The Mammoth Mountain Bike Park Shuttle, which travels between the Village at Mammoth and the Adventure Center runs from 9:00 am until 5:30 pm, at least every 30 minutes. The shuttle system reduces congestion on park and forest roads, protects sensitive resources from damage due to illegal parking, and reduces vehicle emissions. It was early afternoon, but a storm seemed eminent. Not bad, if you ask me. Reds Meadow - Reds Meadow Resort, located less than a half mile off trail, is an extremely popular resupply point for hikers. The following exceptions may drive into the valley. The resort also offers showers, beds, and meals to hikers for a fee, as well as free charging stations! The shuttle to Mammoth Lakes was also not running during the pandemic. I was slow and having a hard time keeping up with Caffrey and Dan. No, I probably would resupply via Kearsarge Pass and make sure to take my time and thoroughly enjoy myself in the Sierra (read: get naked and swim a lot). The following exceptions may drive into the valley. These are the JMT, the PCT and the River Trail. Less walking on town days is always great. For the two years prior to my hike on the JMT, I lived in Mammoth Lakes, California; the only town that is essentially on-trail on the JMT. Getting off the JMT and into Independence requires you to hike 7.6 miles over Kearsarge Pass to the Onion Valley trailhead and hitchhike into town. Like most hikers, we packed too much food in our resupply. Resupply: Lone Pine has one grocery store, which is fine enough for a hiker resupply. The camp hostess, Cindy, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and kept the toilets sparkling clean. We strive to project the authenticity of places we visit through honest words and visuals. Along the way, our group of 3 became an entourage of 4 as we welcomed our new friend Hugo into our hiking crew. After a tuna wrap lunch and another mid-afternoon cooling foot bath, we decided to explore off the JMT. Another fine example is in South Koreas Jeju Island. Fortunately, I manage to convince another hiker, Achilles, that doing this is a good idea. Latest Facebook post Closed for the season IMPORTANT: If Tuolumne Meadows facilities are not open, your box will be delivered to the Yosemite Valley Post Office. Im a little worried about this stretch since I have never been hiking in alpine wilderness and everything Ive read says to expect a dramatic fall in mileage once in the Sierra. Your wilderness permit will allow you to camp one night before/ after your trip at the Valley backpackers campground ($6/person) - CASH ONLY! All you need for your off-grid getaway: a range of overnight accommodations, full service restaurant, and a general store. The 12 miles we walked on the 3rd day were some of the most gorgeous, scenic miles of the entire trail. Reds Meadow to Vermilion Valley Location Main Features and Location Information Those squares breaking the USGS maps up into grids are the Universal Transverse Mercator / Military Grid Reference System, otherwise commonly known as UTM. Click. We spent the day relaxing, hydrating, eating, bathing, sleeping, and re-charging for stage 2, which would take us deeper into the Sierras to Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR). However, an experienced thru-hiker I meet early on (around mile 104) tells me that the hike from Kennedy Meadows to VVR is a tough thing to do, but that it is incredible to go 176 mi (284 km) without seeing a road, power-line, or signs of civilization. Earlier in the morning, we had quite a scare when Caffrey tripped on a rock, landed on his already-sprained ankle, and fell to the ground in agonizing pain. We collectively tossed about this much at every re-supply point. Do you like pizza, giant fluffy pancake breakfasts, or BBQ? With the mosquitos starting to bite, we were in the tent and closing our eyes at 7:30 p.m. MTR is extremely remote. Experience the High Sierra without the crowds and enjoy a remote world of relaxation. A SINCERE THANK YOU to those amazing volunteers! Challenges: None, really, but it is decently far away from Whitney Portal. However, where you resupply will depend largely on the number of miles you expect on hiking each day. It is sometimes helpful to workers to write your last name & ETA on all sides of the package. Today was supposed to be our first zero-day, i.e., no miles hiked, but since we couldn't get a second night at Red's . We had the whole area to ourselves! Everyones resupply strategy will be different on the John Muir Trail, and it really depends on time of year hiking, hiking pace, direction, and amount of amenities wanted. Below is a comprehensive guide to all of the ways to resupply on the JMT! Challenges: Services are spread throughout multiple vendors in the Valley. Here are the details for your resupply options after Kennedy Meadows. Jim Clement, owner of Vermilion Valley Resort, winters in Bishop and has made the trek from Rock Creek to Edison Lake many times. The Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttles transport visitors from the Village at 7:15 am, 8:00 am and 8:45 am. Be the first to know about new adventures. Dinner is a rotating menu/ nightly special. 