[pct-l] Thru-Hiker Support - Kearsarge Pass

[m.karon@attbi.com (Marshall Karon)]

For anyone wondering about the trail to Independence over Kearsarge Pass,
take it. The scenery is some of the finest in the Sierra and it really isn't
too bad - from either side. Don't plan on camping on the East side because
of bears. Chances are you can hitch a ride into town with someone when you
get to the camp site. Getting back up - some of the motel staff may run you
up for a small fee.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@attbi.com
(503) 232-5271
----- Original Message -----
From: <Hiker97@aol.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2002 3:33 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Thru-Hiker Support


> The Kickoff at Lake Morena was great.  I was wondering if there might be a
> need for something similar for the Sierras.  Maybe some type of shuttle
> service from Horseshoe Mdws parking lot (Cottonwood Pass) and or the Onion
> Valley parking lot (Kearsarge Pass).  A little party, cooking, and
shuttles
> into town (Lone Pine).  This could be done over a three day period.  The
> thru-hikers should be fairly well grouped together from Kennedy Mdws and
> their mid-June start.
>
> The Horseshoe Mdws would be good from the standpoint that it is the
natural
> bailout point if the snows are too much for some hikers.  Plus, the hike
to
> the parking lot from the trail is very easy and short.
>
> The problem is that it is just one-night camping and usually very crowded
in
> June when the thru-hikers hit Cottonwood Pass.  The road up there opened
last
> week.  Onion Valley may allow a little more camping time, but you have
some
> real hiking challenges getting to the Kearsarge Pass side trail.  The side
> trail itself is not too bad.  About 9 miles round trip (?).  This would
> certainly make the food haul to Lake Edison or Reds Meadows a lot more
> pleasant.
>
> Anyway, just an idea to help the thru-hikers as they start the long haul
in
> the Sierras.  Would be lots of fun if it could be done.
>
> Happy trails, Switchback
>
>
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