|
So, my 'big' plan for this year is doing some hiking in the Japan Alps. But I always like to have backup plans. And since I can't be sure I'll even be able to fly into Japan this year, those backup plans are more likely to be used this year.
Northbound JMT hike is possible (still have to see if I can get a permit in the lottery from Whitney Portal), but I also got a permit from Tuolumne Meadows Glen Aluin pass-through for the July 4th week.
The primary plan would be to follow the PCT up to Wilma Lake, then loop down to Hetch Hetchy and then to White wolf.
But I have thought that I could also head north from Wilma and turn it into a PCT section hike maybe as far as highway I-80.
Sonora Pass and Carson Pass seem to be the best resupply points, so any info on them would be appreciated. As would a good recommendation for a PCT forum that may be a good resource.
|
Sonora Pass is a good resupply point. From the pass, you have two options. Either hitch west on highway 108 to Kennedy Meadow North and resupply there. Optionally, you can hitch to the east then north on 395 to Bridgeport. First option is best. South Lake Tahoe via highway 50 is a better option than Carson Pass for resupply. If you didn’t want to go into town you may be able to resupply at Echo Lake Chalet. Not sure if they are accepting packages since I heard that the post office there has closed?? If you time it right, there is usually trail magic on Ebbetts and Carson Passes. Great stretch of trail.
|
Not sure if you are on FB, but there are PCT groups there for every year, similar to the JMT groups. There’s even a specific group for “Sierra North PCT Section Hikers”. I’m not aware of a forum like this one for the PCT, but it may exist.
There is a business called “Sonora Pass Resupply” run by Casey Cox that could probably help you. I know Casey is active on some of the FB groups and you can just google and find the business details. There is otherwise no amenities at Sonora Pass (other than a sign) - the closest resupply would be a hitch to Kennedy Meadows north.
If you do that stretch, there’s a nice deviation from the PCT between TM and Sonora Pass; a more scenic and interesting route via Tilden and Mary Lakes that bypasses the traditionally buggy Jack Main Canyon portion of the PCT.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 24 Jan 2022, at 7:32 am, WanderingJim <jimjmt2020@...> wrote:
?So, my 'big' plan for this year is doing some hiking in the Japan Alps. But I always like to have backup plans. And since I can't be sure I'll even be able to fly into Japan this year, those backup plans are more likely to be used this year.
Northbound JMT hike is possible (still have to see if I can get a permit in the lottery from Whitney Portal), but I also got a permit from Tuolumne Meadows Glen Aluin pass-through for the July 4th week.
The primary plan would be to follow the PCT up to Wilma Lake, then loop down to Hetch Hetchy and then to White wolf.
But I have thought that I could also head north from Wilma and turn it into a PCT section hike maybe as far as highway I-80.
Sonora Pass and Carson Pass seem to be the best resupply points, so any info on them would be appreciated. As would a good recommendation for a PCT forum that may be a good resource.
|
>?There is a business called “Sonora Pass Resupply” run by Casey Cox that could probably help you.
?
Didn't they close down after 2019? - their web site is gone.
?
Henning
?
?
Gesendet:?Sonntag, 23. Januar 2022 um 22:22 Uhr
Von:?"Lange Jorstad via groups.io" <langejorstad@...>
An:[email protected]
Betreff:?Re: [JMT-groups.io] Good resource for PCT section hike
Not sure if you are on FB, but there are PCT groups there for every year, similar to the JMT groups. There’s even a specific group for “Sierra North PCT Section Hikers”. I’m not aware of a forum like this one for the PCT, but it may exist.
?
There is a business called “Sonora Pass Resupply” run by Casey Cox that could probably help you. I know Casey is active on some of the FB groups and you can just google and find the business details. There is otherwise no amenities at Sonora Pass (other than a sign) - the closest resupply would be a hitch to Kennedy Meadows north.
?
If you do that stretch, there’s a nice deviation from the PCT between TM and Sonora Pass; a more scenic and interesting route via Tilden and Mary Lakes that bypasses the traditionally buggy Jack Main Canyon portion of the PCT.
