Help! How do I get transport from Fresno to Kings Canyon??

[Brent Mahan]

I am thru-hiking the Sierra High Route starting July 13th. Per Skurka's experiences (and others on this forum and elsewhere), people have been able to easily secure a driver on Craigslist to drive them from Fresno airport 2 hours to Road's End (Copper Creek Trailhead) to start the route.

I posted two ads on Craigslist (different categories) and have had no response to either of them. They have been on Craigslist since yesterday morning.

http://fresno.craigslist.org/trv/3089825387.html
http://fresno.craigslist.org/trp/3089872983.html

Here's a posting I did on here a couple of weeks ago:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=65080&skip_to_post=556553#556553

Any thoughts on how I can get some transport?

Only need transport for myself and my pack.

I'm starting to get concerned, as I was really counting on finding a driver through Craigslist.

Thanks in advance for your help and ideas.

EDIT:
Just tried removing one of my Craigslist postings and reposting in the "rideshare" category. Hope that helps.
http://fresno.craigslist.org/rid/3092046413.html

[Elizabeth Tracy]

Maybe try posting in the rideshare section for both Los Angeles and Bay Area craigslists. See if someone can pick you up in Fresno on their way to Kings Canyon. Even if they aren't going all the way to Roads End, maybe they can at least get you to the north park entrance, and you can hitch from there.

[Hiking Malto]

I had multiple offers within a couple of hours. I don't recall what section it was in but I was shocked how easy it was. You may also consider hitching up there. I wouldn't hesitate doing it but I have done quite a bit of to and from various trails.

[Brent Mahan]

Only received one offer. He will do it for my price for the morning pickup, but for the evening he wanted $140 (including gas). A bit steep, but not too bad considering.

I agreed and now hopefully have my transportation secured.

Sounds like a reliable guy. Works for (or owns, not sure) a limo service and owns his own cars. Sounds like he's going to pick me up in a Lincoln Towncar.

Don't need anything that fancy, but it is the only offer I have and I'm happy that it is at least all arranged now.

Guessing I only got the one offer due to the time restrictions I had on the transport (late PM or early AM).

Thanks guys for the tips.

[Bob Gross]

"a Lincoln Towncar'

You certainly do not see many Lincoln Towncars at Road's End.

–B.G.–

[Brent Mahan]

Haha, yeah. Glad he is taking me there at night when noone will be around.

I know that I would definitely laugh if I was at a fairly remote trailhead and up pulls a Lincoln TownCar and a thru-hiker gets out. Would definitely be a good story.

[Laurie Nichols]

If you want to save $40 and can wait till 11:30 for pick up I can bring you to the campgrounds at Cedar Grove and then bring you to the trailhead in the morning, assuming you need to wait till the morning to pickup your permit. I'm from Fresno, I work till 11pm, and can be at the airport before 11:30. If you need to make any last minute food/gear trips I can accomodate that. I have a season pass to the park, so no expense there. I've been wanting to take a drive down the canyon so that works for me. Lemme know if you're interested, I'm not trying to steal business from the guy you have an arrangement with, just trying to help a fellow hiker save some money. Plus, any excuse to go to the mountains is a good excuse for me. :-) I also like to think my Kia Borrego is nicer than a Lincoln.

Laurie

[Brent Mahan]

Laurie,

Thanks for the offer.

As it turns out, I received another offer from an older man. He only wanted $80 and sounds like a very nice guy. I am going to go with his offer, but thanks anyway.

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