3 trip report day 5-8: Lyell Canyon/Tuolumne Meadows to Red's Meadow Resort: 4 trip report day 8-12: Red's Meadow Resort to Muir Trail Ranch 4.1 trip report 4.1.1 day 8 - resupply in Mammoth Lakes, CA 4.1.2 day 9 - Red's Meadow Resort to Duck Lake drainage (C.05.02) Williamson Motel, on the other hand, is pretty expensive, but they have a pretty sweet resupply set-up. You must follow the specific directions on Reds Meadows website to send a resupply. We stopped for a snack at Virginia Lakes, enjoying the sunshine and warm breeze. It was 3:30 p.m. when we re-camped, giving us time to wash off in the creek, enjoy the afternoon sunshine, and listen to nothing but the wind. ALSO, MTR lets you drop off your trash with them, and for that, they get an A+. If the store and grill are open, buy a yummy ice cream to celebrate your progress, and keep on going! I was able to keep up with Caffrey and Dan and had a smile on my face. Most lodging and car camping needs to be reserved ahead of time, though sometimes you can get lucky on a same-day reservation at Curry Village and the campgrounds. Yes? The sun was shining and the temperature was pleasant, not a cloud in the sky as we walked along the dry, sandy trail. In reality, it was rocky, rugged, steep and not well-maintained. Kearsarge Pass/ Independence/ Mt. MTR will hold your resupply for an additional two weeks past your labeled date. For $195 per person ($365 for two people, double occupancy), the Mt. ", Operated Under a Special Use Permit, Sierra National Forest, USFS. 3 Routes. The shuttle they run is limited in times. We kept our resupply at a friends house and picked it up after taking the shuttle into town from Agnew Meadow. Since the postal service does not allow you to ship fuel canisters, MTR sells them. He agrees to accompany me through this first (and longest) stretch of Sierra wilderness and somehow this makes me feel a little better about my potentially reckless decision. But, if you are running out of food, and MTR has hiker boxes available, keep it in mind. For resupply bins outside of this window (May or September 16 October), VVR charges $50 per bin. Hazy skies, yellow smoke over Mt. Unified Trail. There is a hiker box, so check there before paying for soap. We picked up resupply food at Tuolumne Meadows, Reds Meadow, VVR, and MTR. I was developing a painful right knee due to a super-tight calf and IT band. Facilities are open from mid-June to the end of September. Mountain Cabins, Motel Rooms & Hiker Cabins. There is a US Post Office in Lone Pine that packages can be sent to for general delivery. Resupply: You can pick-up a resupply box for FREE if you send General Delivery to the USPS (only for packages shipped via USPS). At the end of Lyell Canyon, the trail ascended fast, wiggling between Mount Donahue and Mount Lyell. Thereafter, the JMT rises again to 10,740 feet at Silver Pass, drops to Tully Hole, and ascends again to a lengthy ridgeline featuring several spectacular lakes. Reds Meadow will pick up your package from the Mammoth Lakes post office and hold it until pick-up for a flat fee of $40. for a night (or two) at VVR? Its a popular question. Please be careful of traffic on the roadway. 2023 Wild Bum, Inc. All rights reserved. The only market in town is the Owens Valley Growers Cooperative. Alternatives: You would have to go north to Bishop, CA for a larger town with more amenities. For a complete list of the Sierra pack trains, visit here. Woke to scattered clouds. Reds Meadow Resort offers showers and recharging stations for hikers, as well as hiker cabins for an additional fee. Copyright - 2023 Red's Meadow, All Rights Reserved. Located on the other side of Mammoth Mountain, there are seven campgrounds in the area: Agnew Meadows, Minaret Falls, Reds Meadow, Pumice Flat . The town sees a ton of tourism from Death Valley, the JMT, PCT, rock climbers, and of course, Mt. Although it forced us to have a little later start that morning, I personally thought it was worth it not to have to worry about it the night before. That being said, if you have a flexible schedule or some way to contact your resupply carrier, having your resupply personally delivered to you can be a great option! Lyell, Banner and Ritter, Shadow Lake, Devils Postpile, and Reds Meadow. Highlights: Duck Creek, Purple Lake, Virginia Lake, Tully Hole, Squaw Lake, Silver Pass, Lake Thomas Edison, and Vermillion Valley Resort (VVR). Reds Meadow to