High Sierra Topix

My father is a former Sierra Club leader and, of course, avid backpacker. He is now almost 88 years old. He has had both hips replaced and struggles to walk, which is the ultimate frustration. Happily, he is still 100% present and can still name most peaks and valleys from a photograph and will happily recant, in detail, many a trip including the one where after breaking his ankle in several places he was lowered down the cliff side in the plastic wash bucket to the helicopter landing site. I would love to take him on a road trip through the Sierras...or as close as you can get on a road. Any suggestions on how to get in to the mountains that he loves (wants to have his ashes scattered over the Sierras) and still sleep in a bed, would be GREATLY appreciated. Many thanks.

Rent an RV.

an obvious solution that I somehow missed. I like it! But now, what areas and what roads? I know, I know, get a map

Visalia to Sequoia to kings to yosemite to mammoth lakes to reno would be a great roadtrip with endless options in between.

An RV rental is a good idea. Apart from that, Tioga Pass Resort, Tuolumne "lodge" and White Wolf come to mind as places with a bed.

There are very few roads through the Sierra. 168 doesn't even go all the way through but is worthwhile - don't know that I would drive an RV over Kaiser Pass, but you can get to Huntington and walk some of the trails there, possibly drag a car behind the RV to go further out to Florence and Edison lakes. Go up the other side on 395 and visit North Lake, it's just as worthwhile.

Sonora Pass is beautiful, as are Ebbetts and Carson. Tioga is without equal. Tehachapi isn't so scenic but taking off up into the Forks of the Kern and southern Sequoia NF is possible.

One doesn't need an RV or a motel to have a pleasant bed surface to sleep on. I would suggest buying one of those cheap inflatable air beds, adding a pleasantly soft surface quilt, then have him try using that in the comfort of his own home. If he can do that, he'll be able to do that outdoors inside a tent or better during late season (no bugs) open to the night sky. Also will need to bring one of the cheap portable canvas chairs for sitting comfortably about a camp. Then you'll need to visit areas that you can set up your camp in the high country with good views right from camp that tends to be limited these days. The small campground beside Ellery Lake is one:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsint ... Campground" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are fine high country places to disperse camp along SR108 in the Sonora Pass area. In mid to late September public campgrounds along Bishop Creek offer an excellent experience as well as wonderful early fall aspen color. Also from late September through early October cabins at:

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I am following all the links and checking out the suggested options. Thank you SO much for all the tips and info!! I am very happy to have stumbled upon this site.

I should elaborate on the RV option.

The larger the RV, the more comfortable he will be, with a full sized bed, onboard conventional toilet, etc (mine has a queen sized bed, full tub/shower, sofa, full kitchen). The downside is the larger RVs will not be able to navigate all the back roads. And his access/egress may be a factor. They all have a fold out step to get in the door, but it may be a high narrow step. They are also a large vehicle to drive -- more like a bus than a full sized pickup. You will need some practice before hitting the road 'for real', or find an experienced friend willing to be a chaffeur. Go to a RV dealer or RV show and look at the variety of rigs and options and you will a better idea of what to rent.

I suggest visiting some of the RV websites. He may enjoy what RVers call 'boondocking' -- dispersed camping outside a designated campground, using the unit's self-contained ability to stay in one spot for several nights, and use a second vehicle to day-trip the local area.

A few high country lodges:
Tioga Pass Resort
Rock Creek Lodge
Sorensen's
Parcher's Resort
Kennedy Meadows Resort (the one on the way to Sonora Pass)
Convict Lake