Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Mount Tom water availability

I haven't been out to the E. Sierra in a few years, but this summer we're heading out to hike my namesake, Mt. Tom!

Trip reports are somewhat hard to come by and so I'm wondering if anyone has experience w/ water availability, specifically between Horton Lake and the summit? It seems like snow is unlikely to be present in August and I'm hoping we don't have to carry our entire needs for the day with us from the lake.

Also, if anyone has been up there recently, I'd love to hear of conditions, trip info, fish bite at the lake, etc.

Thanks,

Tom

Haven't been up there recently myself, but I'd say Horton Lake is probably your last chance for water before you ascend to the mine and the ridge.

Plenty of fish in Horton Lake last fall before it completely froze over.

Have fun!

-L

Yes, your last chance for water is Lower Horton Lake. Mt. Tom is a dry, desolate, waterless, pile of rubble. Two feet up, one foot sliding down... Don't stay in the cabins a Lower Horton Lake unless you really like mice!

There is water at Gable Lakes, if you come in from the Pine Creek side, via the Gable Lakes Trail, but it's a long walk from there to the summit.

Thanks! We're planning to hike to Horton next Thurs, summit Friday and back to Horton, then out on Sat. Hopefully we can load up camelbaks and bottles enough for the round trip from the lake to the top.

I drove the road up to the campsite about 1/2 mile below the trailhead Friday. It's in pretty rugged shape. 2 WD is still probably OK, but would definitely recommend clearance for the rocks. Don't think the TOF will ever see that TH again.

Have a great time!

Great, thanks. I'm in a 2WD Xterra, so ground clearance is pretty good. I think my brother will be in a 2WD Dodge Dakota. We will give it a shot and I guess park short of the trailhead if need be.

One more curiosity while I have your ear - does anyone know approximate mileage from Horton L to the summit? I think from that and the elevation change (which I have already), I can figure out an approximate hike time.