I just did this hike from Squaw Valley. The old topo maps do not have the PCT on them. Instead they have old unmaintained trails that go down the Mountain Meadow Lake drainage. These trails still exist, but they're not obvious from the Granite Chief Trail and I believe that the forest service is trying to do research back there and they don't want people hiking on them. When hiking south on the PCT, there's a sign that says 'Ecological Research Area' on a tree at the trail junction between the PCT and the disused trail.
Also, the use trail up the northeast shoulder of Tinker Knob starts about 150 feet north (and out of sight) of the sign. This was a little confusing coming from the south, but it doesn't really matter if you take it or just go cross country.
kevinlr5 - Aug 30, 2017 8:30 pm - Hasn't voted
More info about Squaw Valley routeI just did this hike from Squaw Valley. The old topo maps do not have the PCT on them. Instead they have old unmaintained trails that go down the Mountain Meadow Lake drainage. These trails still exist, but they're not obvious from the Granite Chief Trail and I believe that the forest service is trying to do research back there and they don't want people hiking on them. When hiking south on the PCT, there's a sign that says 'Ecological Research Area' on a tree at the trail junction between the PCT and the disused trail.
Also, the use trail up the northeast shoulder of Tinker Knob starts about 150 feet north (and out of sight) of the sign. This was a little confusing coming from the south, but it doesn't really matter if you take it or just go cross country.