Staying At VVR: A Laid-Back Haven For Backpackers

Tucked deep in the Sierra Nevada, Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR) is more than a wilderness stop. It’s a warm, welcoming retreat where trail-weary hikers find rest, connection, and a touch of local charm. Whether you're hiking the JMT, PCT, or one of the many wilderness trails in the area, staying at VVR offers a chance to recoup and refuel.

Getting Here From The Trail

Most thru-hikers who stay at VVR come in on our ferry. A 20-30 minute boat ride from the east end of Thomas Edison Lake to the resort. The ferry service operates during the peak season, when the water levels and weather cooperate. For a current schedule and details, click here.

You can also choose to hike into the resort. Northbound JMT/PCT hikers can take the Bear Ridge Trail 5.7 miles to the dam. Next, walk along the top of the dam to the end where it meets the shoreline. Keep the tree-line to your left and follow the road about 1.5 miles to VVR.

Southbound hikers can take a cut-off trail about a mile before Silver Pass to Goodale Pass. At the end of the trail, take the road left about 1/2 mile to VVR.

Why Hikers Love Staying At VVR

VVR is a beacon for long-distance hikers. A place you hear about from other hikers on the trail, which sounds like a fairytale until you arrive. Where one 'zero day' turns into two because the vibes (and fries) are just that good.

From the moment you arrive, this place feels like a summer camp for grown-ups. Our community of fellow adventurers greets each PCT and JMT thru-hiker with a friendly smile and a free beverage. At VVR, stories and laughter flow, and strangers become tramily (trail family).

Amenities That Hit the Spot

• Hot Showers: After days on the trail, nothing beats a steamy shower. VVR’s 8-minute showers include a clean towel, washcloth, and soap. If you want the luxury experience, pair your shower with a load of laundry.
• Laundry & Loaner Clothes: Ready to rinse the grime off your clothes? A load of laundry at VVR includes detergent, pre-soak sink, washer, dryer, clothes line, and clean loaner clothes!
• Charging Stations: Plug in your devices and charge them up for free at one of our hiker charging stations. Located near the store/restaurant building, when the generator is running (7am-10pm).
• Private Room or Mushroom City: Backpackers staying overnight at VVR have a lot of options. They can either set up a tent in Mushroom City for free, grab a bed in the hiker hostel tent cabin, or book private accommodations in our motel, cabins, or yurt.
• Resupply Station: Hikers can either send a resupply package to VVR before they arrive or stock up at our general store. VVR’s resupply options can be a logistical timesaver for first-time hikers. We stock dehydrated meals, electrolytes, candy, snacks, isobutane, and more.
• Wifi: Need to call home or upload pics from your adventures so far? Wifi is available for purchase at the front desk so you can call, text, video chat, and catch up with the outside world.
• Entertainment Galore:
  • Basketball hoop, ping pong, and a disc golf basket for some friendly competition
  • Horseshoes and corn hole for that old-school campground feel
  • A big selection of board games and a cozy book exchange
  • 2 Community TVs with streaming services
  • Water rentals, including paddle boards, kayaks, boats, and hydro bikes—perfect for unwinding on the lake

Rustic & Delicious Dining

The restaurant here serves up hearty, home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and lunch menus are loaded with classics like pancakes, biscuits & gravy, burgers, and BLTs. For dinner, most nights feature a chef’s choice limited menu, designed to keep things fresh and flavorful. But Friday and Saturday nights are extra special:

• Friday Night: Wood-fired pizzas with crispy crusts and traditional toppings
• Saturday Night: BBQ night! Smoky, savory, and satisfying

Each night's menu includes both a meat and a vegetarian option, so everyone’s covered. That said, the kitchen is flexible, and guests with severe allergies or other dietary restrictions should call or email ahead to discuss accommodations.

Nearby Adventures: Wilderness With A Splash Of Comfort

If your thru-hike includes local hotspot fun along the way, there are a couple of nearby gems worth checking out.

• Pack Station: Just up the road from VVR, you'll find real-life cowboys offering guided horseback rides. Choose from scenic day rides or multi-day backcountry trips. For more info, click here.
• Mono Hot Springs Resort: A short drive (or hitch) away, this spot offers cabins, a campground, a general store, a restaurant, massages, and access to natural hot springs. Check them out here.

Staying At VVR On A Budget

We're out in the middle of nowhere. The nearest grocery store and gas station are over 2 hours away down a long and dangerous mountain road. There's a premium to keeping VVR operating, but we do our best to make it affordable for all hikers.

• Hiker Hostel & Mushroom City: If you're looking for lower-cost accommodations, our hiker hostel is a great way to get a cozy bed without breaking the bank. For a zero-cost option, pitch your tent with your fellow hikers in our Mushroom City hiker campground.
• Resupply: Save on your resupply by mailing it ahead of time instead of purchasing everything from the store. During peak season, it's easy to supplement your resupply with our hiker box.
• Hiker Help Wanted: Lower your bill with our hiker work trade program! Sign up at the front desk to trade a few hours of work for a free meal plus a generous discount in the store.

Planning your backpacking adventure near us? Visit VVR’s website for more information, bookings, and updates. We can't wait to meet you!