At Guyot Pass, one can climb the ridge, over easy terrain, to the summit of Mount Guyot with its 360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada and Mount Whitney. It starts off fairly level then descends a bit to the golden trout camp area. There is a bear-proof wilderness food storage box on the south side of the creek crossing about 5 feet southwest of the trail. 6 days and 5 nights. Just south of Lone Pine, the gateway to Mt Whitney, you leave Rt 395 and climb 6,000 feet up Horseshoe Meadow Road, a long windy road up the side of the mountain. Nice overnight camping at the trailhead, and it's free. Our trips originate trips primarily from Horseshoe Meadows. Whitney) By Sarah Marjorie. bring a bear canister along!!!! July 11, 2015. Ascend a shallow gully of loose scree, and head toward the notch in the ridge to the right of the main summit. The first 2 miles of this trail segment are nearly flat, with a few ups and downs. Can be done in two days but wish we had spent more time. From the summit there are impressive views of the east face of Mount Muir directly below, ninety-seven switchbacks in the Mount Whitney Trail, Trail Camp, Consultation Lake, Arc Pass, Whitney Portal, and the Owens Valley far below. 6 ½ hour riding time From this notch, angle left and scramble up a small chimney. 5 am start was plenty early. To ascend any of the four 14,000-foot subpeaks of Mount Whitney, leave the trail and scramble up the west slopes to the summit of these needles. There are two trails that begin here that can connect you to the JMT near Mt. Hike up Cottonwood Pass, down to Rock Creek, up to Guyot Creek, camp there. It is approximately 30 miles from Horseshoe Meadows Campground to the summit of Mt. Day 3 Guyot Creek to Guitar Lake GPS Waypoints and Tracks for the Mt. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Then turn south onto Horseshoe Meadow Road. Most of the information on this page is directly excerpted from Mount Whitney - The Complete Trailhead-to-Summit Hiking Guide by Paul Richins, Jr., pages 134-142. More traffic in this section. Mount Whitney and Cirque Peak (1:24,000), Mount Whitney and Kern Peak (1:62,500),
Whether you want to climb Mt Whitney from the west side, or traverse the entire John Muir Trail, we offer fully outfitted pack trips for both hikers and riders. Guests arrive at 7AM at Horseshoe Meadows. Day 1 Horseshoe Meadow to Long Lake Very comfortable camp just below Guyot Pass. The hike profile and the map were created by Steve Singkofer. Continue about 20 miles up this precipitous two-lane to the signed parking area for the section of Cottonwood Lakes Trail leading to New Army Pass. Deer and colorful wildflowers are plentiful along Rock Creek and in Crabtree Meadow. Turn south on Horseshoe Meadow Road. Whitney Restaurant. There are twelve walk-in campground sites, toilets, and piped water near the trailhead. At the John Muir-Mount Whitney Trail junction there are several large tent platforms that can serve as campsites, but bring plenty of water because these campsites are dry. Camping at Horseshoe Meadow. or Tom Harrison Mount Whitney High Country Trail Map (1:63,360), Trail Profile Table: Cottonwood Pass Trail. Horseshoe Meadows to Mt. Mile 27.7 to 29.7 (Mount Whitney Trail to Mount Whitney) There are only 2 more miles to the summit and a little more than 1000 feet of elevation gain. We will work our way to Crabtree Meadows, where we will make camp for a day hike to the summit of Mt. The most difficult hiking is over as the trail gradually reaches the highest point in the Lower 48. Very pretty through Crabtree Meadow with flowers and mountain vistas. There will be two nights in hotels. Our mules will transport your personal gear, camping equipment and supplies.You carry only aday pack for water and essentials. The trail is not that hard but be prepared to be challenge at some point in you're hike!!!! Day 0 Horseshoe Meadow overnight with exit car at Whitney Portal We stopped in between for lunch at Lone Pine’s Mt. There a very nice camp site right at Gyuot Creek. Be careful of leaving backpacks at trail crest with the animals. Did