Overview (2020): * * * 2020 Trip Cancelled - "Preplanning" info left below * * *
- Our intention is for a maximum of 12 "angels" to arrive at Vidette Meadow in time to provide dinner to hikers on Friday 6/26 - and continue providing magic to hikers until after breakfast on Sunday 6/28. Angels are likely to take different times to get up and down the hill based on temperament and athletic ability. This hike is by invitation only, you need to be invited by someone that has been on the trip before and be approved by either Ken or Seamus. We limit the number of Trail Angels that can attend, the first 12 to commit hard cash are in (within the "Gender balance" rules below)
- Message from Ken: According to a 2017 Hiker Survey, 42% of thru hikers are women. I believe our little group of Angels should have a similar makeup.
- The basic path starts at Roads End Ranger Station (in Sequoia Kings Canyon Natl park) and follows Bubbs Creek up the hill to Upper Vidette Meadow. See Map (below). Sub-groups would converge on Vidette Meadows on Friday afternoon. We stay at Vidette till late Sunday morning (Serving Hikers the whole time) when we would hike back down the way we came and drive home.
- Last year we hired mules to carry the bulk of the supplies - whether we are able to do so this year will depend on the amount of money contributed (and the amount of snow still on the ground when we leave). Whether we use mules or not, all hikers are responsible for getting 10 lbs of extra gear "up the hill" (or more if they have the ability and inclination). If we are able to afford mules, part of your contribution will be use to "Pay" for a mule to carry this weight up the hill.
- There are two groups going up the hill this year. There is a "One day group" that goes up in a single day (15 miles starting at 5000 ft and climbing to 10,000 ft) - this is not a beginner hike - you must be in spectacular shape to make this climb! There will also be a "Two day group" that takes two days to make the trip up the hill (which is more of an intermediate hike). It is also possible that subgroups may form to "extend" this hike so that they can see more of the area - tell Ken if you are interested.
Click Here for a scanned map of the basic trail magic route (zoom in to see contour lines).
Click Here to access the online National Park Service maps of the area (allows you to scroll around the whole park)
Click Here for a google map to Roads End Permit Station (the trail head), so you can plan your drive to the trailhead
Note about Google Maps: It is winter in the Sierra now (when this is being typed) - Lots of roads are closed - If you ask for driving directions, make sure that you also specify "Depart in June" (otherwise it will not be able to find a route)
Here is my listing of those who have committed to doing this hike - only 12 hikers will be allowed to join:
- Ken K: 2-day group. 9th trip. Connected through Seamus S (Soccer coaches together)
- David W: 2-day Group. 3nd trip. Connected through Seamus S
- Tom D: 2-day group. 2nd trip. Connect through David W
- Rosy Y: 2-day group. 1st trip. Connected through Ken K
- Graham C: 2-day group. 1st trip. Connected through Ken K
There are likely to be multiple groups going up the hill this year that will meet at Vidette and perform trail magic on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. At this point, no side trips are planned, so on Sunday after breakfast service, all groups will head back down the hill
- One Day Up the Hill
- Thur 6/25: Arrive in park (Sequoia Kings Canyon), pick up permit (before 2pm) - either camp for night (or start up the hill after 3pm when ranger station closes)
- Fri 6/26: Hike to Upper Vidette Meadow - Arrive by 4 pm so that we can serve dinner to hikers
- Sat 6/27: Serve breakfast and dinner to hikers - greet anyone that comes
- Sun 6/28: Serve breakfast to hikers, close camp, walk down the hill, drive home
- Two Days up the Hill
- Wed 6/24 Arrive in park, pick up permit (before 2pm), camp for the night
- Thur 6/25 Meet at 6:30 am at roads end Ranger Station. Hike to Charlotte creek (or alternatively Junction Meadow)
- Fri 6/26 Hike to Upper Vidette Meadow - arrive by 4 pm so that we can serve dinner to hikers
- Sat 6/27 Serve breakfast and dinner to hikers - greet anyone that comes
- Sun 6/28 Serve breakfast to hikers, close camp, walk half way down the hill
- Mon 6/29 Walk the rest of the way down the hill, drive home