?
?
?
On 24 Jan 2022, at 7:32 am, WanderingJim <jimjmt2020@...> wrote:
?
?So, my 'big' plan for this year is doing some hiking in the Japan Alps. But I always like to have backup plans. And since I can't be sure I'll even be able to fly into Japan this year, those backup plans are more likely to be used this year.
Northbound JMT hike is possible (still have to see if I can get a permit in the lottery from Whitney Portal), but I also got a permit from Tuolumne Meadows Glen Aluin pass-through for the July 4th week.
The primary plan would be to follow the PCT up to Wilma Lake, then loop down to Hetch Hetchy and then to White wolf.
But I have thought that I could also head north from Wilma and turn it into a PCT section hike maybe as far as highway I-80.
Sonora Pass and Carson Pass seem to be the best resupply points, so any info on them would be appreciated. As would a good recommendation for a PCT forum that may be a good resource.
--
|
You may be right Henning - just saw a post about them not operating in 2020 and selling out their stock. I sent Casey a DM to clarify.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 24 Jan 2022, at 8:44 am, Henning Rech <whrech@...> wrote:
? >?There is a business called “Sonora Pass Resupply” run by Casey Cox that could probably help you.
?
Didn't they close down after 2019? - their web site is gone.
?
Henning
?
?
Gesendet:?Sonntag, 23. Januar 2022 um 22:22 Uhr
Von:?"Lange Jorstad via groups.io" <langejorstad@...>
An:[email protected]
Betreff:?Re: [JMT-groups.io] Good resource for PCT section hike
Not sure if you are on FB, but there are PCT groups there for every year, similar to the JMT groups. There’s even a specific group for “Sierra North PCT Section Hikers”. I’m not aware of a forum like this one for the PCT, but it may exist.
?
There is a business called “Sonora Pass Resupply” run by Casey Cox that could probably help you. I know Casey is active on some of the FB groups and you can just google and find the business details. There is otherwise no amenities at Sonora Pass (other than a sign) - the closest resupply would be a hitch to Kennedy Meadows north.
?
If you do that stretch, there’s a nice deviation from the PCT between TM and Sonora Pass; a more scenic and interesting route via Tilden and Mary Lakes that bypasses the traditionally buggy Jack Main Canyon portion of the PCT.
?
?
?
On 24 Jan 2022, at 7:32 am, WanderingJim <jimjmt2020@...> wrote:
?
?So, my 'big' plan for this year is doing some hiking in the Japan Alps. But I always like to have backup plans. And since I can't be sure I'll even be able to fly into Japan this year, those backup plans are more likely to be used this year.
Northbound JMT hike is possible (still have to see if I can get a permit in the lottery from Whitney Portal), but I also got a permit from Tuolumne Meadows Glen Aluin pass-through for the July 4th week.
The primary plan would be to follow the PCT up to Wilma Lake, then loop down to Hetch Hetchy and then to White wolf.
But I have thought that I could also head north from Wilma and turn it into a PCT section hike maybe as far as highway I-80.
Sonora Pass and Carson Pass seem to be the best resupply points, so any info on them would be appreciated. As would a good recommendation for a PCT forum that may be a good resource.
--
|
Quick update - Casey Cox confirmed that Sonora Pass Resupply is permanently closed, and another resupply outfitter - Zero Day Resupply - is also likely to be permanently closed. Think both these happened during COVID.?
So, hitch to KM north is the closest resupply option. Or Casey said that twice-daily shuttles were running between the pass and KM last year but not sure if that will continue this year.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 24 Jan 2022, at 8:44 am, Henning Rech <whrech@...> wrote:
? >?There is a business called “Sonora Pass Resupply” run by Casey Cox that could probably help you.
?
Didn't they close down after 2019? - their web site is gone.
?
Henning
?
?
