Mount Langley via New Army Pass

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting from the Horseshoe Meadows trailhead, this route follows the Cottonwood Lakes Trail and ascends over New Army Pass to Mount Langley's summit. Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking alpine scenery, including meadows, lakes, foxtail pines, and expansive granite landscapes. As one of California's fourteeners, Mount Langley offers a non-technical ascent that requires no special gear or climbing skills. While challenging, it's a rewarding adventure for experienced hikers, trail runners, backpackers, and novice peak baggers. This route is a strenuous day hike but can also be completed as an overnight backpacking trip (overnight use a wilderness permit).

Permits are required for overnight camping in the Inyo National Forest and can be obtained from recreation.gov. Reservations are recommended during peak season. The trailhead parking area has bear-proof food lockers and pit toilets.

This route begins on the Cottonwood Lakes Trail, gradually climbing through a forest of foxtail pines and meadows, the picturesque Cottonwood Lakes Basin (with good campsites) in about 5 miles. From here, follow the trail toward New Army Pass, which offers a well-graded yet strenuous ascent. As you reach the pass, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada before descending slightly onto a broad plateau.

The trail then turns northward toward Mount Langley, where it transitions into a steeper, rockier path as it nears the summit. The final push involves some scrambling over loose rock and sand, but it remains non-technical. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra, with Mount Whitney visible to the north. After soaking in the views, retrace your steps down New Army Pass, passing through the Cottonwood Lakes area as you make your way back to the trailhead.

The trail traverses diverse ecosystems, ranging from alpine meadows to high desert terrain. Along the way, you'll encounter wildflowers, lupines, and a variety of alpine plants. Wildlife sightings include marmots, pikas, mule deer, and various bird species. The area is also home to black bears, so proper food storage is essential to keep your gear safe and minimize human-wildlife interactions.