Hi, we’re headed northbound leaving on JULY 6th, we plan on 18 days and only 1 resupply. Is Muir Ranch our best bet? Anybody else headed north around this time? Seems like everybody is hiking south.
chris d
Northbound questions?
system
#2
Muir Ranch is your best bet as long as you don’t mind carrying fully-loaded packs the 5,300’ from Whitney Portal up to Trail Crest. One alternative is to re-supply at Independence (mail, don’t buy), via Kearsarge Pass, then buy food at Red’s Meadow and Tuolumne. If I were hiking south to north I would do the latter.
ronyon
system
#3
Muir Trail Ranch is ok as long as you don’t mind the fee for picking up a maildrop there. I’m not sure what it is now, but in 2006 it was $45. There are also no amenities at MTR (unless you are staying there). There is also Vermilion Valley Resort for resupply. It gets mixed reviews from people but I haven’t been there so I don’t know what they’re maildrop rates are or exactly what they offer.
I would definitely go back to Red’s Meadow though. They had plenty in the store to buy (especially if you just need food for 35 miles to Tuolumne), a cafe, and it’s easy to catch the bus to Mammoth if you need to. Have a great time out there!
ducky
system
#4
I believe Muir Trail Ranch is up to $50 this year. I think VVR is $25. VVR has a quite a bit of “backpack” food a great restaurant, and one free night in the large tents with a bunk if you are doing the whole JMT. Used to be the first beer was free, but not sure they offer that any more.
If you ever go on the road to either place, you will see why they charge alot for boxes, it is a nasty narrow dirt road for 22 miles. They have to bring all their supplies in on that road. Personally I think VVR is a great deal.
Robocop