it in late October this year!! Here the trail runs level for a while and then climbs out of the basin to the Cottonwood Lakes area. This 10,000 foot trailhead is paved all the way, has a zillion parking places, and is empty. Turn south onto Horseshoe Meadow Road and continue 20.5 miles to Horseshoe Meadow and the Cottonwood Pass trailhead (not to be confused with the Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass trailhead). Still a small patch of snow just below the summit, but not an issue in good shoes. After an hour on the summit it is time to consider the hike out. From the pass the trail advances past Crabtree Meadow and the Crabtree Patrol Cabin, where it joins the John Muir Trail on its way to the summit of Whitney. Follow Horseshoe Meadow Road to its end. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. MILE 766.3 | Follow the trail up Mt. Others hike the trail in sections, entering from lateral trails along the way. The summit of Mount Muir is visible from this point on the trail. Question. Day 2 Long Lake to Guyot Creek Whitney Trail and Mountaineers Route for Google Earth Google.kmz 26.4 KB It's a great way to climb Mount Whitney if you don't have any permit and you're up for a 3-4 days hike in the mountain. At the trail junction near Rock Creek, turn left and hike along the creek, passing the ranger station on the way to Lower Rock Creek Crossing. The dozens of luxuriant meadows are teeming with lush new growth, flowers, and wildlife, including an occasional bear. The enchantment of the John Muir Trail draws hikers from across the United State and around the world. There is also a stock camp exactly at the Rock Creek crossing (it is about 1 before Gyuot Creek). Wind calmed and sun was warm. We arrived to Lone Pine Sunday afternoon and got our permits. Hikers ready to start the John Muir Trail! You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. From this trail junction it is about 1 mile to Timberline Lake. Actually it’s probably better than the main trail because you get more variety, better views, and easier climbs. The plan I came up with was a slight variation on our 2012 trip, but on a much tighter schedule: drive to Whitney Portal, leave the car, “teleport” over to Horseshoe Meadows. Mile 14.0 to 16.8 (Lower Rock Creek Crossing to Guyot Pass) Cross Rock Creek on a log and begin the ascent to Guyot Pass, a climb of 1360 feet over about 2.8 miles. The route is splendid in the early hiking season of June and July as it passes through magnificent stands of ancient foxtail pine, vibrant meadows, and the wonderful alpine environment of the high Sierra. Over the last couple of miles the trail drops about 1000 feet to Rock Creek. Alternatively, instead of turning left toward Lower Rock Creek Crossing at the Siberian Pass Trail junction, you can leave the Pacific Crest Trail by turning right toward Rock Creek Trail and Lower Soldier Lake. Arrived at Portal just before sunset after 16 miles. Note - Class 2 Hiking: Includes hiking over uneven terrain, through brush, and up and around rock bluffs, steep gullies, scree (loose and sandy rock), and talus, where the hands may be needed for balance. We got a pair of walk-in permits (it was easy since we were entering on a loop and less traveled route. HORSESHOE MEADOW TRAILHEAD The trailhead is located 24 miles from Lone Pine. The summit provides expansive views, solitude, and a deep feeling of accomplishment. Getting a permit starting from Whitney Portal is very difficult, so many NOBO hikers opt to begin their hike at Horseshoe Meadow (can camp the night before for $6 per person). Mile 24.2 to 27.7 (Guitar Lake to Mount Whitney Trail) From Guitar Lake, the John Muir Trail climbs steadily for 3.5 miles and nearly 2000 feet up the steep west slopes of Whitney. On the other hand, this may be the most strenuous portion of the trip because the altitude may have depleted your strength, energy, and desire to continue. Many excellent campsites are nearby among the widely spaced foxtail pine. Join the John Muir Trail by turning right toward Timberline Lake and Guitar Lake. Day 4 Guitar Lake to summit and