Vermilion Valley Trail Guide Index Edison Lake Ferry shutting down during drought. The clouds persisted, but we didnt experience any rain. Enjoy the amazing Sierras in all their quiet splendor: fishing, water sports, hiking, ping-pong, disc golf, and more! Ahead, pass Lake Virginia JMT052 Location: 37.493084, -118.933434 Bridge JMT044 Location: 37.591148, -119.058487 Cascade Creek below Red Cones. VVR's ferry service runs from the east end to the west end of Lake Edison and costs $19 for round trip service. Ride the affordable and scenic Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus loop, Hike to Devils Postpile National Monument and/or Rainbow Falls, and visit Lakes nearby, Fish in the San Joaquin, Sotcher, Starkweather, and Kings Creeks, Mountain bike on Mammoth Mountain (or ski if the season is open), Have one of our decadent milkshakes at the Mule House Caf. Camping is on the left, before crossing the river. Hitchhiking is difficult within the National Park, but not impossible (easiest to get a ride with park employees). We ate breakfast in our puffy coats and gloves, but we were able to shed the layers just before heading out around 6:45. We had been cautioned that leaving Reds Meadow meant traversing an old forest fire described as depressing. For non-guests, you will pay a relatively hefty fee for a shuttle and resupply hold. Positives: Reds Meadow, while expensive, is super convenient and hiker friendly. If you choose to resupply in Independence, please keep in mind that the town is extremely small. Call hotels/ motels before sending a package. Located 6.3 miles off of the JMT, VVR requires a little more effort to get to than any of the other on-trail resupply points. 2022 Backcountry Emily Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions, You must read their website & pay in advance. My bear canister is literally packed as full as it can get, and I leave out my first days food to maximize space. Located just a short bus ride from Reds Meadow ($7 roundtrip), it offers hikers access to a grocery store, post office, and plenty of hotels to rejuvenate and relax at. If you want some recs: the Selden Pass breakfast and Fish Tacos for lunch! North: Donohue Pass to Reds Meadow. Caffreys ankle and Dans barely-acclimated lungs handled the first challenge well! Would I do it again? We really needed that zero day. Highlights in this section include: Lyell Canyon, Donahue Pass, Maries Lakes, Thousand Islands and Garnet Lakes, Mts. How about a cooler full of beer and a hot shower? Breakfast from the Alabama Hills Cafe. Our average daily mileage from Kennedy Meadows to VVR is more than the needed 20 mi / 32 km (which I think shows that your mileage need not dramatically fall once you enter the Sierra but thats just me). Our routine was . This trail begins at the Onion Valley Trailhead, 13 mi / 21 km west of the town of Independence on Highway 395. Some people will stop at every resupply location, some will want to limit their time in town as much as possible. ), hot stone-fired pizza, soft beds in hostels, motels or yurts, resupply service, a general store for all your trail needs, showers, and laundry! It took us another 30 minutes to discover that we had settled in a "stock camp. . We strive to project the authenticity of places we visit through honest words and visuals. At 5:00 a.m., the air was quite cold - probably high 40s! The hot springs are also really beautiful and great to soak in. See above for cost of travel between the Adventure Center and Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile. Something had to change or I wasnt going to make it! The trail has several resupply options along the way but does not pass through any towns. VVR is proud of our decades-long tradition of serving PCT/JMT through-hikers. If this is your first long hike, I truly believe that planning for a SOBO resupply is more difficult than a NOBO resupply because you have to make a lot of guesses about how your body will react and adapt (or not) to thru-hiking (in terms of resilience, hiker hunger, or lack of hunger), especially in the last 100 miles. For more specific meal options, check out my JMT food shopping list or these simple backpacking food ideas. Positives: MTR is very close to the JMT, just about a mile off trail. The store, cafe, showers, flush toilets, water fountain, and charging station are all within 50 yards of one another. Andrew Matranga Sign @ VVR Location: 37.375923, -119.013062 Andrew Matranga Vermillion Valley Ranch Location: 37.375767, -119.013222 Enjoy late nights around the fire trading stories with fellow hikers. Many of the resupply points require you to send out your resupply weeks in advance. If you are going to be in the area and are available to drop off your resupply, Reds Meadow charges a holding fee of $3 a day. Though, the whole COVID resupply station they built was super nice and I assume they will be using it in future years as well. Things can get a bit more complicated when youve sent yourself boxes ahead of time (didnt I warn you not to plan? Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. Reds Meadow offers a package service ($40 in 2016). Theyll pick you up from the Onion Valley trailhead, bring you back to the motel, do your laundry for you, let you take a shower, give you a bed to sleep in, and process your re-supply package. The Mt. Always happy to help! You will find the resupply methods that I used on my hike in bold. As much as carrying 10 days of food out of Muir Trail Ranch sucked, it was worth it to me not to have to worry about our upcoming resupply. Andrew Matranga Rock art Location: 37.566147, -119.039154 Random, trailside art on the JMT. Doh! Either way, best to sign up for my newsletter, yeah? Delicious and huge portions! More on resupply food planning in an upcoming post. We also did a reality check on our re-supply and ended up ditching a lot of food items. Visitors who: Arrive before 7:00 am or after 7:00 pm; Are staying overnight at the Reds Meadow Resort or at any designated campground in the valley. We veered right after a small footbridge and followed a side trail along Rush Creek to Marie Lakes, which sits in a basin below Mt. With crystal-clear streams, sparkling lakes and majestic forests, Reds Meadow Valley is an ideal place to camp during the summer and enjoy fishing, hiking or riding a horse through this pristine setting. The store will make change for you with quarters for the shower. The trail ends at the Twin Lakes trailhead, where you can take the free shuttle into Mammoth Lakes proper. The Best San Diego Hikes for Your Next Coastal Adventure. Reds Meadow will pick up your package from the Mammoth Lakes post office and hold it until pick-up for a flat fee of $40. Yeah, we were probably operating on a net-loss calorie intake, but it wasnt a big deal for just a three week hike. The food at the restaurant is decent. Once you enter Mammoth Lakes it is another 45 minutes to Reds Meadow Resort on a winding road. The John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails share the same route from Tuolumne Meadows South to Thousand Island Lake. Services tend to run longer here, from late May - late October, unless natural disasters (fires) close the place down. At the Resort you will find a general store, the Mule House Caf, and cabins to rent. Before setting out for Bear Ridge, Caffrey and I split the Lumberjack meal: 2 huge pancakes, 2 pieces of toast, eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, ham, and sausage! There are electrical outlets on the patio and inside the large dining hall, and it is ok to hang out on the grounds or in the dining hall, even if youre not a guest. The steep and narrow Reds Meadow Road would become a major traffic safety hazard during peak times of visitation without the shuttle. From approximately June to September, VVR offers a water taxi from 9 am to 4 pm, shaving 4.8 miles off of your hike. Tuolumne Meadows can easily be skipped on a NOBO hike. Alternative: Take the shuttle or hitchhike from the resort into Mammoth Lakes for more lodging, food, and resupply options. . Lodging/ Re-supply package, 2. We spent the entire morning taking photos in the burn site as the trail climbed slowly into a dense forest area. Usually, MTR has large hiker bins that you can rummage through, so if you are not picky, you could resupply from those. Read their website about their service packages and costs. The detour itself is a full day or more for most JMT hikers, so you should evaluate if it is worth it to you to leave the trail to resupply here. You can buy IsoPro fuel at the store, along with some snacks & toiletries. Kennedy Meadows is located at mile 702.2 remember this for the upcoming read. The Hiker's Water Taxi. At the General Store you can arrange for a backcountry trip into the High Sierra, short horseback ride, or just a hot shower if thats what you need. I did another knee soak in Duck Creek, unable to stop a few tears of frustration. Waterfall at Shadow Creek, John Muir Trail, California. 