West Side Camping

[kev]

Hi all,

I'm just getting into aid and it seems like the west side is a good place to start getting everything dialed in.  Unfortunately I am lazy and don't feel like hiking across the high peaks and back on sat and sunday.  Additionally I hate to pay lots of money (or any really) to camp.  Any suggestions for camping near the west side?

kev

[mungeclimber]

Los Padres National Forest, but it's a fair drive away. 

[mynameismud]

There is the Bridwell Bolt ladder on the back of the Monolith.  There is another old chossy bolt ladder on the Hand if that is open.

[mungeclimber]

you're recommending he camp on Bridwell Bolt ladder? 

yur gunna need a porta ledge. 

[kev]

I think The Hand is closed (if I remember prior years). 

Hmmm...Los Padres is way far, and driving from one side to other makes little or no sense.
The portaledge is a fine idea but I suspect the rangers might not be too approving.  Oh well
guess it's time for me to find my Soledad bivy spot!

kevin

[Brad Young]

Yeah, the Arroyo Grande campground in the Los Padres. But it's about 45 minutes from there to the West Side. The drive over from the East Side is about the same. But, you could hike over from the East Side. Two flat miles from the Chalone Creek Trailhead, right to the Balconies Caves. Very pretty hike too.

Or, Kev, you could do us all a favor. Run for Congress or the Senate. Then, when you win, use your position to make the Park Service open up a West Side campground. I'd vote for you!

[kev]

Yeah, I'm not sure how a, err, yeah, electable I am. But rest assured the dirtbag party is alive and well...

[squiddo]

spot on, I'd vote for that too. Can I say it again? I miss the old West side CG