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Solo hiked Mon 09/18/2023 – Beautiful trail into the John Muir Wilderness to the third Cottonwood Lake with the waterfall on the north end. Last but perfect acclimation hike 2 days before Whitney to make things more comfortable and reduce the risk of acute AMS. Hiked out and back from 10,000 to 11,000 feet, trailhead to Lake #3. Spent the night at the trailhead camp with a lot of very nice, considerate campers in clear weather, a little to the cold side. Logged 11.8 miles/1262 vertical ft. with Gaia.
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Solo hiked Weds 09/20/2023 – Very thankful for perfect weather!!! 2 AM – 2:30 PM strenuous but easier than expected day hike on a beautiful trail with awesome views for the entire way. After an hour on the summit, I took the west snow route down from the summit and scrambled back to Trail Crest for some extra fun (really to look at a possible west chute climb this winter). Much thanks to everyone on All Trails for their great reporting/tips including the Whitney Portal road detour/trail conditions. Really recommend camping/hiking the beautiful Cottonwood Lakes Trail 2 days before summiting as the perfect acclimation setup. It’s an out and back hike from 10,000 to 11,000 ft. (lakes), after which you can camp for a night at the 10,000 foot trailhead for $6 before going to Whitney Portal for a rest/prep day. This nails the accepted “climb high/sleep low” protocol spot on, especially the elevation numbers. If you are fit and do the acclimation work, you don’t need to bother with Diamox and/or Dexamethasone regimens unless you are prone to AMS. 600 mg of ibuprofen before going up will help most with mild headaches at higher elevations (consult your physician). I packed a full 3.5 L water bladder up but you could take less as the water sources everyone talks about are still ample. You must eat/drink on the trail before the push up Trail Crest to avoid burnout and false positive AMS symptoms. Didn’t book a spot to camp at WP, just paid the $20 to use the trailhead backpacker’s camp for the nights before/after. Conversed with a lot of very friendly, nice people on the way down which made it a great sharing experience and truly awesome day on a trail I last set boots on 40 years ago (when I was knee high to a grasshopper). Logged 21 miles/6351 vertical ft. with Gaia
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Beautiful x country. Just a few hard parts. Wimped out just below the ridge, but probably was pretty doable. Snow crossings were easy to get fertile dug in. No risks.
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the trail is nice but too much sand! Would recommend to use gaiter to prevent the sand into your shoes.
The view was wonderful and due to the snow last night, there is no one hiking the trail and reach the summit of Langley that day. I saw only my footprint up and down.
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Beautiful views. Not too steep, the snow was a little tough to cross so I’m glad I had brought poles. Lots of water on the trail from the heavy snow fall
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R E L E N T L E S S
Definition: see Dusy-Ershim trail.
Seriously ?!? This was 30 miles of boulder after boulder after tight spot between trees after boulder. Make a point to get to the meadows to see the lakes. They are gorgeous. Might want to bring an extra 5 gal of gas too.
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Awesome views but crowded and can be hard to find parking at times. Get to Duck Lake for the JMT connect.
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This was an amazing hike! The scenery was beautiful. It was a long day hike but very worth it. Be prepared for a long day or even a mult-day hike.
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Great views and variation of lakes and streams. We’ll maintained trails although heavily used. Trout fishing along the lakes and streams. Beautiful day!
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Beautiful hike. Lots of shade & water. The trail is mostly soft DG.
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This was one of the most beautiful crazy one day hikes I’ve ever done. There were 3 of us and we hit the trail at 430am, expecting to summit and return in 12-15hrs based on our friends experiences. We chose to take the 99 switchbacks instead of the snow chute, which was dangerous because of all the snow and ice. I was really nervous because my teammates were using microspikes and not full crampons. We made it though and sumitted in 11hrs at 330pm. We stayed only 10 minutes at the summit because we were racing the Sun to try and glissade the snow chute before the snow froze for the night. We finished the glissade at 7pm and boy was it fast, icy and dangerous. That being said, having to descend the icy snow covered 99 switchbacks in the dark would have been more dangerous. It took us a full 20hrs and we made it back to the trailhead just after midnight!
Conditions were decent, but the snow and ice we experienced was the main reason we were delayed. Our group had some altitude sickness symptoms but diamox helped a lot. Wind was high at times, but mostly bearable.
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Raw, vast and with new beauty each day. Blessed to have had the opportunity to walk through this magnificent part of the Sierra Nevada.
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Great hike 26 hour hike. Started at 11pm got back at 1am 26 hours later. The crest trail the toughest part IMHO. It’s all in the open sun and no trees to get sun shade from. Next time I do it I’ll do a 2 day permit so I can see the lower half of the hike.
