Still a large cornice up top eating the last switchback. Option to hug the rock or go west of the switchbacks up a clear rock band.
Went up Saturday intending to go up Langley but a cool story happened instead.
Near the top of the pass I encountered an elderly gentleman who was clearly very experienced but not happy with the pass. After chatting a bit I understood his years of familiarity with the Sierra and started really appreciating the stories and little insights. I decided to drop my summit plans and hang out with him instead and get over the pass together. What might have took me 20 minutes ended up adding 4 hours to the top of the pass but it was totally worth it. Great conversation and I got some great hints on some hidden corners of the Sierra to explore.
We went our separate ways up top (he's doing a six month overland traverse of all the Sierra basins). I decided to drop down the 'ridge' of Army Pass point instead of going back down the pass. I've been eyeing it up, it was fun.
Some views of the conditions on the pass in the video (timestamp links in description to jump around easily).
For me the nice mix of snow and bare ground/rock this time of year gives good definition to the splendid terrain in the distance.
One of the Moderators of the Whitney Portal Store Message Board (the late Bob R) did this circuit on May 7, 2007 and June 1 , 2008. After defeating snow issues at New Army Pass, his group went on to Army Pass Point. From there, each time they descended the chute to Long Lake, as you had done previously.
We are ask all the time about early passing over New Army so your video shows the often cornice many don't understand this time of the year and often they don't have the cross country travel skills needed or route finding to bypass the cornice.
Great video and conditions report! We ran into the same elderly gentleman on Friday morning and had a great time chatting with him!
Oh cool! He was fun, and off on a bucket list trip as he kept saying.
Originally Posted by Jim F
From there, each time they descended the chute to Long Lake, as you had done previously.
Nice! It seems like a well worn path down the chute, and the rocky 'ridge' way I went this time. Both viable options for up or down when the passes are snowed in. I'm surprised I don't hear them come up in conversation more when people discuss conditions and which pass to take. Great views up there, worth the side trip to the point for anyone passing by regardless.
We are ask all the time about early passing over New Army so your video shows the often cornice many don't understand this time of the year and often they don't have the cross country travel skills needed or route finding to bypass the cornice.
No kidding. It's so hard to communicate the scale. I snapped this picture this time with a hiker in frame (bottom left) and it helps somewhat. Feel free to download and show it to people so they can see it's no ordinary drift, its a three story high monster overhanging 20+ feet.
Went over New Army Pass Friday July 3 on way to Miter Basin. The trail over the NAP is now snow free. Many people were day hiking (as well as running) from the Cottonwood Lakes TH to Mt Langley.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/g0SFI2e.jpeg)
