Our intention is for a maximum of 12 "angels" to arrive at Vidette Meadow in time to provide dinner to hikers on Friday 6/24/22 - and continue providing magic to hikers until after breakfast on Sunday 6/26/22 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" and Vaccination rules below)
According to a 2017 Hiker Survey, 42% of thru hikers are women. Our goal is to make sure our little group of Angels has a similar makeup.
This year we continue to wrestle with "How to deal with Covid". As of 4/28, I think we will drop our requirement that all trail angels be Vaccinated and boosted - I will not be asking to see vaccine cards. It is likely, however, that I will require everyone to test before going up the hill. Drop me a line to weigh in on the situation - I want to know if there are strong opinions either way.
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.
In prior years we have 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 usually two groups going up the hill. 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 (No more than 12 allowed)
Leaving Thursday AM (Walking over two days) :
Ken K: 11th trip. Connected through Seamus S (Soccer coaches together) - Permit Holder (Max 10 people)
Seamus S: 11th trip. Ran the first trip back in 2010!
David W: 5th trip. Connected through Seamus S - Alternate Permit Holder
Maura W: 2nd trip. Connected through Ken K (Partner) - Alternate Permit Holder
Virginia W: 1st trip. Connected through Maura W.
Leaving Friday AM (Walking up in one day)
Deniz "Dino" C: 4th trip, Connected through Andrew G - Alternate Permit Holder (Max 8 people)
Deane G: 4th trip. Connected through Seamus S - Alternate Permit Holder
Paola: 2nd trip. Connected through Deane G
Leaving Friday AM (Riding a Horse) - On the Pack Station Permit
(None yet)
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
At this point itineraries are somewhat fluid and depend on Mules (and permit holders above) - our aim is to:
Meet the Mules, if used, at Vidette on Friday afternoon around 3pm to receive our shipment and setup camp
Start Feeding Hikers Friday evening
Continue feeding hikers Saturday Morning and Evening
If food remains, Feed hikers Sunday Morning, break camp and carry everything remaining down the hill (no mules on return trip)