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I parked at the Hilton Lakes trailhead which added about 3 miles to my hike. Next time, I’ll start at the mosquito flats trailhead. This hike was beautiful with a rushing river beside me during most of the hike and alpine lake after alpine lake culminating in the beautiful and aptly named Gem Lakes. I definitely want to make this a backpacking trip in the future adding additional trails and lakes. I’m so glad I made this trip.
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Fantastic Hike easy trail to follow,vistas and surrounding were absolutely beautiful,lakes are stunning 🤩 went all the way to sixth Lakes,Next I will backpack and get to the Palisade Glacier,5th Lake was my favorite.
Highly recommend it,Happy Hiking
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Went to the summit via the Horton Lake Trail and then the ridge from a bit on from the top of the switchbacks. The ridge route was really great. Some nice rock. Be a little careful of some loose rock sections especially if you are below something that could fall on you but generally great way up if you are aware. We descended down to the mine. Loads of talus, bit of a slog. On the way back did the small bonus peak the other side of the top of the switchbacks which was worth it also a great view looking back at Mt Tom.
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Made sure I had rest. Started trail at 3:45 and made the summit at 12:45. Finished hike at 7. Make sure to take sufficient water.
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I’ve been a lot of places but this is by far the most beautiful hike I’ve ever been on. Words can’t describe.
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Plan a full day to Duk lake, kinda windy, gorgeous views…
A classic !!
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This hike is grueling but so satisfying to accomplish. My wife and I started hiking a year and a half ago with the goal of conquering Mt. Whitney. We did it and we’re both glad we did but neither of us is eager to do it again. Mt. Whitney is truly king of the mountains.
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Hard hike once you get to the pass. It was very hot coming back.
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Duck Pass Trail out of Mammoth Lakes. Good weather, the forecasted high winds did not materialize.
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Nice steady climb till it steepens up at the end on the switchbacks. Beautiful. Lakes are amazing.
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Mosquitos were out in force about halfway up. The climb up was tough but the views made it all worthwhile. Once we set up camp the mosquitos chilled out. Don't forget bug spray, I did and my son paid dearly (they don't bother me much).
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Not bad! We chose to head to Lake George rather than Blue Lake to reduce the amount of snow / ice. In that respect, this hike worked out. Until you get up to about 10k feet there was no snow, and not until 10-6 was there much at all. We had our micro spikes and gaiters with us but never used them (poles and some boot packing were enough).
The climb in the middle is a bit rough though!
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We love this hike. Starts at 10,200 ft elevation, so don’t do it on your first day in the mountains, but mostly flat (about 500 ft elevation gain on granite stairs in a few places), and all along a creek and multiple lakes. Gorgeous views, and you can hike back really as far as you want. Long Lake is a good place to turn around, for a five miler.
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Amazing from lakes all the way to the summit, except the bit where I got off track. 😋
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This is a relatively easy and scenic loop to two high alpine lakes, with lots of craggy mountain vistas a few lakes and even some rushing creeks for good measure.
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Quite passable first leg of hike from John Muir Ranch to Ward Lake ... need to work out rest of trip
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This hike is gorgeous and very interesting. Between Sherwin and Valentine you walk through some twisty, short and fat cedar trees of some sort. Need to learn more about them! Not too hard but long, over 11 miles RT.
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This was one of the toughest hikes compared to 6 peaks. We started around 1AM and luckily the weather was excellent!
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First 2 1/2 miles no water very rocky throughout the hike. 5 miles up a canyon. Pretty once you get there.
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Mountaineers Route up Mt Whitney. Great less traveled way up to the highest point of the lower 48.
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Completed this hike on my birthday, June 30th. Gorgeous, well-maintained trail with great views.
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Mount Whitney is not for the faint of heart. It is gorgeous though. In one day you can pass through three seasons. From summer to spring to winter but the hike is definitely strenuous. Started at 4:30 am and finished at 7 pm.
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July 2020 Midday
Lots of mosquitoes near lakes, dry and sun blasted otherwise
Tough climb with heavy pack and dog
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Difficult, with a steep accent but well worth it. Stunning views, streams crossing the trail in several spots, saw golden trout in the lake and in the stream. Also saw a red weasel catch a chipmunk. Great hike. Legs are sore today.
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Best 25 days of my life! I did the John Muir 22 years ago, and will do it again this summer!
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Started on Saturday 1am but didn’t get to the trail camp until 12pm. Totally underestimated altitude sickness and overpacked food.