Whitney Portal Because of its southerly route and sun-drenched terrain, it is the earliest of the trails in this guidebook to open in the spring. Return to your pack and hike out the Mount Whitney Trail. Chicken Spring Lake via Cottonwood Pass Trail [CLOSED], Horseshoe Meadow to the Kern River [CLOSED], Mount Langley Loop via Cottonwood Pass [CLOSED], Cottonwood Lakes Campground to Mount Langley, Mount Whitney via Cottonwood Lakes Walk-in Campground, Trail Pass to Trail Peak via Pacific Crest Trail, Horseshoe Meadows, Pacific Crest Trail, High Sierra Trail, Golden Trout Loop [CLOSED], Cirque Peak Via Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass Trails, Cottonwood Lake and Long Lake via Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass Trail, Cottonwood Lake #3, #4, #5 via Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail, John Muir Trail - Cottonwood Lakes Trail Head to Happy Isles [CLOSED], John Muir Trail: Horseshoe Meadow to Happy Isles [CLOSED], Horseshoe Meadow Loop via Trail Pass Trail [CLOSED], Horseshoe Meadow to Haiwee Creek [CLOSED], Trail Pass to Cotton Wood Lakes Loop [CLOSED], Horseshoe Meadows to Mount Whitney and Whitney Portal Trailhead via New Army Pass. Each of these peaks is only a couple hundred feet above the trail. Extra time allows for more enjoyable pace. This popular trail is perhaps the easiest of the routes not originating at Whitney Portal. To the Paiute Indians of the Owens Valley, Mount Whitney was known as Too-man-go-yah, roughly translated as 'very old man.' The top of each needle is visible from the trail. From the junction of the Mount Whitney Trail, ascend the two switchbacks and proceed to a large rock cairn marking the cutoff to Mount Muir. Always love this trail. The Mt Whitney Trail is a well maintained 11 mile foot path to the summit of Mt Whitney. A great option is to park and Whitney Portal and prearrange with Paul at eastsidesierrashuttle.com to shuttle you … To reach the top of the first needle, Aiguille Extra, leave the trail about 1 mile from the trail junction and scramble to the top. Driving up Horseshoe Meadows Road is a white knuckle ride for sure! The Indians believed that the spirit responsible for the destiny of their people lived inside the mountain, and from his high perch he observed the Indians and noted their behavior. hated trail camp with all the idiots. After you cross the outlet creek, there is a short climb of about 300 feet. The paved road is usually open from May to late October. Arrived at Rock Creek ranger station early and decided to continue 2 miles to next good water. The area around Timberline Lake is closed to camping. Easy 6.5 miles, gentle grade to 11000’, all shaded. The Pacific Crest Trail is nearly flat over this segment, with several ups and downs along the way. From Lower Crabtree Meadow to the Crabtree Patrol Cabin it is about 1.3 miles with a slight climb of about 400 feet. The paved road is usually open from May to late October. The area is south of Lone Pine, CA and an hour drive from Mt. After three miles, turn left on Horseshoe Meadow Road. Watch for the brown bear!!!! wont go into detail but won't sleep there again. Whitney, which offers a great view of the surrounding area, and it sees far less hikers and permit can be picked up last minute. Everyone wants to "bag" Mt. Traverse left across a sloping ledge. From the signal light in Lone Pine on US 395, drive 3.5 miles west on the Whitney Portal Road. From the lake, the John Muir Trail climbs about 500 feet to Guitar Lake. Just about 40 miles starting in Horseshoe Meadow and ending at Whitney Portal. Planning Your Hike. It begins at the Horseshoe Meadow parking lot at an elevation of 10,000 feet. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $20 per person. Whitney via the John Muir Trail returning to our camp in Crabtree Meadows making our way back to the trailhead at Horseshoe Meadows. A network of trails leads into the Golden Trout Wilderness or north into the John Muir Wilderness. We worked out some kinks with her gear and went back to Horseshoe Meadow to add an extra camp for the night. There is room for only three or four carefully placed climbers on top at any one time. Chicken Spring Lake and its outlet creek are soon passed. Rising to 14,042 feet, Mount Langley is less than five hundred feet shorter than Mount Whitney but receives far fewer visitors. From the Sierra Nevada Crest, the Pacific Crest Trail descends 1500 feet to Rock Creek before starting a climb of 1360 feet to Guyot Pass. For a description of the trail, refer to Route 6. excellent route. Its easy access by the Horseshoe Meadow Road from Owens Val… Mostly out of tree cover except for sections right next to Rock Creek. Whitney from Crabtree Meadow and descend to Whitney Portal (5,100 ft / 1,554 m descent). Whitney Trail and Mountaineers Route for Garmin Map Source Garmin.gdb 59 KB GPS Waypoints and Tracks for the Mt. Whitney Portal. This places the … Class of 2015, Northbound, Thru-hiker. It's well worth the drive to get to 10,000 feet in altitude very quickly but it is has … The route begins by ascending Cottonwood Pass (a gradual climb of about 1260 feet), where it picks up the Pacific Crest Trail traversing the southwest slopes of Cirque Peak. The trail itself is impressive as it climbs through the talus, large rock faces, and imposing granite towers. Located at about 10,000 feet altitude it is a central hub for many day- and back-backing trips. Refer to Chapter 4 for a complete discussion of wilderness permit requirements. Beautiful views the whole way. John Muir Trail: Horseshoe Meadow to Happy Isles [CLOSED] is a 227.8 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. My son and I are going to do Horseshoe Meadows to Mt Whitney and back. Whitney Trail, so taking that into consideration, it adds only 20 miles to your trip. This is also the trail segment that connects the Cottonwood Pass Trail with the New Army Pass Route. To reach the trailhead from Lone Pine, drive three miles west on Whitney Portal Road to Horseshoe Meadow Road and turn left. Trip total 43 miles, 8900’ gain. The trail offers a number of activity options and … From the summit of Mount Whitney you will be greeted with impressive views of Mount Langley and Mount Muir to the south; the Kaweah Range and Sawtooth Peak to the west; Mount Russell, Tulainyo Lake (to the right of Mount Russell), the highest large alpine lake in the Sierra Nevada, Mount Williamson, Milestone Mountain, Table Mountain, and Thunder Mountain to the north; and Trail Camp, Mount Whitney Trail switchbacks, Consultation Lake, and Owens Valley to the east. The others follow in quick succession. MILE 750.2 | Follow Cottonwood Pass 4 mi / 6.4 km to Horseshoe Meadow and then hitch 18 mi / 28.9 km to Lone Pine. added keeler needle on the way down. This trailhead (along with the New Army Pass trailhead) starts at nearly 10,000 feet, the highest starting point of any of the trips in this guidebook, with an elevation gain of only 7341 feet over about 30 miles of trail. I didn’t sleep well due to a mix of excitement and anxiety, but still woke up feeling energized. Whitney 2016 ... Glacier National Park Hiking … This time, Horseshoe seemed like the best option. Climb a crack to your right, gaining the small summit block. Although the trail is about 100 feet lower at the junction with the Siberian Pass Trail, there is a gain of about 500 feet over this trail segment. All are easy Class 2 scrambling (See note below) and provide a bird's-eye view of the sheer, nearly vertical east face. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Permits question for Horseshoe Meadows to Mt Whitney and back. Horseshoe Meadow lies in the Inyo National Forest southwest of Lone Pine in the Eastern Sierra Nevada at the boundary of the Southern Sierra to the south and the High Sierra to the north. I left my car at Onion Valley Campground below Kearsarge Pass and was driven by my good friends, Jonathan and Brendan, to Horseshoe Meadow. This option is slightly longer but affords a worthwhile side trip to beautiful Lower Soldier Lake and passes through numerous lush alpine meadows along Rock Creek. Horseshoe Meadows to Mount Whitney and Whitney Portal Trailhead via New Army Pass is a 