Sequoia and Mt Whitney area TTers I need your help

“Here's the skinny.

I'm looking to take my most experienced Scouts on the Thru-hike of the High Sierra Trail in summer 2003.

My big issue is transportation there and back.

Option one: Fly into Fresno, Rent vans and drop one at Whitney portal and shuttle back.

Option Two: Fly into Fresno, get dropped off at Sequoia NP hike the trail and find someone to take us back to Fresno

Option three: same as above but fly out of someplace on the Eastern side of the divide.

I did find out that Greyhound no longer runs through the Eastern Sierra so that option is out as I was thinking of using Greyhound to get us to Reno and fly home. I've got phone #'s for some shuttle services but so far all have been bum numbers.

I'm pretty much looking for suggestions on how to get 8 people (max) to the trail and back home with minimal fuss. I'm open to anything. Heck, if any of y'all are Scout leaders and feel your fellas are up to the trip we might be able to partner on this and get a great hike for both of our kids. (We got dibs on West to East route)”

“Option one if you have the time and money...It would seem kinda expensive to sit vans like that for over a week...I can tell you, that it's a great Trail, we hiked it in 5 days starting last July 9th..Bring your rain gear..we got rain all 5 days...”

“Yeah, I'm trying to aviod option one. I've done it before elsewhere but man, thats a lot of cash to spend on something that you will barely use.

About how long of a drive would it be between trailheads?”

“you're going to have to find a group going the other way.”

“Contact the Council in the Fresno area. I bet they could find some adult staff or volunteers to do the chaffeuring. A local Fresno troop may even want to meet you along the trail for some joint activities.


The local troop here is always helping out non-local troops that are in the area. I'm sure you could work out something.”

“That is probably what will happen here. I just found the phone # for the Inyo county District Executive. Just might be giving him a call.

Let me just throw this out there. If any of you TTer's have a scout troop, we are willing to help y'all out iffin you're coming out our way. North Florida area.”

“I live in Fresno....Contact People's Church in Fresno. They have a scout troup and large transportation vehicles. You might be able to set something up there. People's Church # = (559)298-8001

If you live near here you could just get some of the scout's parents involved to drop off and pick up.

If People's Church won't help you might be able to contact any number of the local Boy Scout troups...It's worth a shot.

The Parks Service at the Trail Head's might also have some useful information for transportation including bus companies that do serve the area.

Good Luck!!”

“That's pretty ambitious considering the transportation issues. If one of the above Scout contacts works, that would definitely be your best option. It is a long shuttle around the Sierras and public transportation is very thin.

Would you consider a different hike where you would end up on the same side of the Sierras? The shuttle would be much easier.”

“Two of my friends did a trip from Cedar Grove to South Lake. I drove them to Cedar Grove and did a weekender with them. The following weekend, I bp'd to Dusy Basin to meet them, then drove them home. I got two weekenders in, and they got their trip in.

IF I'm free that weekend (or anyone else), you could rent a van, and I could return it on my way out. Same on the east end, rent a van in Lone Pine for the pick up.....just a thought.”

“Thinair, nope, I'm in Florida. Thanks for the number. Options are always good.

Phil, I have a saying that if it's easy it probably isn't worth doing. The rub is knowing when to say uncle. I've been considering a bunch of options. One of them being doing a loop hike and ending up back around where we started. The total hiking addict in me was considering just swinging north on the JMT/PCT. The big draw for this trip is a bunch of flatlander kids climbing Whitney

Snow Nymph thats a heck of an IF. I do appreciate the possible offer. We are always willing to alter plans to make life easier for those who help us out. I can't seem to locate any van rentals in Lone Pine. Know of any?

Obviously this is still in the "What if" phase of planning so nothing is concrete.”

“I think going in at Horseshoe Meadows over Cottonwood Pass or through Cottonwood Lakes over New Army Pass(both South of Whitney). Then swing North on the PCT and come out over Whitney. It is an awesome hike. That is basically what the 7-day Llama group did last year. Mozark was a Scouter also, you can get his opinion on the trek.

The two trailheads are close enough for a reasonable shuttle. Fly into Ontario Airport (or any of several minor airports) you want and rent two vehicles.

Anyway, it is just a suggestion.

Did you have any dates in mind?”

“Probably the middle two weeks of July 2003. The boys go back to school early in August here so I don't want to get too close to that time.

