Yosemite Virgin goes without car

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Messages 1 - 12 of total 12 in this topic
McGee

Trad climber
Boston, MA
Topic Author's Original Post - Sep 4, 2015 - 09:27am PT
Hey y'all,
I'm planning to make my pilgrimage in a few weeks to the valley (Sept. 27th) and am flying in to San Fran. I know about the bus to Merced and YARTS, but I was hoping to get some feedback on how easily folks get around and climb the valley when they don't have a car. I'm equipped for backcountry camping but hoping to spend most of my time at Camp 4 and get out from there. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Also, I'm looking for partners if anybody's interested in climbing stuff that's long and beautiful!
c wilmot

climber
Sep 4, 2015 - 10:00am PT
Rides are easy to bum in the valley. Hitchhikers are common. though I am not sure about the laws- I have never seen or heard of anyone having any problems. You might be able to borrow, bum, or repair a bike while there- that would be the best

Camp 4 is a sh**show. Expect to be camped out in line WAY early if you want a spot....in a sunny, dusty, crowded campground that is likely the worst in YOS.

stealth camping is heavily enforced so if that is your plan make sure to get some distance between you and the rangers.
Oh and - everything is almost double the price in the valley- so plan accordingly

the valley is what you make of it
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Sep 4, 2015 - 10:26am PT
Like he said....you'll love the climbing the rest is the penalty that you pay.
Ed Hartouni

Trad climber
Livermore, CA
Sep 4, 2015 - 10:26am PT
you can walk to many good climbs from Camp 4

it may be good to start a tad bit earlier, at least California Alpine*, if you do so (major advantage is that you'll be first on many popular climbs)

going a bit farther might require finding a ride, check out the Valley bus schedule and stops

have a great time!



*California Alpine Start = starting before the latté-bar is open...

Dapper Dan

Trad climber
Redwood City
Sep 4, 2015 - 12:46pm PT
My advice is to befriend a park employee as quick as possible ....
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Sep 4, 2015 - 12:47pm PT
The good news is - you're only a virgin once.

EMBRACE THE DOSS!
Fat Dad

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Sep 4, 2015 - 03:57pm PT
My first summer in the Valley (at 16), I was without a car and we just walked or took the shuttle. Also got busted that first night too by Ranger Carol Moses for camping just on the wrong side of the camp boundry (doh!). I think the farthest we walked was from Camp 4 to Middle Cathedral, which is actually a nice walk if you're not in a hurry. It'll be hard to get down Valley without a car, but you should find plently closer by to keep you busy. Enjoy losing your virginity.
'Pass the Pitons' Pete

Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
Sep 4, 2015 - 04:41pm PT
Come to the bridge. I have ideas. Bring beers.
christoph benells

Trad climber
Tahoma, Ca
Sep 4, 2015 - 06:05pm PT
you can get a backpacking permit for any ol' random trail and stay in the backpacker's camp for a couple of days, just ride the shuttle around to get around.
clinker

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, California
Sep 5, 2015 - 01:08am PT
I hear one may procure free coffee, showers and camping.
Sierra Ledge Rat

Mountain climber
Old and Broken Down in Appalachia
Sep 5, 2015 - 04:14am PT
BITD hitch-hiking in the Valley was Class VI affair, took hours and hours to get a ride.....
ß Î Ø T Ç H

Boulder climber
ne'er–do–well
Sep 5, 2015 - 10:52pm PT
Messages 1 - 12 of total 12 in this topic
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