High Sierra Topix

Thanks Maverick! That sounds amazing! Yeah, i'm ready for the zoo...but it'll be worth it for 1 day. We are staying at Lower Pines on Monday.

I'd say you really should devote more than a day to the West Side, but maybe do it in a year with more water. Sequoias are cool though. Mineral King is pretty legit too.

Light Ranger wrote:

Mineral King is pretty legit too.

They sure are, but that long winding road as a day trip is a drag, the place is so pretty, if you do visit, devote at least 4 nights, and do the MK loop.

So is it worth trying to get a spot at campgrounds like Minaret Flats, Pumice Flats, Soda Springs, etc.? I'd rather just disperse camp, but it would be nice to be a little closer to the trailhead for an early start. Also, is it required that backpackers park at visitor center and shuttle (to Agnew Meadows)?

Also, is it required that backpackers park at visitor center and shuttle (to Agnew Meadows)?

Yes, but not at the Visitor Center where you get your permit, but at the Mammoth Lodge/Adventure Center, unless you camp somewhere near-by the night before, and then you can drive down before 7am, park at Agnew Meadow trailhead, but you will have to pay when you come out at the kiosk, if you come out before 7pm.

Here you go Markley:
http://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/f ... ations.htm

maverick wrote:Yes, but not at the Visitor Center where you get your permit, but at the Mammoth Lodge/Adventure Center, unless you camp somewhere near-by the night before, and then you can drive down before 7am, park at Agnew Meadow trailhead, but you will have to pay when you come out at the kiosk, if you come out before 7pm.

Great, thanks! I thought I read somewhere that backpackers had to shuttle.