This three day hike began at Horseshoe Meadow on July 7 and concluded at Whitney Portal.
On arrival to the area on July 6, it was reassuring to observe that the situation in the Alabama Hills and Whitney Portal had normalized after the recent Inyo Creek Fire. Examining the fire scar reconfirmed that this fire was a serious event.
On the first day of the hike, I followed a route to Mt Langley that was done by Doug Thompson many years ago. About 15 years ago, he drew the route on my map for me to follow. The crux is the ascent of the highest (and most northern) of the four passes on the west side of the Cottonwood Lakes Basin. From the Basin, each pass provides access to the National Park Service's popular trail (marked by huge rock cairns) which leads to the Summit of Mt Langley (14,042').
From south to north we recognize these passes as New Army Pass (from High Lake), Old Army Pass (from Lake 4), Navy Pass (from Lake 5), and Thompson Pass (from Lake 6). NAP and AP are overwhelmingly the most utilized and recognized. Navy Pass was named by Bob Rockwell. (Refer to his trip report in the WPSMB Member Photo Albums: Bob R, Mt Langley, 6/13/2009). The Thompson Pass approach is reviewed by Hightinerary in the Summitpost page on Mt Langley. (Refer to the Thompson Route in the section devoted to Mt Langley Routes.) In the WPSMB Member Photo Albums, Mark Aguilar (So.BayMark) has several photo collections devoted to his travels over the Thompson Route.
Day One: I had an early start from Horseshoe Meadow on the Cottonwood Lakes Trail and after a couple hours headed cross county toward Lake 6. Since Lake 6 can not be seen until arrival at the outlet, the Fin and a ridge descending from the hiker's left were used as landmarks. Heading west from Lake 6, a short scramble lead to a lengthy sandy canyon floor. I continued west to the start of an obvious Class 2 chute rising 700-800' above the sandy canyon floor. Near the top of the chute, the option to the right was taken. The lingering snow patch encountered on this option was easily avoided. Thompson Pass (12,800') at the top of the chute is about 1200 feet above Lake 6.
After topping out on the Thompson Route, the NPS Trail to Mt Langley was joined in a couple minutes. Then in an additional hour the summit of Mt Langley was reached. Awesome views were enjoyed and studied for nearly an hour.
In the late afternoon, I descended an old use trail toward Upper Soldier Lake. Staying well above the lake, I sneaked into the Miter Basin. This year decent drinking water was scarce until the outlet of Sky Blue Lake was reached. Until then, Rock Creek was just a string of stagnant puddles. Due to wind, I camped in a sheltered spot near the lake's outlet, rather than on the popular, but exposed peninsula.
Day Two: Since the summit of Mt Langley yesterday, no person would be seen until reaching Crabtree Meadow today.
The Crabtree Lakes were followed west after an uneventful descent of Crabtree Pass. Beginning at the beach at the largest Crabtree lake (11,312'), a faint trail was followed until a maintained trail was reached at Whitney Creek over an hour later. Soon back on the JMT, I hustled up to Guitar Lake to make camp under cloudy skies and a few drizzles.
Day Three: On June 21 I had started the High Sierra Trail at Crescent Meadow and had reached Crabtree Meadow on June 23. The Inyo Creek Fire had prevented completion of the High Sierra Trail, as I had to exit out Horseshoe Meadow using the PCT and Cottonwood Pass. Today I completed the High Sierra Trail by summiting Mt Whitney and then descending to Whitney Portal by the Main Trail.
At the Whitney Portal Store, I enjoyed a double cheeseburger, Sierra Nevada beer, and a lengthy discussion with Doug and Doug.
Jim
