Trail Ranch does not really cater to hikers 
(they have cabins that they chare $125/night for and charge a $45 
pick up fee for hiker packages)  In addition, the Muir Trail Ranch is 
really far from any roads and the only way in is via a really rough 
jeep road.  VVR is a little (not much) more accessible and there will 
likely be people ther who can give you a ride.

Lastly, there was a post on this list a few months ago about new 
transportation options along 395, try searching the archives.

Good luck.  BTW, I am planning on doing the JMT again this year in 
late aug or early sept.  when are you going?

peace,
dude in tx


> I appreciate anyone that can offer some advice concerning
> an upcoming trip on the John Muir Trail that I am planning
> for this summer. I only have about 9 hiking days and
> plan to do about half of the JMT.(unfortunately, the
> necessity of work makes a longer hike impossible this
> year.) Can someone recommend a good point to come off the
> trail? I have the data book and a couple of PCT books, but
> nothing is giving me much info concerning the two choices I
> see....Vermillion Valley Resort and the John Muir Camp. Is
> either one of these a better stopping and getting back on
> point for next year than the other?   It appears that the
> Modesto or Fresno airports would be the best to take into
> Yosemite. Any thoughts there?  And also what about the
> possibility of finding a shuttle driver who will take us
> from the airport to Yosemite or possibly a bus that runs
> from the airport?
> And what about a shuttle from the stopping point?  I
> appreciate any input very much!  
> Thanks. Butterfly GA to PA 97 to 00, PA to ME 01
> 
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