Shuttles

[stevepattison]

Three of us (myself and two friends) are planning a backpacking trip in Yosemite this July. What is the probability of getting shuttles from fellow visitors if the park shuttles are not running?

[balzaccom]

It will depend on where you want the shuttle. If you're in an area where there are lots of visitors (like Tuolumne Meadows) and you want a ride back down to the Valley, then you can probablay do this, although it might take a couple of rides, one to Crane Flat, and the other down into the valley.

If one of the end-points is in an area that doesn't get as much traffic (Hetch-hetchy) , or requires more than one major intersection (Mammoth or Twin Lakes), it will be harder...or at least, slower.

I've found that it works better to ask people in a parking lot about it, rather than just standing on the road with a thumb out, or a sign.

[snowcreek]

Yosemite. It's there all right. You get in there and can't get out, you're gonna wish it wasn't

[stevepattison]

Thanks Balzaccom. We would be looking for a lift from the vally to the sunrise lakes area, or vice versa. We will know more once the permit lottery is over and we know where we are going and when we are going there. Three dudes with 80 liter packs may require a good samaritan with an empty truck

[balzaccom]

Thanks Balzaccom. We would be looking for a lift from the vally to the sunrise lakes area, or vice versa. We will know more once the permit lottery is over and we know where we are going and when we are going there. Three dudes with 80 liter packs may require a good samaritan with an empty truck

If that were my situation, I would draw straws and invite one person to leave his pack and go get a ride to the car. The other two wait with the packs. Much better chance of getting a ride that way.

On the other hand, if you go down Snow Creek, it's only one more day of hiking to get back to the valley on foot!

[WanderingJim]

I was in Yosemite Valley around New Years and the shuttles were running. So, there's hope for them and the hiker's buses running this year.

[stevepattison]

Thanks everyone!