Overnight Backpack Mt. Langley

Mt. Langley is a 14'er in close proximity to Mt. Whitney, and while it is considered by most to be the easiest of all the California 14'ers, I would argue that it is one of the most beautiful.

What makes it "easier" is the fact that the trailhead starts at the campground at Horseshoe Meadows which is at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. And by making this an overnighter instead of a day hike, the distance covered each day is quite a bit less (even easier).

I have only done this as a day hike, and at over 10 miles each way, my legs have always felt pretty destroyed when getting back to camp. But, when I have passed the people that were setting up camp along the beautiful lakes and streams up the mountain, I have always been a bit envious (especially on the way back down). So this is the year that I get to spend the night up there!

The nice thing about doing Langley as a day hike is that you don't have to worry about permits. That may be why I have always done it that way. Since we are doing this overnight, we will need permits (of which I do not currently have). But the Rangers have generously withheld 24 of them each day for those of us who failed to secure them online at the right time.

This means that the length of this event is actually up to the hiking gods, for if we are not able to get permits at the walk up window, then we will be doing this as a day hike, which is still a great option, if you are up to or capable of hiking over 20 miles in a single day. But, look at the bright side, you won't have to carry all that overnight gear. So Plan B is not a bad option. But, I feel confident that Plan A will be a go!

I will get to the ranger station at 8:00 am when they open and get us on the list for permits for the following day. They don't assign them until 11:00 am, so the odds are pretty good that we will get the permits.

I like to say that "it is the level of uncertainty that determines the level of the adventure!" That and when we get lost is when the adventure starts.

Just a few thoughts:

• Although it will be the middle of Summer, at that altitude, it will be very cold at that altitude, so plan to layer accordingly.
• Maybe get in a warm up hike, say Mt. San Jacinto from Idyllwild, to get an idea of the distance and elevation gain.
• I am a little undecided about whether to camp at the base of the mountain Friday night and head to the trailhead Saturday morning, or camp up at Horseshoe Meadows Friday night.
• Flexibility is the key when joining me on these adventures, as any past companions will surely attest, so if you require rigidity in your adventures, you will probably be disappointed on this one.

I will put out more details and gear info as the date gets a little closer, but just know that you will need basic backpacking gear for two days and a single night. There is plenty of water up there but it might be advised to bring a filter.

Here is a link to a previous event (although it was not an overnighter) - https://www.meetup.com/SDMicroAdventures/events/223520925/

Here is a link to my google map - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HBZWucNfL1kEPqtb5-9XvRx1Tig&usp=sharing

Since I have to limit this event to eight members, I have included a $22 commitment deposit, of which $20 will be refunded at the trailhead. $2 (10%) going to Meetup for their cut.

So, I hope this event gets your adventure juices flowing and I look forward to seeing you guys out there!
Jim