Any ideas on what to expect as far as weather then? I'm thinking quite hot and dry.”

“How many days? Miles? Altitude sickness is a problem with some people (give time to acclimatize, especially if entering from the east).

Other options:
West entry loop trip: Cedar Grove to Paradise Valley to Woods Creek to Rae Lakes (with a layover to hike 60 lakes basin, have to move camp, 1 day limit) to Bubbs Creek and out Cedar Grove.

East entry, part of the JMT going N, Kountry Korners shuttle service might be able to help: Onion Valley to Charlotte Lake, over Glen Pass to Rae Lakes to Woods Creek, to Twin Lakes, over Pinchot Pass to Marjorie Lakes to Upper Basin (throw in Split Mtn, easy 14er), over Mather Pass to Palisade Basin, down the Golden Staircase to Dusy Basin and out Bishop Pass/South Lake.

East entry, part of the JMT going S: Onion Valley to Charlotte Lake, Center Basin and over Forester Pass (13K), Tyndall Creek, Big Plateau, Guitar Lake, Whitney to Whitney Portal.

East entry: North Lake to South Lake out of Bishop. Short shuttle.


The Cottonwood trip Phil mentioned is a good one too.”

“I'll look for rental places in Lone Pine, Onion Valley and Bishop. We're driving to Mammoth this weekend.”

“I was thinking 7 to ten days to allow for zero days if we want to so some exploring or fishing. I do plan to spend a couple of days kicking around Sequoia NP to let the guys check it out and acclimate to the climate.

One other thing I was considering was to do the original trip (fly into Fresno, hike the HST, get out at Lone Pine) and see if there are any reasonable prices on small plane flights to fly us back to the Fresno airport. I'm guess that would be more expensive than shuttling.

You guys rock.”

“6 years ago I hiked from Cedar Grove to Whitney Portal. Some (very nice) friends shuttled our cars so when we got out, there they were. I can't imagine finding a deal like that, especially from Florida. There is always the trick of having people start from both ends and swap keys mid trip. Maybe something could be worked out with other scouts.

As far as weather, we went in late July. We had one rainstorm but it never got too terribly cold or hot. At that elevation you don't get too much heat. Lotsa bears, though.”

“I found an auto rental in Mammoth Lakes or Bishop about $70 plus some $15 insurance and 150 free miles. Mini vans. I will be on that side July 17-19 for possible pick up and shuttle back to one of those towns to get my POV.”

“Ok, I'm doing the High Sierra Trail in 2003 and to heck with the logistics. Sequoia National Park to Mt. Whitney and back again.

The plan.
I scrapped this as a Scout Troop trip and made it a personal invite only kinda thing. Mostly cause I had a few kids expecting to go who were nowhere near ready mentally or physically and Mommy and Daddy insisted they were. Yeah right, sure. Not on my watch you don't.

So far there is 4 of us with the possibility of 6. All have been instructed to start some sort of physical training as we are all living at an elevation of 12 feet and most have never been over 6500 except myself.

July 11-27
Friday the 11th
Fly into Fresno about noon and rent a van and drive to Lodgepole.

Saturday the 12th
Hang out, acclimate, do the gawking tourist thing and avoid anything strenous.

Sunday the 12th
Start hiking the High Sierra Trail and Crescent Meadow allow about 7 days to hike to Mt. Whitney. Camp at either Bearpaw or nine mile creek. I'm leaning towards nine mile. (Opinions on this?)

13th
Hike to Big Hamilton Lake and camp

14th
Hike to Big Arroyo Junction

15th
Hike to Kern Hot Springs

16th
Hike to Junction Meadow

17th
Hike to Crabtree Meadow

18th
Short day. Hike to Guitar Lake

19th
The big day. Leave camp set up at Guitar Lake (if allowed) and go light to summit Whitney. Hike back down collect our stuff and go back to Crabtree Meadow to meet our re-supply. The re-supply might be moved to 17th as this might be too much for one day. I'm thinking it is.

20th
hike to Junction Meadow.

21st
Head up Colby Pass and head cross country up the Kern Kaweah River basin and camp at the big lake. (can't find a name for it)

22nd
Summit Triple Divide peak and camp at Glacier Lake

23rd
Crosscountry to Loney Lake

24th
Crosscountry to Pear Lake (or maybe Moose Lake)

25th
hike out at Wolverton.

