Mileage: Approx 22
Elevation: 14,048
Gain/Loss: 5,000 +/-
They say: Strenuous
We say: Superb
What it is: Another one of California’s Fourteeners, in one long beautiful day. We kept hearing how beautiful this one was, but we just didn’t know HOW beautiful until we saw it with our own eyes. This hike is stunning. We did this as a loop, heading up New Army Pass and returning via Old Army Pass. The jury is still out but I felt Old Army (despite being extremely steep and unmaintained for 30 years and counting) was the prettiest route. We started the hike at 4am with a full moon overhead. Jackie timed it just right as we reached the ridge in time to see the sun rise and approached the pass in alpenglow. The reflection of the light off the numerous lakes was magical. With clear skies and crisp cold air, we climbed up to the top of New Army where we stopped briefly for snacks and to bid farewell to those in the group who had had their fill of altitude for the day. The rest of us split up and picked our routes for the summit push. Word to the wise: west side of Langley– notsofun, north side of Langley – fun. We headed up the class 1 slope as we promised Jackie that we would steer clear of class 3 rock, but we regretted it. The skree slope was so loose that you literally took 2 steps forward and 1 step back. At the top we ate lunch, stared at Mt. Whitney, and called our moms. On the way down we took the class 2/3 climb down the north side, which was quick and painless for those of us comfortable with it (not so much for those who weren’t) and veered to the northeast to take Old Army back down. The views from the Old Army trail were beyond beautiful. We gasped in awe at the beauty, we saw a beaver, we gasped in awe some more, we saw some ducks swimming at 12,000 feet, and jonnie, as expected, swam in his undies in another freezing alpine lake. The last nearly-level 3 miles of the trail felt endless, but we were filled to the brim with happiness from the day, so we didn’t mind. Then we headed down to town for showers and Mexican food.
Please DO: This hike as a loop like we did. It’s totally and unbelievably gratifying.
Please DON’T: Take Old Army when it’s icy, we heard horror stories. Hence, the creation of New Army, by the Forest Service.
What you need to bring: A camera, a group of fun friends who will tell you stories about Burning Man, question the institute of religion, and help you figure out how you need to change your life so you don’t wake up tired every day.
What you want to bring: Salt and Vinegar Potato Trips – new hiking power fuel.
How to get there: Turn left off the 395 to Whitney Portal. About 3 miles up, turn left onto Horseshoe Meadows Road. Follow this up the high and long switchbacks until you reach the top, turn right at sign to Cottonwood Lakes. Trail starts here.
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