My group is flying from the east coast to California to hike the JMT and as such we would like to bring a change of clothes for the plane ride back home plus a few other items including duffle bags to protect our packs in transit. Is there a place where they would allow us to drop off all this stuff in Yosemite during our three week hike? I was thinking that we could mail the stuff from SFO when we get off the plane so it would be waiting for us in Lone Pine. What have other hikers done?
Big B
We considered packing in a duffle bag, and checking packs but then decided we didn’t want to risk our gear. We sent tent stakes, stove and fuel, food and knife USPS ground. We wore our hiking clothes and our packs were small enough to carry on. I don’t always use trekking poles but when I do I use a plastic airline bag and check them.
Flying to the hike, we’re clean, flying home we look like fit tanned adventurers in clothes that have obviously seen action. Flying home we have bought a same-day one way ticket without any security problems. Security has never asked us to empty our packs which seems surprising to us every time.
This system seemed most secure for our gear and simplest for us, but I can understand if someone doesn’t want to fly in hiking clothes.
GottaWalk
Though I’ve never done it since I live in CA the mail plan seems viable. You could also mail your extra stuff from Yosemite since they have a PO there. If your planning to spend a night in Lone Pine (the Dow is my recommendation) you might be able to make arrangements to mail it to where ever you’ll be staying.
Still Lookin
check with the Chamber of Commerce in Lone Pine. I left my car there while I hiked the JMT in a parking area behind their building, they may be alble to help you
LA
Hey LA–did they charge you $5 a day for the parking. That’s what it used to be and I am just curious.
Still Lookin