Getting to Camp 4 on public transport

Search
Go

Discussion Topic

Return to Forum List
This thread has been locked
Messages 1 - 10 of total 10 in this topic
Tradman Chris

Trad climber
Reading, United Kingdom
Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 28, 2016 - 10:35am PT
Hi all,

I am a Brit coming to Yosemite for a big walls trip in September. I will be staying at Camp 4.

My flight from the UK gets into San Francisco on Sunday 11th Sep at 15:30. I will be meeting a friend in Yosemite Valley. He has a car so my plan is to travel by public transport to get from San Francisco airport to the valley. I don't want to hire a car as I'm going for nearly 4 weeks and I want to keep the costs down.

I have a few questions, and am hoping someone might know the answer:

i) To get into Camp 4, I understand that you have to get in the queue early and then you book in with the ranger at 8.30am.

The Amtrak bus/train link-ups seem to get me to Yosemite at either 11.57am, 1.25pm, 5.08pm or 8.22pm. These times don't fit in with the need to get to Camp 4 early in the morning to get in the queue.

Any suggestions on what I can do? Is it possible to book into Camp 4 later in the day? Or will I have to stay outside the valley for a night on 12th and then get my friend to come and pick me up in the early hours of the morning and deposit me in the queue for Camp 4? I looked at the other campgrounds and it looks like they all get fully booked 5 months in advance of the reservation.

ii) If I have to stay outside the valley for a night, does anyone have a suggestion of where would be a logical place close enough to the valley for my friend to collect me, and also with a stop on the bus route so I can get dropped off there?

iii) If anyone happens to be driving from San Francisco to Yosemite on 11th or 12th Sep, I would be very happy to contribute towards the fuel costs to share transport.

iv) Are the Amtrak public transport services between San Francisco and Yosemite used to having climbers on board carrying a lot of luggage? I am anticipating having a haul bag, a general luggage bag and a mid-sized backpack. Is there any likelihood I will get turned away for having too much gear?


Thanks for any help!

Chris

overwatch

climber
Arizona
Jun 28, 2016 - 10:38am PT
have your pally get the campsite?

vvvvvv then he already has a site?
Tradman Chris

Trad climber
Reading, United Kingdom
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 28, 2016 - 10:40am PT
I don't think he would be keen to get in the queue on my behalf at 5.30am and queue for 4 hours (having already done the same thing a few days before, on his arrival)!
Captain...or Skully

climber
Boise, ID or the fricken Bakken, variously
Jun 28, 2016 - 10:40am PT
Sleep deep in the forest.....then get in line.
WBraun

climber
Jun 28, 2016 - 10:49am PT
Just get here at any time you arrive and then wing it.

You'll figure it out when you get here by interacting (talking) with various people that are already in camp 4.
c wilmot

climber
Jun 28, 2016 - 10:50am PT
despite its historical charm camp 4 is possibly the worst campground in the valley

its not uncommon to see people sleeping in the dirt with the hope of getting a spot

expect to wait several hours in line before the kiosk opens if you want a spot there
Tradman Chris

Trad climber
Reading, United Kingdom
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 28, 2016 - 10:58am PT
I've stayed there before, and enjoyed it - the campground has a special atmosphere. But it was a few years back and I can't remember whether there is any other option to check in other than getting there early in the morning. It is a pity if they don't make it easy for those who make the effort to use public transport...
overwatch

climber
Arizona
Jun 28, 2016 - 11:09am PT
I would do it for my partner if he was coming all the way from England

vvvvvvv the England part would not even be required it is what Partners do
nathanael

climber
CA
Jun 28, 2016 - 11:11am PT
Make your partner share his tent with you the first night, then get up early to get in line.

I would do it for my partner if he was coming all the way from England
Also this ^
Ken M

Mountain climber
Los Angeles, Ca
Jun 28, 2016 - 12:00pm PT
Another alternative, is to use the backpacker's campground in the valley. Only avail for one night, and you have to get a wilderness permit for the day of, or day after (but don't have to use it)

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bpcamp.htm

Next morning, get over to C4
Messages 1 - 10 of total 10 in this topic
Return to Forum List
 
Our Guidebooks
spacerCheck 'em out!
SuperTopo Guidebooks

guidebook icon
Try a free sample topo!

 
SuperTopo on the Web

Recent Route Beta