Originally Posted by
HooKooDooKu
I found that it's pretty near impossible to get from the east coast to yosemite valley in one day using public transportation.
But it's a breeze to get it done in two days. However, you won't get into the Valley until after noon and therefore won't have enough time to get to your 1st night's camp site.
So plan on leaving two days ahead of your start date and the trip is a breeze:
1. Fly to Sacramento.
2. Stay over night in a hotel - I stayed at the Vagabond Inn. It's located across the street from the Amtrak station and they have an airport shuttle to pick you up.
3. Next morning, walk across the street to the Amtrak station and board your train.
4. A few hours later, you get off at a train station and wait about 30 minutes for a YARTS bus.
5. A few hours later, you're in Yosemite Valley.
6. Buy any last minute supplies in the Valley (such as fuel).
7. Hike
8. Hitch a ride from Whitney Portal to Lone Pine.
9. Stay in Lone Pine over night.
10. Next morning board an Eastern Sierra Transit bus to get to Reno (only runs -MT-TF-)
11. Fly home (if you can find a flight that leaves around 1:00pm or later)
because it is right across the street from the Amtrack station and they have an airport shuttle to pick