Our intention is for a maximum of 10 "angels" to arrive at Vidette Meadow in time to provide dinner to hikers on Friday June 21 - and continue providing magic to hikers until after breakfast on Sunday June 23 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 10 to commit hard cash are in (within the "Gender balance" 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.
Normally we would go in from the west side of the Sierras, but because of road closures in Sequoia Kings Canyon park we have been forced to find a new way in. As a result, this year we will leave from Onion Valley (elev 9000 ft) on the East side of the Sierras (Near the town of Independence), go up and over Kearsage Pass (elev 11800 ft), and then to our regular camp at Upper Vidette Meadow (elev 9500 ft, about 9 miles in)
Sub-groups would converge on Vidette Meadows on Friday afternoon (see map below). 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 - and we are hopeful to do that for 2024 (but this is far from guaranteed). 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).
In 2024, we will have two groups going in: one on Thursday with 3 people and another on Friday with the bulk of the group (6 people). We are doing this to ensure that we have someone at Vidette to meet the mules when they arrive on Friday
To be filled out after the trip
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 Onion Valley Campground (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 10 allowed, one space left)
Thursday Hikers:
Ken K: 13th trip. Connected through Seamus S - Alternate Permit Holder
Maura W: 4rd trip. Connected through Ken K (Partner) - Permit Holder
Lee O: 2nd trip (as an Angel) - Was a hiker served in 2018.
Friday Hikers
Seamus S: 13th trip. Ran the first trip back in 2010! - Alternate Permit Holder
Deane G: 6th trip. Connected through Seamus S - Permit Holder
Paola: 4nd trip. Connected through Deane G (Partner)
Padraig K: 2nd trip. Connected through Deane G
Daniel W: 1st trip. Connected through Liz R.
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. The situation is very fluid and all itineraries are still up for grabs.