Yosemite, IC, RR Oct-Dec 19

Hey,

I'm a UK climber, heading over to the states this Autumn (or Fall if you prefer!). I'll be on a 90 day visa then planning on crossing down into Mexico, but nothing solid just yet.

Looking for other long term climbers, good communities where I can find partners, anyone that might be interested in road tripping for a bit etc.

Any top tips for seasons/areas also appreciated. I'll be landing in San Fran at the start of October, heading to Yosemite first. Would like to go to Indian Creek, Bishop, Red Rocks etc.

I'll be doing my best to live cheaply, but would people generally recommend having a car or is it possible to hitch/bus around?

Tom

This is America.  If you wanted to go to Vegas only and climb in Red Rock you'd need a car, much less travel to the more remote places like the Creek.  You'll need your own wheels.

Well. I know at least one Brit who climbs annually in Indian Creek, carless.  But having one will certainly afford you more freedom to move about on your own schedule. For a trip of that duration you might consider buying one, but things in SF are rarely a bargain.

Cheers guys. I've got friends who can give me a lift out of SF and into Oakhurst (I think that's it, about an hour out of the valley), so I think I can at least start without a car. Any tips on where would be a good place to find wheels? I'm aware that Cali is generally considered expensive...

Tom

With a little bit of inconvenience, you can get by without a car.

To get to Yosemite, check out Facebook group "Yosemite Ride Share," since all public transportation stops operating end of September. Once you are at Camp 4, you won't really need a car because most of the climbers there have their own. By the end of October, climbers usually start migrating from Yosemite to IC, then to RR sometime in November/December, chasing good weather. So, find people with same duration/interest while you are in Yosemite.

We were four climbers from all over the world who met in Yosemite and migrated to IC and RR with 4 separate rental cars. 4 people 4 cars. ridiculous. So, good luck! You will be alright without a car.

check out Reno/Winnemucca/Elko craigslist for cheap vans or little pick up trucks with camper shells. Bet you could find something that you could re-sell at the end of your adventure without losing too much value. Maybe in the $2000 - 3000 american dollar range. Chevy Astro Vans are dirt cheap and you could comfortably live in one with the addition of a $30 cot.

then check out craigslist for a rideshare to get you to the for sale adventure vehicle, and you are set.

Hey Nicole and Eric.

That's amazing advice thanks. I think I'll see if i can do Yosemite carless and figure myself out from there. Good to hear that some wheels won't be bank breaking! I'll be selling my UK van and an american friend of mine had really scared me with guesses at van prices in the states.