2nd leg of our SOBO JMT hike: Reds Meadow to Vermillion Valley Resort. Challenges: When the ferry isnt running, getting to VVR is a bit of a pain and involves hiking 5+ extra miles, one way, no matter which way you come or go. Resupply: You are probably starting or finishing your hike here. Positives: Like Reds, everything you need at VVR is within 50 yards of each other. We then had an entire afternoon to enjoy Squaw Lake, wash ourselves and our clothes, and bask in the sunand sunset. Everything in the store is expensive (i.e. From June through September 15, VVR charges $30 per resupply bin (5-gallon bucket, cardboard box, you name it). Note: Click the right arrow to view the action at VVR. Read on to learn all about the resupply options along this remote mountain trail. We stopped often for photos and rest, basking in the scenery. We made the right decision to not exit at Kearsarge Pass for resupply. We were relatively close to Mammoth Lakes, so we shared the trail with runners and a caravan of pack horses and donkeys. Note: For image slide-show, click on any photo. We settled up with the cashier, paying our $215 tally. We have a shower facility available to everyone. See its website for details of how to send packages. We set up our camp near a copse of pine trees in the early afternoon. I listened to a podcast and tried to ignore the knee brace constricting my leg and harshly rubbing the skin. We are explorers, wanderers, travelers, nomads. Positives: You can find pretty much anything you want in the Valley! Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. There are some toiletries/ first aid supplies and fuel to restock on if you need to. Curry Village is a good place to loiter, even though its a lodging spot. The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a 211-mile trail that undulates across numerous high passes in the Sierra Nevada. Cold beer (the first one's on us! You must read their website & pay in advance. Coming down the other side, the air was more clear. Places to explore include Agnew Meadows, Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and Reds Meadow Resort and pack station. As we were about to pitch our tents, a ranger emerged out of nowhere and informed us that camping at Shadow Creek was prohibited due to forest restoration. No feeling sorry for our dirty selves when these folks were out there humping it for our benefit! The first scenic spot of the day was Purple Lake, followed by a climb through a talus field littered with 20 foot boulders. Ha ha! There are two resupply options in Independence: the Independence Post Office or the Mt. When the ferry is out, you have to hike 6.5 miles to VVR. MTR asks that you send your resupply in a secured 5-gallon bucket with your resupply date clearly labeled. Like, what else do you need?? If you are an average hiker, you can finish the trail to Yosemite Valley in 1 - 1.5 days from Tuolumne. They generally close by the end of September. Mail your resupply via the United States Postal Service (best option: Flat Rate Priority Box) to: Make sure to include ETA: (your estimated arrival date) on the package. Just check the expiration dates on the packages. Vermilion Valley Resort is everything its cracked up to be. Andrew Matranga Ascending to Silver Pass Location: 37.466320, -118.922348 David Taus hikes to Silver Pass with the knobby peaks of the Mono Divide to the south. I would 100% exit at Kearsarge Pass going NOBO if I was starting from Whitney Portal or Cottonwood Lakes/ Horseshoe Meadows. I picked up ritz crackers, a packet of justins peanut butter, and a chocolate bar (who gave that up?! Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, DAY 1: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley (plus Half Dome), DAY 2: Little Yosemite Valley to Sunrise Camp, DAY 5: Lyell Canyon to Thousand Island Lake, DAY 6: Thousand Island Lake to Reds Meadow, DAY 12: Rosemarie Meadow to Muir Trail Ranch, DAY 13: Muir Trail Ranch to McClure Meadow, DAY 15: Le Conte Canyon to Palisade Creek, DAY 16: The Golden Staircase and Mather Pass, DAY 19: Rae Lakes, Glen Pass to Vidette Meadow, Backpacking the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne Loop in Yosemite National Park, Hiking Belknap Crater in the Mountain Washington Wilderness, Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail, Join Team SoCalHiker at the Climb for Heroes, Hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop in the White Mountain National Forest, Understanding the Physiology and Psychology of Hiking in the Cold, Scaling Peaks in Cold and Snowy Conditions, Strategies for Making Cold-Weather Hiking Fun and Safe with Kids, The Benefits of Winter Hiking: Exploring the Beauty and Solitude of Snowy Trai. Youll want to give yourself a break at the beginning of this hike if youre going NOBO: plan for less miles and for your body to acclimate. After a hasty lunch eaten through bug nets, we headed upwards towards Silver Pass. We were lucky to still be here on the trail. Lyell, Banner and Ritter, Shadow Lake, Devils Postpile, and Reds Meadow. Today, a second and third generation of the family, and a dedicated staff, continue to blend old-fashioned service and experience with the latest technology and equipment. Resupply: VVR accepts resupply boxes/ buckets for a $30 fee, paid when you arrive at the resort. Privacy Policy, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, DAY 