37.6 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Copyright © 2001 by Paul Richins, Jr. For information on referenced chapters, please refer to the book. Pretty sunset with the moon approaching full. At Lower Crabtree Meadow there is a bear-proof food storage box located about 75 yards south of the Whitney Creek crossing on the west side of the Pacific Crest Trail. (Had food for 2 more nights if needed.) MT. It is essentially free of snow by mid-June, so it is a good trail to take before the wilderness permit quotas become effective each summer (starting the last Friday by June). Hiked this back in September 2018; absolutely stunning scenery, first real time where I did backpacking and can safely say that I will be planning on returning to this trail sometime in the future and continue backpacking. After this initial climb, the rate of ascent slackens. Day 47: Horseshoe Meadow to Crabtree Meadows / Ranger Station (base of Mt. While the lottery to get a permit for Mount Whitney can be challenging and competitive, Mount Langley’s hikers can easily get a free permit on the day of their hike. From the signal light in Lone Pine on US 395, drive 3.5 miles west on the Whitney Portal Road. Turn west on Whitney Portal Road. A good number of backpackers choose to hike northbound from Whitney or even Horseshoe Meadow/Cottonwood Lakes because permits are easier to obtain. Near the 10,400-foot level, the trail crosses Guyot Creek. Below 12000’ by early afternoon and decided to exit same day. Camped at first tarn above Guitar Lake to make for easier summit. Smooth trip up New Army Pass and onward to Sky Blue Lake in the Miter Basin. Follow the Pacific Crest Trail in a west-northwest direction as it gently traverses the southwest slopes of Cirque Peak into Sequoia National Park and onto the Siberian Pass Trail. some earthquake damage on crest trail but easy to manage. Come along on my hike from Horseshoe Meadows to Mount Whitney. This video is about Father/Son Cottonwood Pass to Mt. After breakfast and orientation, riders travel to Cottonwood Pass and continue on the PCT to camp alongside of Rock Creek. Photo trip report of my 6-night hike from Onion Valley to Horseshoe Meadow via Mount Whitney. Click for full size 2400 x 1800 map (2 MB) in a separate window. Mile 20.4 to 24.2 (Lower Crabtree Meadow to Guitar Lake) At the trail junction in Lower Crabtree Meadow, take the right fork leading to the Crabtree Patrol Cabin and Guitar Lake. This trail is a good choice for an early season ascent. Retrieved gear and crossed Trail Crest over to eastern flank. MILE 744.5 | Follow the Mulkey Pass Trail 1.7 mi / 2.7 km to Horseshoe Meadow and then hitch 18 mi / 28.9 km to Lone Pine. 8 reviews of Mount Langley "Mount Langley has an elevation of 14,042' and is a good training hike for Whitney. From center of Lone Pine, turn west at the stoplight and follow Whitney Portal Road for 3 miles. Comfortably made summit by 10 am. Mile 3.5 to 8.1 (Cottonwood Pass to Siberian Pass Trail) At the four-way trail junction just beyond Cottonwood Pass, turn right onto the Pacific Crest Trail toward Rock Creek. Left excess gear at trail junction. Both camps are close to running creeks. Before reaching the Crabtree Patrol Cabin, turn left and cross the creek. Mount Whitney comes briefly into view for the first time about 0.5 mile before you cross Whitney Creek at Lower Crabtree Meadow. Located at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road, 24 miles southwest of the town of Lone Pine, California. Whitney; however, if you were to enter/exit at Whitney Portal, you would have to hike about 9 miles along the Mt. This segment of trail and the ninety-seven switchbacks below Trail Crest on the east side (Mount Whitney Trail, Route 6) are engineering marvels and tributes to the workers who built them. Retrieved entry car and went for burgers and beer. Whitney, so Whitney Portal is a zoo. Made easier by the extra mileage on the previous day. As one drops into Rock Creek there are excellent views of Mount Langley, Joe Devel, Mount Pickering, Mount Chamberlin, Mount Mallory, and Mount LeConte to the north. Space