26th
Decompress and re-acclimate to snivelization. Probably hotel in in Fresno (depends of flight times)

27th
Fly home with less cash and body fat but by far much richer people from the experience.

So here's where I could use some help.

I can rent up to a 15 passenger van if necessary but we will be renting them for two weeks and letting them sit. It sure would be nice if someone would like to help us get around before and after the trip.

Some of my companions are concerned about the airport security measures and their gear. Rightly so. We had considered shipping our stuff to the Sequoia Post office but that places us in a time constraint on Friday to be sure we get to the Park post office on Friday as they are not open on weekends. And honestly, who do you trust more the airline baggage handlers of the US postal service? Scarey stuff in my book.

Re-supply is handled. Just gotta give the man dates. Cottonwood pack station is doing the resupply BTW. Nice guy.

Now I do have it all worked out and I can deal with the cost it's just that I would love to cut those costs as much as I can so any suggestions would be appreciated.

And most important to me. I would love to meet some you west coast TTers too. Honest, I mean that.

Oh, and the Boy Scout contacts mentioned earlier didn't pan out.”

“Close bold
Sorry about that.

I guess the first question is how long long would it take to get from the Fresno airport to the post office.

Is there a post office in Grant's Grove and one in Lodgepole?

Do they accept big packages (packed backpack size) for general delivery?”

“I'm tuned in on the bear situation and canisters too. Thanks for the reminder though.

Goldens at Guitar lake? Hmmm....gonna have to be ready for that one!

Add CA fishing license to the To Get list.”

“I would allow about 1.5 hours from the Fresno airport to Grant's Grove but it's probably less via HWY 180 from Fresno. After entering the park you come to a 'Y' at The Generals Highway. Left takes you to Grant's Grove only a few miles out of your way and has some of those touristy things you want to gawk at anyway.
Right takes you towards Lodgepole. It's about 30 or 40 minutes more to Lodgepole...but there are some places along the way that you will want to stop and do the tourist thang. There is one vista point that's a must see! The view opens up so you can see the Great Western Divide and get a preview of your future destinations!

I would presume there is a post office at Lodgepole too (can't remember)...it's the hub of activity in the southern end of the park.

I'm not sure about the size of packages accepted. I can call Jerry next week.”

“Ok cool, good info.

I'd appreciate that call.

What about local gear stores or places to buy fuel and last minute type stuff.

A few opinions about campsites and campgrounds would be good too.

9 mile creek Vs Bearpaw
Lodgepole vs any other campgrounds in the park.”

“Walmart, Big 5, etc. would prolly be the cheapest for fuel or cannister fuel. But Fresno has a couple of outfitters too.

Lodgepole and Dorst are Reservation only in the summer. All of the others are first come first serve...$14.00 per site/ per night.

Not sure about 9 mile creek Vs Bearpaw.”

“I'm an hour north of Fresno and don't mind helping out any way I can. Sure would like to meet another TT'er (and another Mike)!”

“I've backpacked into Bearpaw Meadow. It was a long hard day. The creek at nine mile is pretty, and your second day to Hamilton Lakes isn't too hard. I'd be tempted to stop at nine mile before that uphill climb to Bearpaw Meadow if I were doing it again”

“Cool, thanks.
I was thinking that Nine Mile might be the smart place to camp so we ease into the elevation.

Is it marked in any way? Cause none of my maps indicate what stream is Nine Mile Creek.”

“I believe there are two forks to the Nine Mile Creek. I don't remember a distinct camping spot, but my memory isn't always good. I thought Buck Canyon, just before the final climb to Bear Paw Meadow would be a nice place to camp too.”

“WindWalker, Hikin Mike

I've got my dates pretty well settled 2003 July 11-27.

Right now I could use help in two areas.

Transportation:
We will start the hike at Crescent Meadow and come off the trail in Wolverton. It would be very helpful if someone could help us shuttle the van on Sunday July 13th so that our rental van would be waiting for us at Wolverton.”

“Got my permits approved today.
2 weeks in the High Sierras this July.”

“Hikin Mike, Windwalker did you guys see my earlier post?

I could use some help on Sunday July 13 in shuttling our rental car from Crescent Meadow to Wolverton.”

“No problemo!
Drop me an e-mail with the specifics when it gets closer.
michael@windwalker.info”

“Groovy.
Thanks.”

“If you still need my assistance let me know.”