Easiest way to get to Paradise Cafe?

[fredmugs]

My first PCT section hike ended at Hwy 74 because there was chest high snow in the San Jacintos. One of my friends is thru hiking this year and I would like to pick up there and do another week or two.

One option I was thinking of is to just fly into Palm Springs and take the tram into the mountains and then take a couple days to hike there, summit Mt Jacinto, etc. and take another route down to Hwy 74 and then hike back up and over.

Any recommendations on flying into a specific airport and either getting a shuttle or using public transportation?

[Malto]

There is a huge section of trail closed around San Jacinto. There are threads on PCT-l on potential reroutes. The route you are proposing is counterfeit if I understand the closure correctly.

[Malto]

Here is a link to a map containing the closure and other info.

http://mtsanjacinto.info/viewtopic.php?t=4503&start=4

[Dogwood]

I was faced with a similar challenge in 2008 on my PCT thru, when due to fire closures, the PCT was closed(and patrolled, FS authorities prevented PCTers(like me) from entering at the THs) from where the PCT crosses at Anza to Saddle Junction(PCT/Devils Slide Tr junction, DS T goes into Idyllwild. Had it figured out that I would head up DS T back to the PCT but then the FS decided to close that too so a trail angel drove about 6 PCTers(including Neighbor Dave who is on WB) up to a dirt road to head over San Jacinto. Sorry, don't remember the name of the FS road. We didn't hit the actual summit though. Took us 2 hrs hiking quickly but steeply on that winding FS dirt road to reach the PCT. I wound up 3 yrs later finally hiking the PCT from Anza to Devils Slide and into Idyllwild. I hitched most of it though to get to the Anza PCT TH on my return to do what PCT I had missed. Your plan sounds as good as any Fred. Getting into Palmdale/Palm Springs is doable by plane, The Dog, and Amtrak. Although, I would see what other possible drop off pts options you have. The Dog may travel to Idyllwild for instance. Here's a link that I've used for the Idyllwild scene, including some trail beta and contacts. http://www.greencafe.com/ I suppose the Paradise Café you are referring to is the Paradise Valley Café on Hwy 74(Pines to Palms Hwy). I went there just to get some shade. I'm fairly positive The Dog does travel Pines to Palms Hwy so you may check to see if they stop somewhere close to or at this Café on a bus route. http://www.greencafe.com/idyllwild/paradise_valley_cafe.html https://www.google.com/maps/preview#!data=!1m4!1m3!1d15981!2d-116.590905!3d33.570041

[Miner]

As Malto mentioned, unfortunately, right now the trail is closed starting a couple of miles past Hwy 74. It may not be the best place to get back on since you'll have to get back off soon after. We have to see what the forest service comes up with in terms of alternatives. Otherwise its take a side trail down to a road and road walking into Idyllwild and then continuing north from there.

But to answer you original question. You can take an expensive taxi ride from Palm Springs up to Paradise Cafe (I know a section hiker who did so a few years ago and it cost him a little over $100). Hitch from Palmsprings to Paradise Cafe. Or do what you proposed and take the Palm Springs Tramway up and hike from there. Or you can post your question on the PCT-L when you know your date and see if anyone living local is willing to drive you up. If your friend will be near Hwy 74 around the time of the ADZPCTKO (ie. start before the kickoff), then it should be easy to get a ride from San Diego Airport/train station/bus station to the kickoff and from there to Hwy 74 when the kickoff ends.

[fredmugs]

Thanks for the responses. I haven't hiked any of the PCT from Hwy 74 to the JMT section. Sounds like I should just plan to meet him somewhere else.