YARTS drop-offs

[cirion]

I am planning a week-long backpacking trip for mid-September and trying to figure out my options. Right now I'm thinking of leaving a car in the Valley, then taking YARTS up to a trailhead, and gradually working my way down.

Right now, I'm looking at the Ten Lakes trailhead to start, which is between White Wolf and Tuolomne, and isn't on the YARTS schedule. The YARTS website says that drivers will drop hikers off at trailheads, provided that it's safe for them to do so.

I haven't done this before, so I'm curious what other people's experiences have been. In practice, will they drop you off pretty much anywhere? Or are only a few stops considered "safe"? Mainly, I'm wondering whether it's safe to reserve a wilderness permit for a particular trailhead if there's a chance that I won't be able to get dropped off at that trailhead.

Thanks in advance! Lurking on this forum has really helped me with planning the trip so far.

[holz]

I believe every trailhead has somewhere close where the bus driver can safely pull over. At least everyone I've walked on or driven by has. . .

Think of this. . . people park their cars there. Has to be a place to pull over.

I wouldn't sweat it.

[AlmostThere]

Remember that after a certain point YARTS does not do daily runs, that's only during peak season. In September it becomes weekends only. Services start shutting down in mid September.

[routemaster]

just there (Ten Lakes Trailhead) this last weekend and the turnout is HUGE. there were 20 cars and several tour buses there.

[cirion]

Thanks so much for the information, everyone! That makes me feel much more confident about pulling this off... I think all my logistics are set and ready to go. Can't wait for the trip!