Hitching a ride from Roads End

[Teri]

How hard is it to hitch a ride from Roads End to Grant Grove in mid August? On a Monday afternoon?

[bobby49]

It is totally unpredictable. It seems like when I am desperate for a ride and the weather is bad, it takes the most time. I've had to wait anywhere from ten minutes to four hours.

First of all, you want to stand at the parking lot at Roads End in a spot where drivers can see you, but it is where the car is moving slowly. I've even stood fifty feet away from people loading up their car. You want some kind of a sign indicating that you seek a ride. When at Roads End, there are not many places or directions to go, so the sign can be fairly generic. I carry a simple paper sheet that says RIDE, and I keep that with my paper maps. If you have a tiny backpack, then that is easier to fit into a car or hold it on your lap in the car. If you have a monster backpack, then it is less desirable to the driver. One person is easy. Two people, and it gets harder. Three or more and it gets much harder, so prepare to split up.

[Flamingo]

+1 to bobby49's advice.

I've hitched from Roads End to Grant Grove a few times and I would rate it as a relatively easy hitch.

Also, see this previous thread with a lot of discussion, and personal stories, about hitching TO Roads End:
http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... +end+hitch

[rlown]

Markskor wrote an article on the topic of hitching in general as well:

http://www.highsierratopix.com/hitchhik ... e-sharing/

[Wandering Daisy]

I will write this from the perspective of the driver who picks up hitch hikers.

I rarely stop along a road if the speed limit is over 30 mph. I just cannot get stopped in time and I will not back up on the road shoulder. Parking lots are just SO much easier for the driver. I happen to like signs that say where you want to go.

I prefer to pick up backpackers who are clean. Thus, I think it is better to hitch from your parked car (end point), back to the starting trailhead. If hitching on the way out, I always wash up just before I hit the trailhead.

I hate it when a backpacker has a dirty/muddy pack and sets it inside the car. ASK the driver where THEY want you to put your pack. Be sure to clean off the bottom of your pack. Or if wet from rain, see if you can fit it inside the trunk.

I usually pick up all backpackers, clean or dirty, but if the stench is too much, I may drop you off before your destination. Last year I picked up a PCT hiker, who actually took a shower in Bishop and bought a clean t-shirt. I really appreciated that, to the point that I went a bit farther out of my way to drop him off at a better location for him.

Carry small ($5 bills work well). I will drop you off along my route and do not want any money for that, but if you pay for gas I may just take you to a specific location that is out of my way.

Be a good conversationalist. Neither talk non-stop or not at all. It is really awkward to drive in total silence with a total stranger. It really is nice to hear about your trip.

Also note: Know your trailheads. I came out Taboose Pass once late season on weekday, and was prepared to (and had to) walk all the way to the campground to get a ride. Be sure you know if the trailhead has water available. Nothing worse than coming out to a trailhead out of water, with none to be found and having to wait many hours or walk out to the highway.

[balzaccom]

Great advice here. I've had the best luck actually talking to people in the parking. Making contact/conversation helps break the ice, and it make it harder for them to drive past you on the road.

And +1 to being a good conversationalist. If you've been hiking solo for five days, be prepared for to take a breath and ask the driver and his or her trip!

[longri]

I think you'll have better odds if you're a female, which it looks like you are, given your name.

As a male I usually bring a wig and some makeup.

[maverick]

As a male I usually bring a wig and some makeup.

Longri, please take a selfie next time, I have got to see that.

[Mike M.]

I've hitch-hiked back to my car many times at the end of multi-week hikes and always had good luck. My advice is to look for possible rides at the trailhead parking lot. Unless there is no other option, don't go out on the road with your thumb out. If you see fellow hikers at their car getting ready to take off, approach them and see if you can get a ride. Make sure they can see your backpack -- it's a sure sign you're a member of the tribe. Same thing with fishermen. Casual tourists just up for the day are also a good possibility -- most people are friendly and naturally curious about your adventure.

The last time I hitch-hiked was a few years ago at Onion Valley. It took me all of two minutes to line up a ride to Horseshoe Meadows with a nice couple just out for an afternoon drive. They handed me an ice-cold Coors as we headed down the mountain. That beer was the cat's meow, better by far than any micro brew I've ever come across.

Another bit of advice is to hitch-hike alone. It's a lot easier for drivers to fit one extra person in their car rather than a group (and their gear).

Mike M.

[CAMERONM]

I have good luck in Sequoia. 395, well, terrible luck.
Alone is better, or if you are a guy, find a woman to hitch with. The PCT'ers call it "pink-skirting". Definitely effective.