Tackle a 14er - Mt. Langley

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Intermediate/Advanced hikers only.

The USFS limits our group size to eight people.

Depending on if we take New Army Pass or Old Army Pass, this hike will be in the 20 to 24 mile range with 5,000 feet of elevation gain/loss.

Expect this hike to be around 12 to 14 hours. Plan accordingly.

We will be camping the night before in the Horsehoe Meadows campground. Sites are walk in do not require a reservation, are one night maximum stay and $6.

We will depart from the "Cottonwood Lakes" trailhead. Be sure not to confuse it with the "Cottonwood Pass" trailhead.

Info on the mountain: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Langley

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The approach to Old Army Pass is shown below:

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The approach to the summit:

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Traveling in Bear Country

Historically, there has been a high level of bear activity in the Cottonwood Lakes area. From Memorial Day weekend through October 31, all food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear-proof containers.

At the trail head, all food, trash and scented items must be removed from vehicles and stored in the bear proof lockers (typical bear box size 48"x 30"x 36") are located in parking areas. Dispose of trash in bear proof trash receptacles.

Directions to Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead: From the intersection of Highway 395 and Whitney Portal Rd. in Lone Pine, go 3.5 miles west on Whitney Portal Rd. to its intersection with Horseshoe Meadows Rd. Turn left (south) and head 20 miles along the sometimes curvy road, eventually curving west into Cottonwood Creek's drainage and then curving south again. Turn right at the signed turnoff northward for Cottonwood Lakes and drive another half mile to trailhead parking and overnight campground with toilets and water.

A shorter way to reach campgrounds: If you are not going into town, hang a left at Lubken Canyon Rd. This will cut about 10 miles off your trip up to HSM. Lubken Cyn Rd. is just after Owens Lake. LCR is a 1 ½ lane road, go slow while you pass thru the cow crossing. Check on your map. Check ahead for closures. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-hJz2XTb4Y

Hiking above 10,000 feet can cause altitude sickness in many people, including me. We need to be vigilant about that and watch each other for symptoms and be willing to turn back, if necessary.

What to bring:

Basic hiking gear, car camping essentials, headlamp and flashlight (extra batteries and extra bulbs), 3 - 4 liters of water/electrolytes, method to filter water from lakes, if needed. Headache medication for altitude sickness, and plenty of energy food to eat along the trail. Lunch for summit. Rain/Wind jacket and pants (it can rain during July), gloves, hat, sun screen, hiking poles, and a positive attitude.

Hiking Route from Horseshoe Meadows:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=20896&actid=50

New Army Pass: http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/cottonwood-lakes-trail-new-army-pass/

http://www.summitpost.org/mount-langley-via-new-army-pass/459780

Mt. Langley Weather (http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Langley/forecasts/3500)

If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to the discussion board. The signup "deposit" is non-refundable, but will be returned upon the start of the hike.

If you wish to bring a friend, please have them join the group, then sign up personally (it will only take a few seconds, I promise).

Take care and see you out there!

Jim Hobbs (http://adventurefitproject.blogspot.com/p/about-me_22.html)