Summary of the Sierra section with CalTopo map. Breaks it down to 11 to 15 mile days.
We continue to train. I’m now doing distance with 20 pounds and starting on my pre-trail weight loss.
Updating my apps.
Printing out permits. More training.
Steps we have taken:
- Updated our gear (replaced rain pants that wore out, etc.).
- Updated our supplies (including more Aqua Mira tabs).
- Got our shoes sorted out. Looks like it will be the Topo Terraventures. The Ultraventures are worn out, I’m not sure the Vistas will handle the extra weight of a full backpack.
The problems we have are:
- Taking time to train, especially with the hot weather.
- Other commitments, including GenCon again this year.
- Most resources are focused on the June arrivals with higher water crossings and snow issues.
- This time of year most people are going SOBO.
Positives:
- Mosquitoes pretty much drop off by August.
- Water crossings are much lower.
- No snow.
- Weather is still pleasant (once you get past Kennedy Meadows South).
- Fits our schedule and availability.
Comparison pictures between seasons in the Sierra section.
So. We continue to train.
To do:
- More training.
- Food.
- Shakedowns, including a slot canyon hike.
- Decide on sleeping bags to take.
- Decide how much gear we can shave.
I’m getting excited to be back on the trail. Especially since the bridges have all been fixed.
Additional useful links:
- https://andrewskurka.com/psa-hazardous-high-sierra-creeks-list-map-alternates/
- https://andrewskurka.com/tutorial-plan-a-backpacking-trip-to-the-high-sierra/
- https://www.pcta.org/2023/returning-to-the-sierra-92790/
- https://www.erinexploring.com/blog/pacific-crest-trail-resupply-guide
- https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/pacific-crest-trail/pct-resupply-guide-2024/
Sierra Resupply (from Halfway Anywhere):
- ⛺✉️ Kennedy Meadows* – 54.3%*
- ✉️ Grumpy Bears Retreat – 26.5%*
- Triple Crown Outfitters – 52.9%*
- Lone Pine via Horseshoe Meadow – 19.7%
- Independence via Horseshoe Meadow – 1.1%
- Bishop via Horseshoe Meadow – 7.4%
- Lone Pine via Kearsarge Pass/Onion Valley – 10.7%
- Independence via Kearsarge Pass/Onion Valley – 12.2%
- Bishop via Kearsarge Pass/Onion Valley – 60.6%
- Lone Pine via Whitney Portal – 0.4%
- Independence via Whitney Portal – 0.2%
- Bishop via Whitney Portal – 0.4%
- Muir Trail Ranch – 5.3%
- Bishop via Bishop Pass/South Lake – 29.3%
- Bishop via Piute Pass/North Lake – 6.1%
- Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR) – 35.5%
- Aspendell – 0.2%
- ⛺ Red’s Meadow – 14%
- Mammoth Lakes via Red’s Meadow – 25.2%
- Mammoth Lakes via Mammoth Pass – 53.8%
- Mammoth Lakes via Agnew Meadows – 1.5%
- Mammoth Lakes via elsewhere – 1.3%
- ⛺ Tuolumne Meadows – 13.3%
- Yosemite Valley – 31.1%
- Lee Vining – 5.2%
- Bridgeport – 3.5%
- Kennedy Meadows North – 76.4%
*All asterisk locations are located in Kennedy Meadows (South) – at the same point in the PCT