Our intention is for a maximum of 10 "angels" to arrive at Vidette Meadow in time to provide dinner to hikers on Friday June 20 - and continue providing magic to hikers until after breakfast on Sunday June 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 10 to commit hard cash are in (within the "Gender balance" rules below)
According to a 2023 Hiker Survey, 40% of thru hikers are women. Our goal is to make sure our little group of Angels has a similar makeup.
Prior to 2023 we went in from the west side of the Sierras, but because of road closures in Sequoia Kings Canyon park we have been experimenting with going in from the EAST side of the Sierras. 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 again this year (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 had an early group that went in on Thursday, just to make sure there was someone in camp when the mules arrived. We hope to do this again this year, but do not yet have the necessary permits.
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 are likely to do this hike (No more than 10 allowed - we are full up)
Friday Hikers:
Tyler M; 3rd trip(?). Connected through Seamus/David - Permit Holder (6 permits)
Deniz "Dino" C: 5th trip, Connected through Andrew G
Thursday Hikers:
Lee O: 3rd trip - Was a hiker served in 2018 - Thursday Permit Holder (6 permits)
Seamus S: 14th trip. Ran the first trip back in 2010!
David W: 7th trip. Connected through Seamus S
Jim C: 1st trip, Connected through Seamus S
Padraig K: 3rd trip. Connected through Deane G (Hiking Late, Risking it)
Lara G: 1st trip, Connected through Padraig K (Hiking Late, Risking it)
Daniel W: 2nd trip. Connected through Liz R. - (Hiking Late, Self Permit)
Tom D: 4th trip, Connected through David W (Hiking Slow, Self Permit)
There are two additional hikers, that are hiking the JMT and have their own permits (so don't count on our permit). They are planning on being in camp and helping - thank you!
Deane G: 7th trip. Connected through Seamus S
Paola: 5nd trip. Connected through Deane G (Partner)
Starting this year, we're beginning a "Car-Camping" only contingent. These members are part of the planning group and will support trail magic from the car camps! We are still up in the air with this part, but current thinking is that this will happen in the Onion Valley parking lot from Wednesday through Saturday.
Ken K: 14th trip. Connected through Seamus S - Permit Holder
Maura W: 5th trip. Connected through Ken K (Partner)
George R: 7th trip. Connected through Ken K (long time friend)
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.