Gesendet:?Sonntag, 23. Januar 2022 um 22:22 Uhr
Von:?"Lange Jorstad via groups.io" <langejorstad@...>
An:[email protected]
Betreff:?Re: [JMT-groups.io] Good resource for PCT section hike
Not sure if you are on FB, but there are PCT groups there for every year, similar to the JMT groups. There’s even a specific group for “Sierra North PCT Section Hikers”. I’m not aware of a forum like this one for the PCT, but it may exist.
?
There is a business called “Sonora Pass Resupply” run by Casey Cox that could probably help you. I know Casey is active on some of the FB groups and you can just google and find the business details. There is otherwise no amenities at Sonora Pass (other than a sign) - the closest resupply would be a hitch to Kennedy Meadows north.
?
If you do that stretch, there’s a nice deviation from the PCT between TM and Sonora Pass; a more scenic and interesting route via Tilden and Mary Lakes that bypasses the traditionally buggy Jack Main Canyon portion of the PCT.
?
?
?
On 24 Jan 2022, at 7:32 am, WanderingJim <jimjmt2020@...> wrote:
?
?So, my 'big' plan for this year is doing some hiking in the Japan Alps. But I always like to have backup plans. And since I can't be sure I'll even be able to fly into Japan this year, those backup plans are more likely to be used this year.
Northbound JMT hike is possible (still have to see if I can get a permit in the lottery from Whitney Portal), but I also got a permit from Tuolumne Meadows Glen Aluin pass-through for the July 4th week.
The primary plan would be to follow the PCT up to Wilma Lake, then loop down to Hetch Hetchy and then to White wolf.
But I have thought that I could also head north from Wilma and turn it into a PCT section hike maybe as far as highway I-80.
Sonora Pass and Carson Pass seem to be the best resupply points, so any info on them would be appreciated. As would a good recommendation for a PCT forum that may be a good resource.
--
|
Is the link to the Sierra North PCT Section Hikers.? I started the group about 5 years ago.? I've hiked the Sierra North both ways (S-N, or N-S).? Casey Cox is one of the admins there.
His old Sonora Pass Resupply website does not exist anymore.? He had problems with the Forest Service continuing there.? I've messaged him to get an update on what options exist for Sonora Pass, Carson Pass and Ebbetts Pass.
On Sun, Jan 23, 2022 at 1:22 PM Lange Jorstad via <langejorstad= [email protected]> wrote: Not sure if you are on FB, but there are PCT groups there for every year, similar to the JMT groups. There’s even a specific group for “Sierra North PCT Section Hikers”. I’m not aware of a forum like this one for the PCT, but it may exist.
There is a business called “Sonora Pass Resupply” run by Casey Cox that could probably help you. I know Casey is active on some of the FB groups and you can just google and find the business details. There is otherwise no amenities at Sonora Pass (other than a sign) - the closest resupply would be a hitch to Kennedy Meadows north.
If you do that stretch, there’s a nice deviation from the PCT between TM and Sonora Pass; a more scenic and interesting route via Tilden and Mary Lakes that bypasses the traditionally buggy Jack Main Canyon portion of the PCT. On 24 Jan 2022, at 7:32 am, WanderingJim <jimjmt2020@...> wrote:
?So, my 'big' plan for this year is doing some hiking in the Japan Alps. But I always like to have backup plans. And since I can't be sure I'll even be able to fly into Japan this year, those backup plans are more likely to be used this year.
Northbound JMT hike is possible (still have to see if I can get a permit in the lottery from Whitney Portal), but I also got a permit from Tuolumne Meadows Glen Aluin pass-through for the July 4th week.
The primary plan would be to follow the PCT up to Wilma Lake, then loop down to Hetch Hetchy and then to White wolf.
But I have thought that I could also head north from Wilma and turn it into a PCT section hike maybe as far as highway I-80.