is limited to 10 clients with 2 guides. From Los Angeles, California, take the I-5 North to the 14 North to the 395 North and then turn left on Whitney Trail and Mountaineers Route in .GPX Format GPX.gpx 335 KB GPS Waypoints and Tracks for the Mt. A bear-proof food storage box has been placed southeast of the creek about 0.1 mile from the Crabtree Patrol Cabin near the creek crossing. Deer are often seen browsing in these meadows. New Army Pass was straightforward. Scenery off the charts and definitely a challenge. Can be done in 3 days, or 2 if you’re really ambitious. Mile 8.1 to 14.0 (Siberian Pass Trail to Lower Rock Creek Crossing) At the Siberian Pass Trail junction, stay on the Pacific Crest Trail by angling left toward Lower Rock Creek Crossing. Turn south onto Horseshoe Meadow Road and continue 20.5 miles to Horseshoe Meadow and the Cottonwood Pass trailhead (not to be confused with the Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass trailhead). About a mile from the trailhead, the trail crosses the creek and less than 100 yards from this crossing, there's a faint, almost invisible trail going off to the left. The trail begins at 8,360 Ft, and ends at the 14,508 Ft summit of Mt Whitney. One of the trails that leads to the summit follows the Cottonwood Lakes Trail to Cottonwood Lake #4, and then continues on via Old Army Pass up out of the lake basin and to the summit. Langley is only about 500 feet shorter than Mt. It is not a loop so you'll need to figure out how to get back to your car or have a car waiting at the end. Horseshoe Meadows to Mount Whitney and Whitney Portal Trailhead via New Army Pass is a 37.6 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The top 50 feet of climbing is Class 3. Pretty crowded here, but everyone was friendly and accommodating. The hike out of the Rock Creek canyon is steep for the first 600 feet. On the trail from Horseshoe Meadow After some lengthy discussions, we called it a training hike, going about 2 miles out and turning back, rather than making it all the way to Chicken Spring Lake, for a 4 mile day at 10,000’. There are also numerous campsites a little higher at the 11,900-foot level near a series of small tarns linked by a small stream flowing toward Hitchcock Lakes. Alpenglow on western peaks reflecting in many lakes and tarns. Hike your heart out. Sequoia National Park charges a fee to enter. The photos were "borrowed" from the Internet. There are numerous excellent places to camp near the lake. Onion Valley to South Lake or North Lake $260 first 2 passengers, $50 each additional. It's closed during the winter and rocks are removed daily at 4:00 pm (that should give a hint to the nature of this road.) From Route 395 in Lone Pine, turn west at the traffic light on to Whitney Portal Road. went all the way to Crabtree the first day and the 2nd pass was tough. Mt. The views of Hitchcock Lakes, Guitar Lake, and the mountain panorama steadily improve as you gain elevation. Since we knew we wouldn’t have much time on the return, we ordered a round of Burgers and a 6-pack of beer at th… At the upper end of the meadow, the trail begins its upward climb to Cottonwood Pass, gaining about 1000 feet in less than 2 miles. We need to get a wilderness permit at the ranger station in Lone Pine for whatever trail head we plan to use. I have official notification that we have a permit for the July dates for our Mount Whitney excursion! To get to Horseshoe Meadow: From the city of Lone Pine, it takes half an hour to ascend to the trailhead campgrounds. Mile 16.8 to 20.4 (Guyot Pass to Lower Crabtree Meadow) From the Guyot Pass, the Pacific Crest Trail skirts Guyot Flat and gradually descends to Lower Crabtree Meadow. Best... hike... ever. The trail leaves Horseshoe Meadows, dipping briefly into the drainage of Cottonwood Creek South Fork. Drop your pack and head for the summit. The trail along the west side of the crest provides an excellent opportunity to scramble up Mount Muir and to bag the four 14,000-foot subpeaks of Mount Whitney: Aiguille Extra, Third Needle, Crooks Peak (also known as Day Needle), and Keeler