Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board CottonWood Lakes to Mt Whitney Portal In August

Hi!! I've got a permit for four people, entry at the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead on Aug 20th, and exit at the Whitney Portal on Aug 24th. I've summited MT Whitney on the Main trail, the MR, and coming down from Onion Valley, but I have no knowledge of this trail and I'm trying to decide where the best places to camp for my four nights would be. Looking at my map, I'm assuming that I'll be going over Cottonwood Pass (Correct?). I'm thinking first night somewhere past Chicken Springs Lake, second night around Rock Creek, third night at CrabTree Meadows (Guitar Lake?), and fourth night at Trail Camp (OutPost?), and out to the Whitney Portal the next day for those great Cheeseburgers and Fries. That plan sound OK? I've checked past messages, and this seems doable. I'd like to keep it to less than ten miles a day. Anyone done this hike lately? Recommendations, advice, changes? Thanks in advance for the information.

We did a similiar trip August 04, but went in over New Army Pass. You have layed out a good 4 day trip and you will really like the views and terrain. Don't forget your bear cans and you could also camp at one of two small lakes above guitar lake if you want to shave a little mileage off of your summit day.

Water will be spars from Chicken Lake to just outside lower Rock Creek and again from Guyot Creek to lower Crabtree Meadows.

Watch for late afternoon thundershowers.

Have fun.

My wife and I are doing the same route on July 19 through July 22. We will post a report once we get back to an internet connection.

I also did this basic route a few years ago, it was a great trip. Your permit for Cottonwood Lakes would actually take you over New Army Pass, not Cottonwood Pass, that is a seperate trail/permit. Our first camp was on the west side of NAP at a lake SW of the Major General. 2nd camp was on Guyot Creek. Then Crabtree Meadows, and then Guitar Lake. We hiked out the same way we came in, vs going down to Whitney Portal. Hope you have a good time

Alon

Did similar trip last year in 5 days. Did NAP and camped at Soldier. Great places to camp there and a bear box too. Be warned, even though it shows it on Topo, there is no water at all between Guyot Creek and Crabtree Meadows- the second night. Bear boxes near river there too. Also camped at Guitar- good fishing for Goldens. Summitted and Trail camp for last night. This is the only place a bear can is necessary, and only for the small critters and, of course, the rangers. So, just carry one- no need for the whole party to have one. Trekking poles very helpful coming down switchbacks with pack. Enjoy the burger!

I thought it was Soldier Lake, but when I looked at my Topo it did not show that the lake was named.

Alon

Thanks for all the information, I really appreciate the help. Wayne and Maria, be safe and have a good trip. Hiker53, I might be close to you. I'm at the 22 and the 55 freeways.
Thanks again ! Scott