Sonora Pass and Carson Pass seem to be the best resupply points, so any info on them would be appreciated. As would a good recommendation for a PCT forum that may be a good resource.
|
On Sun, Jan 23, 2022 at 01:22 PM, Lange Jorstad wrote:
If you do that stretch, there’s a nice deviation from the PCT between TM and Sonora Pass; a more scenic and interesting route via Tilden and Mary Lakes that bypasses the traditionally buggy Jack Main Canyon portion of the PCT.
Tilden Lake is on my list as a possible side visit, since it looks like it might have some nice views. And if I do the loop down to Hetch Hetchy it would make a good spot to turn south from. Don't see a trail on my maps to Mary Lake, but does seem like there could be some overland paths to Mary and then Tower lake, where I can join a trail there.
|
Hello Wandering Jim - Hopefully the screenshots below come through. The trail to Tilden kind of peters out into a fishing trail around the lake, and a use trail up the drainage to Mary Lake (red dots). You're hiking between two soaring granite ridgelines, very pretty. From there you can do a couple things:
1. Yellow dots: Head over the saddle to the north between Mary and Tower Lake, and contour to the west over another saddle and descend via Helen Lake/Cora Lake/Lake Harriet (x-country route, possible use trail) until you intersect the PCT. When I did this stretch, I did it in the opposite direction (came from Dorothy Lake, over the saddle, then down to Tower Lake for a night before heading south towards Mary/Tilden). I will warn you that while relatively short, that stretch along the yellow dots is pretty indistinct and there are lots of little lakes that all look the same. However as long as you are trending west-northwest (and generally downhill) you will end up at the PCT. 2. Green dots:?Head over the saddle to the north between Mary and Tower Lake, and descend north down to Tower Lake for some Golden Trout fishing, then pick up the use trail to the north down to the West Walker River, and follow that trail until you intersect the PCT. I suspect this is a more distinct trail than the yellow dots (I've never gone this way), but just a bit more roundabout trip back to the PCT.
With either option I would highly recommend a side trip up Tower Peak (purple dots), which is a relativley short ridge hike and Class 2 scramble from the saddle between Mary and Tower Lakes. The views are amazing, the scramble is not as bad as it looks from below, and it's a very aesthetically pleasing fin of rock!
Depending on your schedule and if you are camping on this stretch, I don't quite recall conditions around Mary Lake (it's been about 25 years!) but you'll notice a little "bump" on the west side of Tilden that protrudes into the lake about halfway up - that's a pretty nice camp site!
 ? ?? 
On Monday, 24 January 2022, 01:36:10 pm AEDT, WanderingJim <jimjmt2020@...> wrote:
On Sun, Jan 23, 2022 at 01:22 PM, Lange Jorstad wrote:
If you do that stretch, there’s a nice deviation from the PCT between TM and Sonora Pass; a more scenic and interesting route via Tilden and Mary Lakes that bypasses the traditionally buggy Jack Main Canyon portion of the PCT.
Tilden Lake is on my list as a possible side visit, since it looks like it might have some nice views. And if I do the loop down to Hetch Hetchy it would make a good spot to turn south from. Don't see a trail on my maps to Mary Lake, but does seem like there could be some overland paths to Mary and then Tower lake, where I can join a trail there.
|
I have been thinking about and researching this July 2nd NOBO PCT section hike as far as Highway I-80. 3+ weeks. The dry winter has me pretty sure July 2nd from TM won't be a problem this year. But I just got a July 25th permit from Whitney Portal in the lottery. That would likely be for a NOBO JMT trek. 3 weeks going from Tuolumne Meadows to Highway I-80 and then hightailing it down south to do the JMT NOBO trek would be an impressive feat for me (and probably impossible). Likewise, 6 weeks from Whitney to i-80 would be pretty hard for me. I could shorten the PCT section hike to 2 weeks and stop at Echo Summit, spend a week recovering from that (maybe doing some work  ), and then doing the JMT NOBO. I could always do the Desolation Wilderness to I-80 hike separately in the future since the start and exit are pretty easy to access. That's pretty aggressive for me, but I may be able to survive it and convince my boss for the time off. Alternately, I can do the 3 weeks PCT section hike, then do Shepherds Pass (Williamson, Tyndall, Whitney, Muir (and maybe Russell)) mid-August. A little less extreme. For those who've done that Tuolumne Meadows to I-80 part of the PCT and the JMT: Do have any opinions on which is the better hike? Granted, I did the JMT SOBO two years ago, so the scenery will be very familiar (although backward :) ), so the PCT section hike would be all new (mostly).
