Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Cottonwood Canyon / Wormhole Canyon Trails?

Anybody done either of these?

http://www.redtrails.com/trail.php?s=L9106Ua

http://www.redtrails.com/trail.php?s=S916ke

Looking for an alternative to get up to the PCT since HM Rd. is still closed.

I've been into Cottonwood Canyon, but it's been years (2007). At about 3.5 miles in, the bridge (7.7K') had been taken out by an avalanche and that's where we turned around. The gain to that point was 2,300' and the county highway was still 1,600' above. I went back in a few days later to cut back some brush - it's a beautiful trail, but doesn't see much use.

Thanks.

I was also able to have a conversation about this trail with an old-timer (not that he's much older than I am - I just like using that term) on base. His recommendation: hike it from top to bottom with a shuttle...

He also had some interesting stories to tell about Haiwee Canyon.

Or try Cartago Pk from Cartago - you can see the use trail starting up NW of town. If you want epic - do Olancha from the eastern base(enter ridge south of Cartago).