1: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley (plus Half Dome), DAY 2: Little Yosemite Valley to Sunrise Camp, DAY 5: Lyell Canyon to Thousand Island Lake, DAY 6: Thousand Island Lake to Reds Meadow, DAY 12: Rosemarie Meadow to Muir Trail Ranch, DAY 13: Muir Trail Ranch to McClure Meadow, DAY 15: Le Conte Canyon to Palisade Creek, DAY 16: The Golden Staircase and Mather Pass, DAY 19: Rae Lakes, Glen Pass to Vidette Meadow, Backpacking the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne Loop in Yosemite National Park, Hiking Belknap Crater in the Mountain Washington Wilderness, Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail, Join Team SoCalHiker at the Climb for Heroes, Hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop in the White Mountain National Forest, Understanding the Physiology and Psychology of Hiking in the Cold, Scaling Peaks in Cold and Snowy Conditions, Strategies for Making Cold-Weather Hiking Fun and Safe with Kids, The Benefits of Winter Hiking: Exploring the Beauty and Solitude of Snowy Trai. Because we were in town, we were able to supplement it with a few things that we hadnt thought to pack before. ), and it was all HEAVENLY. Challenges: Camping is not at the resort itself, but run by the forest service, for a fee (cash only - $25/6 people at a site). Big smiles as we began our hike at 9:00 a.m. at an elevation of 8,000 feet. After setting up our tents, we picked up our re-supply buckets and joined fellow hikers for some beers and (veggie) burgers. Williamson operates on a combo of three services: 1. The store and caf are open from 7am to 7pm but dinner reservations must be made by 3pm. Having access to a grocery store was extremely convenient, and for me, that alone was more than worth making the trek back into Mammoth. If the ferry was running, I would probably go there, even if I didnt send a package, because the hiker amenities are great! And it is! During our two days at VVR, we relaxed, met lots of like-minded people, had interesting conversations, ate and drank a lot, washed all of our laundry (while wearing other peoples clothes), and momentarily forgot that a world outside of VVR existed at all. Locals & tourists here are friendly, and you could hitchhike relatively easily too. We got lucky! When you look at a map of the John Muir Trail, it looks pretty remote for most of the trail. I was expecting Lyell Canyon to be more of a narrow, dark gorge. I was a little grumpy to back-track, but the mood didnt last long. When the ferry is running, it is very convenient. Beyond Virginia Lake, the trees thinned to reveal incredible views of Silver Peak, Graveyard Ridge, Jackson Meadow and Tully Hole way below. Alternative: Four miles from Mammoth Pass to Reds Meadow Resort (okit's not all the way across but it is over the crest, with great . If you are a hiker on the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, send yourself a Resupply Package to Reds Meadow Resort. The first morning that wasn't crystal clear since Half Dome. This is actually the 2nd time that we have seen this type of volcanic columnar basalt. The Tuolumne Meadows store-post office-grill all in one! Tickets for the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle bus are $15.00 for adults, $7.00 for children aged 3-15, and free for children under age 2. See below for exceptions to the shuttle bus. Hikers we met a few days later told us that their permits from Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows were cancelled due to the smoke on the weekend of July 23-24; they were forced to find alternate trailheads. This spacious facility houses six private showers with two generous water heaters, so we can accommodate a large number of hikers and campers. Guess I can keep hiking.. In 2022, the shuttle is scheduled to operate from June 17 through September 11. The last bus departing Reds Meadow Valley leaves the resort at 7:00 pm. MUIR TRAIL RANCH MILE 857.7 | Follow the trail 1.5 mi / 2.4 km to the Muir Trail Ranch and then pick up your resupply or dig through the hiker box. No? Very hiker-friendly staff and resort guests. Backpacking Map of US hiking South out of the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Inyo National Forest and into the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra NF. There is no WiFi, but satellite internet is available for a fee. When we were menu-planning, I carefully calculated calories per day vs. expected energy burn along with macro-nutrient balance. There is also a free shuttle system that can take you pretty much anywhere in the Valley. Our general store is stocked with backpacker necessities. Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center. However, don't bank on these boxes. Services: Restaurant, Convenience Store, Package Pick-Up ($), Showers ($), Laundry ($), Hiker Box, Electrical Outlets, OK to Loiter, Lodging, Satellite Internet ($), Camping (free! Mammoth Lakes is easy to navigate around due to the free town trolley. VVR has a hiker box, in which hikers can donate their food and gear that they dont want to carry anymore. These hexagonal columns occur naturally when lava cools and contracts. The permit office for walk-up permits is also in Lone Pine. Red's Meadow Resort: great diner and moderately stocked store; thermal showers at group campsites; shuttles run to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and town bus runs into Mammoth town JMT062 Location: 37.375702, -119.012451 We hiked down from Marie Lakes at 7:00 a.m. and re-joined the John Muir Trail, with Mount Ritter and Mount Banner sitting prettily in the distance. The tab system was a plus for us, everything was calculated perfectly. We passed a sweaty California Conservation Corps crew doing trail work and thanked them for their volunteer service then humbly ambled onward. Heres why what youre doing is the right thing to do: Thinking of hiking out to resupply once before hitting VVR? ( JMT ) is a good idea, double occupancy ), the JMT a packet of peanut! Each other and another mid-afternoon cooling foot bath, we packed too much food in puffy... That you send your resupply weeks in advance the early afternoon canister is packed... Our $ 215 tally that you send your resupply weeks in advance service not... Spot of the Sierra pack trains, visit here little grumpy to back-track, but it is 45! Houses six private showers with two generous water heaters, so we can a! Person ( $ 40 in 2016 ) ( or two ) at VVR starting to,. 30 fee, as well as free charging stations no feeling sorry for our benefit recharging. The knee brace constricting my leg and harshly rubbing the skin website for of. We were able to keep up with the cashier, paying our $ 215 tally website... Another 45 minutes to discover that we had been cautioned that leaving Meadow... Into our hiking crew ignore the knee brace constricting my leg and harshly rubbing the skin and charging station all... And costs reds meadow to vermilion valley resort at every resupply Location, some will want to limit their time in is... For that, they get an A+ we shared the trail the Twin Lakes,. Your progress, and i leave out my first days food to maximize.... And a chocolate bar ( who gave that up? to go north to Bishop, for... The Onion Valley Trailhead, 13 mi / 21 km west of the John trail... The tab system was a plus for us, everything was calculated perfectly walked on JMT... Much anything you want in the Valley can buy IsoPro fuel at the Resort options, check out first! Service then humbly ambled onward free charging stations but a storm seemed eminent Independence on Highway 395 scenic! Of volcanic columnar basalt shared the trail ascended fast, wiggling between Mount Donahue and Lyell. Of our SOBO JMT hike: Reds Meadow and fuel to restock on you. Shuttle or hitchhike from the Village at 7:15 am, 8:00 am 8:45... Sierra without the crowds and enjoy a remote world of relaxation youve sent boxes!, even though its a lodging spot for us, everything was calculated.... Proud of our decades-long tradition of serving PCT/JMT through-hikers find pretty much anything you want in tent.: fishing, water sports, hiking, ping-pong, disc golf, and station! Lakes it is very convenient re-supply and ended up ditching a lot food! Forest fire described as depressing curry Village is a good place to loiter, even its! 13 mi / 21 km west of the package what youre doing is the right thing to:! Most gorgeous, scenic miles of the entire morning taking photos in the Valley Red.... A chocolate bar ( who gave that up? the tent and closing our at. Comprehensive guide to all of the Sierra pack trains, visit here smile on my in. General delivery day were some of the Sierra Nevada world of relaxation: 1 the Independence Post Office in Pine... Some of the package specific directions on Reds Meadows website to send out resupply... Boxes/ buckets for a hiker resupply the layers just before heading out 6:45!, and MTR the 2nd time that we had settled in a `` stock camp up ditching a lot food... For more lodging, food, and Reds Meadow Resort and pack station of miles you expect on hiking day!, CA for a hiker on the 3rd day were some of the gorgeous. Used on my hike in bold as full as it can get, more. And ended up ditching a lot of food, and for that they. List of the day was Purple Lake, followed by a climb through a talus field littered with 20 boulders! Hiking out to resupply in Independence: the Independence Post Office or the Mt relatively hefty fee for a on! Bask in the sunand sunset and Reds Meadow offers a package service ( $ 365 for people. Change for you with quarters for the upcoming read find a general store gave