Transportation to PCT

imported
#1

My girlfriend will be meeting me for about 8 days of hiking in mid may. Only 2 weeks into my hike, I should be able to keep to a schedule of sorts. I’m wondering where the best place for her to fly into is, LA, long Beach or San diego and how the best way to go about shuttles is to Idyllwild/Big Bear Cityand Wrightwood/Agua Dulce. Is there public transpo from the bigger cities to any of these places, or is there some one in the area that might be able to do a shuttle? Any information would be great. Thanks!!

A-Train

#2

A-Train, I did something sort of similar at the beginning of my hike last year. If you decide to meet her in Big Bear, she can fly into LA, make her way to LA’s Union Station, take a MetroLink train to the San Bernardino station, and then catch a shuttle bus to Big Bear. I believe Yogi’s book has information on the shuttle bus that runs twice daily between San Bernardino and Big Bear. And if Agua Dulce happens to be the start or end point for her section hike, you should have no trouble getting from the Saufley’s to a MetroLink station. People drive into the LA suburbs from the Saufley’s house all the time. Here’s the MetroLink train schedule in case you want to investigate your train options: http://www.metrolinktrains.com/ . Good luck!

Emily

#3

LAs Union Station can be reached either by bus or by the Metro (not to be confused with Metrolink) from the airport. Time is about the same, bus is much cheaper now that the Metro expects a new ticket for each segment. Saufleys will know best how to reach them.
Metrolink has an Acton stop aka Vincent Grade. Don’t be fooled! it’s actually about 6 miles beyond Acton, or 12 miles from the trail. Taxi was reasonable though.
Wrightwood and Big Bear can both be reached by shuttle buses that run Monday to Friday, inbound in the morning, outbound from LA in the afternoon. The catch is that they have regular subscribers for the seats and only 2 or so seats for non-regulars. Make a reservation if you really, really have to be on that bus.
I was quoted $30 for a taxi from San Bernardino Metrolink Station to Wrightwood. Actual cost was $65(yee-oouuch!), after I found a driver who knew how to find the freeway (first driver couldn’t get out of the parking lot).

Splat!

#4

If you are starting at the southern terminus, then there are a few trail angels living in the area who can help you get from the primary transportation hubs; airport, train station, etc., to the southern terminus. Post a request to the PCT-L a week or two before you go with times and dates and you will likely get one or two takers to help you out.

Strider