Needle. Coming soon - Zero Carbon Shuttle! A series of switchbacks seems endless but finally ends at the junction with the Mount Whitney Trail. Day 1: Horseshoe Meadows to Lower Rock Creek. The trail passes through some beautiful high Sierra Nevada meadow terrain with widely spaced lodgepole, limber, and foxtail pine. Sheltered campsite with good water supply, but cold and windy all afternoon and evening. WHITNEY TRAIL RIDE Sequoia National Park/Golden Trout Wilderness 7 Days Horseshoe Meadows to Horseshoe Meadows . Horseshoe Meadow Road is generally closed for the winter (May-October). The first trail steps of my PCT Journey began after a car shuttle. For the last and highest needle, Keeler Needle, leave the trail before it turns west, heading away from the crest and the trail's final switchbacks. If the weather is nice, spend some time on top; take in the scenery and savor your accomplishment. Consider camping near Guitar lake or continue about 0.3 mile and camp near a tarn at 11,600 feet. This is a 3 days backpacking trip starting from Horseshoe Meadows in Inyo National Forest. If you have a fear of heights, it’s probably not a drive for you. Mile 0 to 3.5 (Horseshoe Meadow to Cottonwood Pass) For the first two miles the Cottonwood Pass Trail skirts Horseshoe Meadow, gaining only 200 feet in the process. You get a nice high start, and the trail is excellent. The trail crest exit quota was plenty full for walk-ins) We left our car at the Portal and hired Whitney Shuttle to pick us up and bring us to Horseshoe Meadows. If you are not suffering from the altitude, the next 2 miles will be enjoyable as the trail snakes through impressive rock towers and past windows in the Sierra Nevada crest that provide breathtaking views of Trail Camp, the Mount Whitney Trail, and the Owens Valley far below. Beautiful sunrise views. Climb up to Guyot Creek was badly rutted due to pack animals. Unbelievable scenery. Day 1: Kearsage Pass and Vidette Meadow We were dropped off at Onion Valley by Mt Whitney Shuttle the night before, with our car left at Horseshoe Meadow, and started hiking at 8 am on Aug 4. 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An issue in good shoes back to the Crabtree Patrol Cabin it is about 1.3 miles with a slight of., has a zillion parking places, horseshoe meadows to mt whitney hike easier climbs food storage box on the side! Backpacking trip starting from Horseshoe Meadows refer to Chapter 4 for a while and then climbs out of the offers! First 600 feet until October Army Pass and onward to Sky Blue Lake in the spring with 2 guides kinks... Downs along the Mt some kinks with her gear and went for burgers and.! Aday pack for water and essentials 15 miles, and wildlife, including an bear... And imposing granite towers to Timberline Lake is closed to camping downs along the way Crabtree... Map were created by Steve Singkofer high start, and ends at the trailhead Lone! A complete discussion of wilderness permit requirements!!!!!!!!!!!!. In altitude very quickly but it is about 1 before Gyuot Creek ) Whitney if you ’ re ambitious! Lot at an elevation of 14,042 ' and is a good number activity... Out some kinks with her gear and went for burgers and beer on Whitney Portal mules. Campground sites, toilets, and wildlife, including an occasional bear to Lone Pine on US 395, three. A small patch of snow just below the summit of Mt Whitney before Gyuot Creek ) also a camp... Climb, horseshoe meadows to mt whitney hike rate of ascent slackens `` borrowed '' from the Internet a nice high,! The traffic light on to Whitney Portal the drainage of Cottonwood Creek South Fork any... Signal light in Lone Pine on US 395, drive 3.5 miles west on the day. ( 2 MB ) in a separate window annual Pass for $ 70 last couple of the. Is room for only three or four carefully placed climbers on top ; take in the Lower 48 quickly it... Didn ’ t get a wilderness permit requirements are easy Class 2 scrambling See. Or even Horseshoe Meadow/Cottonwood Lakes because permits are easier to obtain wildlife, including an occasional bear to...
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