This is another strategy, remembering this is a bear canister route.
NOBO
This uses some information from Sierra — https://thetrek.co/pacific-crest-trail/the-ultimate-pct-resupply-strategy-for-2026/
Start at Walker Pass 653.2. This is the gateway to the Sierra section. Hiking the PCT before that point is ignored for the purposes of this post.
… Start with full four day supply here.
From Walker Pass it is 56 miles to Kennedy Meadows South at 703.4.
…Resupply at general store/outfitter in town, if mailing snow gear could also mail food. Note that Grumpy Bear’s and Yogi are now merged. Yogi retired.
Then from KMS it is 87 miles to Kearsarge Pass 790.3. If you have trail legs that is about four days.
…Hitch into Independence and take the bus to Bishop, resupply in Bishop; gas station resupply in Independence if you are really not picky.
From there it is 85 miles to Vermilion Valley Resort 875.7.
…Eat a meal here, VVR has resupply options but they are very expensive (many recommend carrying food from Bishop to Mammoth).
30 miles to Mammoth Lakes 904.4
Or 33 miles to Red’s Meadow 907.8. Note the restrictions on the road. Red Meadows Road Reconstruction Guidelines and Restrictions.
The campground we got out at I think is Agnes Meadows at 916.0 or Pump Flat at just before 912.
…Happy6 and I will finish the PCT there. https://adrr.com/d20/2022/09/14/september-14th-altitude-sickness/. Others then hike into Tuolumne Meadows and then eventually to Kennedy Meadows North.
BTW, after this point it gets easier. Tuolumne Meadows resupply at 943.7, Pinecrest (or Bridgeport) and on, all easy intervals.
Going SOBO the route is:
- Mammoth-> Red‘s Meadow by bus. Spend the night to acclimate to altitude then take the shuttle to Agnes Campground/PCT at 916. Information on the bus and shuttle.
- Hike 40 miles to Vermillion Valley. 875.7.
- Hike 20 miles to Muir Ranch. 858.9 (mail bucket for resupply. Pay fee). https://muirtrailranch.com/backpacker-resupply
- Hike 69 miles to Kearsage Pass. 790.3 (use delivery service). Information is at https://pinecreekpackstations.com/
- Hike 40 miles to 751 the Cottonwood Pass/Lone Pine Access resupply. Expect an extra 15 miles if you want to do Mt Whitney at 768.
- Hike ~50 miles from Cottonwood/Lone Pine to Kennedy Meadows South. 703.4.
- Hike 56 miles to Walker Pass.
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Note, the alternative Whitney Trail is at 768.2. To resupply there using the portal requires the $15 portal fee. 751 is the Cottonwood Pass/Lone Pine Access resupply.
Using Cottonwood Pass allows doing Mt Whitney (which realistically adds two days) and resupplying without the extra two days of food.
For resupply services see Rainbow Pack Outfitters and in the Kearsarge Pass area Sequoia Kings Pack Train. For a complete list of Sierra pack trains click on the link.
For shuttles working the area.
https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/john-muir-trail/jmt-resupply-guide-2026/ A different look at much of the section.
https://www.amazon.com/TOP-EX-Oversized-Waterproof-Fishing-Safari/dp/B0CQJY67GZ— note lots of competitors and many lower prices to compare.
The advantage is that it provides more shade and more ventilation than a hoodie + baseball cap. It also provides more protection.
This one is also waterproof so it can be used in the rain as well.
The app for reducing your power use on your phone.
Just another reminder.