Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring my resupply to the trailhead?
No. Unfortunately, portering is strictly regulated by the USFS and is Illegal. The only place you can legally hire to bring you food on the trail from Onion Valley is the Sequoia Kings Pack Outfit. It is legal for you to leave your own food in the bear containers at the Onion Valley trailhead before you start your trip if you are trying to stay on trail. Be aware that if you do not label your pick up dates your food may be thrown away by USFS.
Yes, of course! If you plan on arriving outside of our regular office hours, please call us beforehand for drop off instructions.
Can I drop off my resupply in person?
What if I am a day early or late?
We know that thru-hiking can be unpredictable and we do our best to accommodate for early or late arrivals. We have a text only number that you can contact us on at any point of your journey with your GPS device. We have a 72 hour cancelation policy in case you decide to skip your resupply, or have to get off the trail early. We need 72 hour notice for you to receive a full refund. Once we receive your resupply bucket it is non-refundable.
Do you sell Fuel?
Yes we do! We have 4 and 8 oz. Isopro fuel available. Please add it to your reservation to ensure we have enough available for you. If you use a different type of fuel, let us know and we will do our best to have it available for you when you arrive.
What if I need to cancel my reservation, or get off trail?
We have a 72 hour cancelation policy. If you cancel before this window we will not charge you for anything in your package except the resupply hold. The resupply hold is non-refundable once we receive it. You are more than welcome to come and pick up your resupply in person, or we can ship it back to you. We have a $25 handling fee for taking it back to the post office. As of 2019 the Post Office in Independence and Mammoth Lakes do not return to sender for free. You can also donate it to our “Free hiker bins” to waive the shipping and $25 fee.
What time does the shuttle leave?
Our shuttle leaves the motel to bring you back to the trailhead after breakfast at 8 AM. We pick up hikers from Onion Valley at 8:30 AM and 3 PM. If you scheduled a resupply hold and ride, we usually bring you back to the trailhead between 4:30-6:30 PM. It depends on how busy we are. We guarantee that you will be back before sunset. If you are aiming to catch our 8:30 AM shuttle down to the motel, please let us know ahead of time that we should expect you in the morning. If you booked a resupply hold and ride, you can catch our 8:30 AM shuttle down from Onion Valley and our 2:30 PM shuttle back up to the trailhead.
Missing the shuttle is extremely rare. In fact, most of our guests arrive with at least an hour to spare. Most of our SOBO hikers leave from Rae Lakes, and most of our NOBO hikers leave from Vidette Meadows. If you are slower we recommend getting as close to this junction as possible. Camping at Charlotte lake the night before is an awesome addition to your thru-hike. You know your speed better than anyone so plan accordingly.
Now I’m scared. What If I don’t make the shuttle?
How far is Onion Valley from the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails?
Onion Valley Campground is 7 Miles from the junction of the JMT/PCT and the Kearsarge pass trail. Kearsarge pass from the JMT/PCT is easier than most of the other passes on the trail and is a rewarding addition to your walk.
Can you pick me up and bring me back to Onion Valley on the same day?
Does everyone in my party have to pay the $150?
You bet! Our resupply ride and hold ($160) is just that.
This depends. If you are trying to save money the cheapest way would be to send one person down ($165) and pay the additional $75/person per resupply hold. Remember that a Hiker Resupply Package for 2 is $385. If you are sending both people down the mountain it is only $55 more to stay the night.
We offer one way transportation to or from Onion Valley for $45. This is available to our overnight guests only
Do you do one way transportation?
We can help you arrange a trip to Lone Pine. Before you go out and buy anything, dig around in our free hiker bins! A previous guest may have left behind the exact thing you are looking for.
What if I have a trail emergency and need to buy new supplies?
What if I need a ride to somewhere other than Onion Valley?
You can arrange a ride with one of the lovely shuttle drivers in the Eastern Sierra.
Lone Pine Kurt: (661)972 9476
There is a Restaurant, Deli, Taco Truck, Ice Cream shop and French Restaurant located in Independence. The taco truck, ice cream shop and deli all have vegan and vegetarian options. The gas stations in town sell beer and other various snacks to soothe your thru-hike apatite