|
Anything along the PCT near Highway 50 may be restricted due to
the Caldor fire last year. It wiped out a huge swath of the
wilderness from Hwy 88 to Hwy 50.
I have been looking for dog friendly areas for a short hike in
the next two weeks with not much luck for this time of year -
trying to keep it below 4500 feet (above 4500 is potential lots of
snow) and above 3000 feet (below 3000 is tick area). Also avoiding
the fire damaged areas as well.
Two Dogs
On 3/28/2022 21:22, WanderingJim wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I have been thinking about and researching this
July 2nd NOBO PCT section hike as far as Highway I-80. 3+ weeks.
The dry winter has me pretty sure July 2nd from TM won't be a
problem this year.
But I just got a July 25th permit from Whitney Portal in the
lottery. That would likely be for a NOBO JMT trek.
3 weeks going from Tuolumne Meadows to Highway I-80 and then
hightailing it down south to do the JMT NOBO trek would be an
impressive feat for me (and probably impossible). Likewise, 6
weeks from Whitney to i-80 would be pretty hard for me.
I could shorten the PCT section hike to 2 weeks and stop at Echo
Summit, spend a week recovering from that (maybe doing some work
),
and then doing the JMT NOBO. I could always do the Desolation
Wilderness to I-80 hike separately in the future since the start
and exit are pretty easy to access. That's pretty aggressive for
me, but I may be able to survive it and convince my boss for the
time off.
Alternately, I can do the 3 weeks PCT section hike, then do
Shepherds Pass (Williamson, Tyndall, Whitney, Muir (and maybe
Russell)) mid-August. A little less extreme.
For those who've done that Tuolumne Meadows to I-80 part of the
PCT and the JMT: Do have any opinions on which is the better
hike? Granted, I did the JMT SOBO two years ago, so the scenery
will be very familiar (although backward :) ), so the PCT
section hike would be all new (mostly).
|
Jim,
As you know I used to be the lead moderator for the JMT Yahoo Group for many years.? ?Since then I've focused on Sierra North.? I have a Facebook group of 2.4K members Sierra North PCT Section Hikers.
Lots of good information there.? Many good admins too.
I've hiked Sierra North three times now.? Will be doing it again this summer.
As you get older (I'm 72 now), it is much gentler on the body to hike that section.? North of Sonora Pass, you can use the Ursack bag (approved in Desolation Wilderness and Lassen NP and all points in between).
Lizzy Wenks, if my memory?serves me right, asserts the Sierra extends up to Old Station CA (which is just above Lassen NP).? Yes, the Cascades and the Sierra overlap for quite a few miles, so you'll read some places where the Cascade range starts south of that, but that does not mean the Sierra extends up that far.? In any event, our group covers up that far and we don't care if people talk about hiking North of that section.? I've hiked all the way up to (but not all contiguous miles) Crater Lake NP.? Two years ago the fires were so bad, we had to travel up that far to get away from the fires.
Roleigh
ps.? There is another Facebook group worthwhile too.?? Our group is older and more forcused?on the mileage from Tuolumne Meadows to Old Station though.
pss.? Not too many people know there are two Kennedy Meadows along the PCT.? KM north is near Sonora Pass.
