High Peaks TH/Transport Advice

[mtn.goat]

I'm currently planning my next big dayhike (this one's going to be a killer) and need some advice from all of you. I will be starting at the Loj and end up at the Roostercomb Trailhead (a modified Great Range Traverse with a few special additions ). I will be doing the hike solo so I need to figure out how I can leave my car at one of the trailheads and get a ride to the other to either drop my car off or pick it up. I would prefer to drop my car off at the roostercomb trailhead so that when I finish my car is there waiting for me and try to figure out some way to get a ride/cab/etc to the Loj. I want to travel as light as possible so i will probably try to just stay at the Loj the night before. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[Miss Margaret]

A friend and I were backpacking a few years ago and ending up cabbing from the Ausable Inn (Keene Valley) porch back to my car at the Loj. It was EXPENSIVE - at least 40, nmaybe 60 bucks by the time we tipped him? I forget, but A lOT.

I've thought about doing a hike sim. to what you mentioned and I thought that parking at the Roostercomb end, hiking all day Saturday, and ending at the Loj (where i'd have a reservation for a bed and a long, hot shower) and then hoping for the kindness of strangers to ferry me back to my car the next day (Sunday) made the most sense.

I always offer rides to fellow hikers along that route, and have pretty good hitch-hiking karma....

 

[spaddock]

When are you going? I'd bet if people here knew when you were leaving you would probably get offered a ride.

I like your idea of having the car waiting for you at the end of the day.


-Shayne

 

[Rick]

Mtngoat -
Since you are planning at staying at the Loj, I would call them ahead of time and see if one of the crew there or at the HPIC wouldn't mind shuttling your car over to the Garden (after you start hiking), while they are on lunch or on break for $10-$20 dollars. It is then there for you when you need it and thay can shuttle it when they have time.

 

[mtn.goat]

I'm planning on staying at the Loj on Sunday night (August 31st) and then doing the hike that Monday. It may be easier to hitch a ride considering I would be clean having just dropped off my car at the TH. Seeing as it would be a sunday I may be able to hook up with some hikers having finished there weekend hikes. Thanks for the great ideas. I guess I'll have to give it some more thought and see if any one else has any other ideas.

 

[daxs]

How about spotting a bike at the end and riding back

 

[mtn.goat]

I thought of doing that but i think that the fact that I'm going to be hiking around 30 miles that day rules that out as an option. It's one of the reasons I want the car to be at the finish so that I can just collapse into it and not have to deal with trying to get to a car that is miles away.

 

[Oldsmores]

The owner of The Hostel in Keene Valley will shuttle you for a fee - at least he provided that service a couple of years ago. I don't recall what he charged, but it seemed reasonable at the time (certainly cheaper than a cab). Try giving them a call, nice people (The Hostel, 518-576-2030).
Since The Hostel is very close to the Rooster Comb trailhead, you might even consider staying there instead of at the Loj

 

[TCD]

Actually, you'd be surprised how easy it feels to get on a bike, even afte a long hike. Consider doing the hike the other way, and spot the bike at the Loj. Now you have a nice mostly downhill cruise back to your car. Start early for that, so you don't ride in the dark; nuch more dangerous than hiking in the dark!

Another option is to start or finish at the Garden. Un;ess you are planning to throw in some "Loj" peaks like Alg or Phelps, you can start the range fine from there, and it's a short walk to the car.

 

[bubba]

First of all - August 31st is a Wednesday in 2005 - so your planning is a bit off.

I'd think you could "hitch" a ride without too much problem. Leaving the car in Keene Valley and coming over the pass is a common route -- you'd probably have to get a second lift down the Loj road, but most would probably accomodate. Adds to the adventure -- paying doesn't work for me!

Biking back from Loj downhill is a great alternative. Carol and TCD have it right.

 

[Peakbagr]

Rick,
I would doubt that ADK would allow one of its employees to shuttle a private car. Like it or not, thats the world of lawsuits we find ourselves in.

Peakbagr

 

[Pete_Hickey]

Actually, you'd be surprised how easy it feels to get on a bike, even afte a long hike.

It is. I do it often. A couple weeks ago, I did a day of trailwork, then hopped on my bike and did 50 miles of my trip home, before crashing for the night.

Of course, going from Keene Valley to the Loj will give you a good uphill workout. Here's what I would do.

The night before, drive to the Loj area, and either set up a tent, or figure out your stay at the loj. Leave all your gear there, then drive with the bike to the roostercomb trailhead.

Give yourself an hour just to climb the hill from Keene, but fromthere, it's mostly downhill to the Loj road. The Loj road has a suprising amount of uphill which is not noticed in a car. I find it extra tough, because I usually do it after cycling 150 miles and with 40 pounds of gear. Probably easier fresher with an empty bike.


Or, as was mentioned leave your bike at The Hostel (nice guy there) and stay there after your hike, cycling back the next day. It's only a few minute walk from the Roostercomb trailhead.

 

[Rick]

Rick,
I would doubt that ADK would allow one of its employees to shuttle a private car. Like it or not, thats the world of lawsuits we find ourselves in.
Peakbagr

PB, I was thinking of someone doing it on their own time, as an individual thing, rather than at any time where they could be representing the ADK. But it is a great point
Rick

 

[mtn.goat]

Oops just realized that the date I'm planning this trip is off. Originally it was going to be July 31st but plans have changed since and I will now be driving up there Tuesday August 2nd and doing the hike Wednesday August 3rd. Thanks for all the great advice. I think I'll either hitch a ride (makes it more interesting) or try the hostel. I want to stay at the Loj only because I will be starting very early 3AM or so and would rather be able to start right at the trailhead. I'm keeping my actual hiking itinerary a secret for now but trust me it's going to be a very challenging hike and i'll post the report after I finish.