AT or PCT?

[Malto]

on the PCT is there an "ultimate weekend spot?" like, if im ahead of schedule, and could easily kill a week, is there a place where people often say "screw it. Im gonna chill here for a few days/week and just relax, buy souvenirs for the family, go to the movies etc?"

Yeah, the Mojave desert

seriously, get at least an overnight under your belt before planning how to spend a week if you're ahead of schedule on a completely unknown trail.

[stillatit]

Ricky&Jack:

Yes, there are some: 1. near Big Bear in southern California. 2. where the PCT goes thru Reds Meadow near Devil's Postpile Natl. Mon.---just N of there is the side trail to the E that takes you to the large Mammoth Lakes area; there may even be movies there, but whatever the case on that, it's a fine place to relax and meet anyone who can drive up to see you; in the summer the ski crowd is gone and there's plenty to do. 3. further N near Lake Tahoe is another place; if you're NB the easiest place to bail and hit civilization is near Echo Lake; then catch US Route 50 N to the S. Lake Tahoe community.

Of course all these are excellent resupply spots.

[Coffee]

on the PCT is there an "ultimate weekend spot?" like, if im ahead of schedule, and could easily kill a week, is there a place where people often say "screw it. Im gonna chill here for a few days/week and just relax, buy souvenirs for the family, go to the movies etc?"

Since I may start a bit earlier than most thru hikers to avoid the crowds, I might get to Kennedy Meadows too early to enter the Sierra if it is a heavy snow year. I'm considering Mammoth Lakes and North Lake Tahoe as possible spots to hang out for a week or two if necessary. Both are expensive for lodging but there are campgrounds. Also I figure that it should be possible to go on lower elevation "backpacking" trips ... Like heading to a lake a few miles from a trailhead and hanging out for a few days on a first come first serve permit which would cost nothing.

[Miner]

If you find yourself at Kennedy Meadows too early, hitch out to Ridgecrest and rent a car for a week. Go visit Death Valley NP.