Need to intersect the PCT to link up with a friend on the trail in the Sierras. I’ll be taking a train from IL to Barstow… then what? Hitch up US 395 on the eastern flank and head west ahead of my friend, or tackle the western flank? Where I link up, will be driven by my arrival date and by where my friend is located on the trail. Guessing 1-3 weeks from now… Friend is about to make it to Kennedy Meadows and is doing 10-15 miles a day. Thanks.
mongoose
Sorry i’m not doing all the legwork, but i can tell you at least some general things.
East side, for sure. There are many more manageable access trails from the east than there are from the west. There is some sort of Eastern Sierra bus system that runs from Ridgecrest north along 395, and Greyhound goes north and east from Barstow. Hitching on 395 isn’t too hard, but getting out of the town of Barstow itself might be a challenge with just a thumb.
But all in all, i’d check the east bus routes, keep in touch with your friend, and plan on meeting from the east.
markv
Thank you for the 'localized info… I know that I can take a bus from Barstow to the CA 58 - US 395 intersection. Whether I can pick up another bus ride north from that GPS quadrant, requires a little more research on my part.
Making note: of the Eastern Sierra bus system.
I used a Google maps app. to hunt for a route into the PCT from the eastern slope- to no avail. Postholer has a topo. app. that’s the bomb. Logistically, I can see from an overhead view that the PCT isn’t that far from US 395 at a couple of points along the route. All things considered… I’ll probably take one of the tried and true ways ‘in.’
This forum is very informative as it’s inhabitants seem to have done most of what they say they’ve done and in addition, I suspect most of them have the T-shirt to prove it.
Thanks hiker bro.,
mongoose
mongoose
Mongoose, Have you considered this? Train or plane to Reno, then Airport Shuttle down 395 to about Lone Pine. Reno might have more possibilities than Barstow.
bowlegs
Thanks bowlegs,
Barstow was the closest town to Bakersfield (first intercept thought) that worked on the Amtrak route app. … Coming in from the south I am always behind my hiking friend. Best to be ahead in order to time an interception (more of a Zen way) especially seeing how I am unable to leave home just yet. Knowing about the shuttle to Lone Pine is another insiders’ tip. ;0) Thanks again.
mongoose
If your friend is already past Kennedy Meadows, he’ll be way north of Lone Pine in 2-3 weeks. I’d go into Reno and sort it out from there.
booger
Thanks booger,
I agree with ya’ I see that Truckee is another possibility as my friend moves north. Working in my favor is the moderate pace of a wanton trail socializer…
mongoose
Mongoose,
I’ll be leaving Reno at about 0500 on July 15th heading south down 395. email me @ freneticmarmot@gmail.com if I can be any help. I can drop you off where ever you want.
Another option is to fly into Reno and then take a casino shuttle up to South Lake Tahoe. From there you could hitch to Echo Lake.
Conductor
There’s also a daily bus that runs from Reno airport to Sonora Junction, a few miles down the highway from where the PCT intersects at Sonora Pass.
markv