Originally Posted by
tight-wad
I just completed the exact trip you are planning: Curtis, shuttle to Fontana, hike to Standing Bear, the last week of March. Thumbs up to Curtis. The Gods were smiling on me - weather was mild and dry, unlike the next week which was stormy and freezing. You do need to get permits from GSMP, I met a Ranger and he asked for my papers. And, section hikers are required to sleep on 2x4s in the shelters (no hammocks). In my case a couple of Rangers and Ridge Runners were around at the shelters to enforce the rules.