On Mon, Mar 28, 2022 at 9:22 PM WanderingJim <jimjmt2020@...> wrote:
I have been thinking about and researching this July 2nd NOBO PCT section hike as far as Highway I-80. 3+ weeks. The dry winter has me pretty sure July 2nd from TM won't be a problem this year. But I just got a July 25th permit from Whitney Portal in the lottery. That would likely be for a NOBO JMT trek. 3 weeks going from Tuolumne Meadows to Highway I-80 and then hightailing it down south to do the JMT NOBO trek would be an impressive feat for me (and probably impossible). Likewise, 6 weeks from Whitney to i-80 would be pretty hard for me. I could shorten the PCT section hike to 2 weeks and stop at Echo Summit, spend a week recovering from that (maybe doing some work ), and then doing the JMT NOBO. I could always do the Desolation Wilderness to I-80 hike separately in the future since the start and exit are pretty easy to access. That's pretty aggressive for me, but I may be able to survive it and convince my boss for the time off. Alternately, I can do the 3 weeks PCT section hike, then do Shepherds Pass (Williamson, Tyndall, Whitney, Muir (and maybe Russell)) mid-August. A little less extreme. For those who've done that Tuolumne Meadows to I-80 part of the PCT and the JMT: Do have any opinions on which is the better hike? Granted, I did the JMT SOBO two years ago, so the scenery will be very familiar (although backward :) ), so the PCT section hike would be all new (mostly).
|
On Mon, Mar 28, 2022 at 09:28 PM, Derek Koonce wrote:
Anything along the PCT near Highway 50 may be restricted due to the Caldor fire last year. It wiped out a huge swath of the wilderness from Hwy 88 to Hwy 50.
Yeah, that's been one of my concerns too. As of Feb 9th, PCTA is showing that section as open: Hard to say how nice it'll be to hike through. Might not know the true status until the snow melts out and people get some eyeballs on the damage.
|
I thought the Caldor fire got more of the PCT. Glad I thought
wrong. Great map resource.
Two Dogs
On 3/29/2022 08:44, WanderingJim wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mon, Mar 28, 2022 at 09:28 PM, Derek Koonce wrote:
Anything along the PCT near Highway 50 may be
restricted due to the Caldor fire last year. It wiped out a huge
swath of the wilderness from Hwy 88 to Hwy 50.
Yeah, that's been one of my concerns too.
As of Feb 9th, PCTA is showing that section as open:
Hard to say how nice it'll be to hike through.
Might not know the true status until the snow melts out and people
get some eyeballs on the damage.
|
From the CalFire Incident map it looks like the only portion of
the PCT which was affected by the fire is from Hwy 50 to Echo
Chalet. The south side of Echo lake was burned, but not the North
side on which the PCT traverses. Who knows what it will look like
when the snow melts.
Being from Sacramento I have hiked that area since I was a Boy
Scout. I hiked from Echo lake to Donner pass (Hwy 80) last year in
mid June and the last section was dry. It was strange to see some
of the streams already dry so early in June.
Hwy 88 (Carson Pass) to Hwy 50 (Echo Summit) on the PCT is a nice
day hike. I plan on doing the round trip from 88 to Ebbetts pass
and back as a shake down for the JMT early in June. It's not
spectacular country, but it's miles.
On 3/29/2022 12:44 PM, Derek Koonce
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I thought the Caldor fire got more of the PCT. Glad I thought
wrong. Great map resource.
Two Dogs
On 3/29/2022 08:44, WanderingJim
wrote:
On Mon, Mar 28, 2022 at 09:28 PM, Derek Koonce wrote:
Anything along the PCT near Highway 50 may be
restricted due to the Caldor fire last year. It wiped out a
huge swath of the wilderness from Hwy 88 to Hwy 50.
Yeah, that's been one of my concerns too.
As of Feb 9th, PCTA is showing that section as open:
Hard to say how nice it'll be to hike through.
Might not know the true status until the snow melts out and
people get some eyeballs on the damage.
|
Although I am not a fan of hiking through burn areas for prolonged periods of time, sometimes there are interesting things to observe as the area recovers. Probably a lot of wildflowers and maybe some green shoots emerging, and of course the views will be more open.?
|
WanderingJim
Lange Jorstad
Henning Rech
Derek Koonce
ravi_jmt2013