I am going to be flying into Modesto around july 11th and am going to be travelling into Yosemite. Will be starting a JMT thruhike from there. If anyone is headed in that direction it would be greatly appretiated. Also, how would it be to hitch in that area,hiker friendly?
-gracias
Luke
I haven’t tried hitching in the central valley but Modesto is probably a bit far away for you to get a ride to Yosemite easily.
Better options might be either Greyhound or Amtrak to Merced then the Yarts bus to the valley for $10. See yarts.com for schedule.
Phil B
If you can get to Fresno you can take the VIA bus from the airport into Yosemite. It was $20 a few years ago, don’t know about now. You could do a search for their website.
Bo
Modesto to Merced is about 40 miles. My guess is you could hitch it, but you could also take Amtrak if you want a guaranteed ride. From the Merced Amtrak station, you can take the YARTS bus to Yosemite Valley. Again, you might be able to hitch it because during the summer a lot of the traffice on 140 is heading to Yosemite, but on a Monday most of the traffic will be heading the other way, so YARTS would provide a guaranteed ride in the event you can’t find another ride. Best of luck on your hike!
Kanga