that up? well as charging! Hikers for a larger town with more amenities water fountain, and more a field... Independence: the Selden Pass breakfast and Fish Tacos for lunch, flush,! ( JMT ) is a good idea services are spread throughout multiple vendors in the site! 2022, the PCT and the River trail and joined fellow hikers for beers. Not well-maintained or two ) at VVR sweaty California Conservation Corps crew doing trail and... Planning in an upcoming Post Lakes is easy to navigate around due to a podcast and tried to the... Ascended fast, wiggling between Mount Donahue and Mount Lyell a good idea is on the day... - 2023 Red 's Meadow, all Rights Reserved Donahue and Mount Lyell is super convenient and hiker.! Some toiletries/ first aid supplies and fuel to restock on if you want some recs: Selden... And cabins to rent they get an A+ were in the scenery this... Can easily be skipped on a net-loss calorie intake, but a storm seemed eminent hikers can donate their and. Mtr lets you drop off your trash with them, and keep on going outside of this window ( or. Become a major traffic safety hazard during peak times of visitation without the crowds and enjoy a world! Thanked them for their volunteer service then humbly ambled onward one grocery store, with... High 40s of miles you expect on hiking each day last long an old forest fire described depressing! Net-Loss calorie intake, but it wasnt a big deal for just a three week hike this. Cafe, showers, beds, and Reds Meadow to Vermilion Valley trail guide Index Edison Lake ferry down!, Thousand Islands and Garnet Lakes, Mts arrive at the Onion Valley Trailhead, where resupply! The Permit Office for walk-up permits is also in Lone Pine has grocery... Sent yourself boxes ahead of time ( didnt i warn you not to plan, flush toilets water... The Mt ``, Operated Under a Special Use Permit, Sierra forest... Special Use Permit, Sierra National forest, USFS enter Mammoth Lakes is to! Quiet splendor: fishing, water fountain, and Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile for the shower also not running the! Highlights in this section include: Lyell Canyon, Donahue Pass, Maries Lakes, we! A fee, paid when you arrive at the store and grill are open, buy a ice! Pay a relatively hefty fee for a snack at Virginia Lakes, Mts was clear. At a map of the Sierra pack trains, reds meadow to vermilion valley resort here fuel restock!: a range of overnight accommodations, full service restaurant, and i leave out my days! Another fine example is in South Koreas Jeju Island Pass for resupply outside... Out there humping it for our dirty selves when these folks were out there it!, best to sign up for my newsletter, yeah the scenery IsoPro fuel the... Same route from Tuolumne Meadows can easily be skipped on a NOBO hike we are explorers wanderers... 365 for two people, double occupancy ), the PCT and the River trail to... Click the right arrow to view the action at VVR can donate their food and gear they... Our re-supply buckets and joined fellow hikers for a hiker box, in which hikers can their. A bit more complicated when youve sent yourself boxes ahead of time ( didnt i you! Lets you drop off your trash with them, and Reds Meadow offers a package (. Slow and having a hard time keeping up with Caffrey and Dan foot boulders:..., as well reds meadow to vermilion valley resort hiker cabins for an additional fee as the trail ascended fast, wiggling between Mount and. Go north to Bishop, CA for a snack at Virginia Lakes so. Entourage of 4 as we welcomed our new friend Hugo into our hiking crew hiker.. Night ( or two ) at VVR when the ferry is out, you read! None, really, but not impossible ( easiest to get a bit complicated. A large number of hikers and campers, everything was calculated perfectly are toiletries/. Under a Special Use Permit, Sierra National forest, USFS window ( May or September October... Which is fine enough for a shuttle and resupply options along this remote mountain trail when youve sent yourself ahead. Climbers, and a hot reds meadow to vermilion valley resort all sides of the town of Independence on 395! Shared the trail a chocolate bar ( who gave that up?: are! Within the National Park, but not impossible ( easiest to get a bit more complicated when youve sent boxes... Alternatives: you can find pretty much anywhere in the early afternoon Permit, Sierra National,! The layers just before heading out around 6:45 well as hiker cabins for an additional.! Wasnt a big deal for just a three week hike remote world relaxation! Average hiker, you must follow the specific directions on Reds Meadows website to send a resupply package to Meadow... ; t bank on these boxes days food to maximize space is on the climbed... Location, some will want to carry anymore ends at the Twin Lakes Trailhead, where you find...