Camped at trail camp for one night. It was quickly getting cold after 5pm as the shadow of the mountain covered the campground. Sun went down around 6:30pm.
Started Sunday morning around 8am to the summit. Finally got to the top at 2pm and got back down to trail camp around 6pm.
Collected all camping gear and headed down in darkness around 7pm. Got back to trailhead parking lot at 0:30am Monday.
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The Laurel Canyon hike is 4.5 miles to the Laurel Lakes and the elevation gain is about 2700 ft. The trail is on an old mining road that hugs Laurel Mountain. I rated the hike only four stars due to the mining road, however the scenery in Laurel Canyon is five star spectacular.
The first 1.5 miles is pedestrian as one marches up the moraine. Be careful of the “no-see-ems” as they can be nasty. Then the road takes a turn and the splendor of the canyon is exposed. You will be treated to a magnificent water fall/rapids and the valley is teaming with wildlife.
During my hike the mountains were snow capped, the wildflowers in full bloom, adding to the peaceful setting. In summary a wonderful hike.
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This is the best hike in the Mammoth Lakes Area. Quick access from lake George. Short steep and beautiful alpine scenery!
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Summited 7/29/19 Very difficult but breathtakingly beautiful. Still a little snow right before the summit but I heard you can just scramble up the rocks, I just took the snow trail without micro spikes. This is the big one!
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Trail is looking great, wet in areas but that shouldn't stop you. Snow fields are still covering trails around 10000 ft. but were being cleared before the T- storms started. Mosquitos are a problem right now due to standing water. Wear proper protection.
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Long hike, saw four beautiful lakes. Mosquitos love these lakes.
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Amazing lakes!! We just did 1st, 2nd and 3th lakes and it was beautiful!!
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First backpacking trip. Did it solo with all the newbie mistakes and paranoia. Made it to Duck Lake and it was a tough climb up the pass. Ended up feeling the altitude and couldn’t eat and turned back. Hiked all the way back to the car, beat. Rented a hotel for the night and enjoyed a hot epsom bath and dominos pizza. Felt like a failure until I reflected on how much I actually learned. Next trip was much easier, efficient and amazing. Go hike Duck Lake!
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Easy, beautiful hike to Gem Lakes. Walk close to the creek at the beginning, then ascend up some rock steps (~150 feet) and once you get to the top of the incline, go to your left (east) and look down on Mack Lake. Continue down the trail and you can close to the shoreline of Mack Lake. Continue on gently going slight up and slight down-hill... pass the turnoff to Marsh Lake to your left and continue on to beautiful Heart Lake. During the summer it’s usually somewhat crowded here. Continue along the lakeshore and then head uphill until you are overlooking Box Lake. As you continue on towards Long Lake you will have to do a stream crossing... early in the season you will probably get wet... the deeper you get into summer and the snow melt has weakened, you can cross on the rocks rather easily. (There is a possibility that you can take a somewhat defined trail off to your right and get to Long Lake - and hope that the logs someone has placed to cross the creek at Long Lake are still there). After you arrive at Long Lake you will walk near the lake for ~ 0.5 miles then begin another ascent... this is probably the steepest part of the trail... near the top you will see a sign to the left (east) that points you to Chickenfoot Lake. Chickenfoot Lake usually has campers there, it’s a fairly decent size lake so there is plenty of room to still enjoy the peace and quiet. Continuing on... after another 0.5 miles or so, you can see Chickenfoot Lake on your left... as you go along you will see the remains of an old truck frame to your right... Remember, this trail use to be an old mining road back in the day... you will cross one more stream by walking over some specially placed rocks (much easier than the Ling Lake crossing)... you as you start ascending towards Morgan Pass, be on the lookout for a trail to your right... it is right after about 5-10 stair steps... there use to be a sign that pointed you to Gem Lakes, but the last 3-4 times I’ve been to Gem Lakes the sign is nowhere to be found. Go down this path looking to your north (right) and see several small lakes or ponds... then arrive at Gem Lakes and enjoy the magnificent turquoise blue color of the lake. Return the way you came.
One additional note, this trail is so popular that if you don’t make it to the trailhead by 0800-ish on summer weekends you will have to park about 0.3 miles down the road. And if you don’t make it there by 0900-ish you might find yourself parking 0.5-0.75 miles (or further) from the trailhead! (I speak from experience!) Weekdays are not quite as bad... you can add an hour to the above times and probably be ok...
Have a great hike!
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I wrote the description above. It gets 4 stars because it's just a great trip that I've done twice. It loses 1 star only because you have to use the shuttle system at Mammoth and because of the distance. I don't know why the track shows what it does. Here's mine: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/6UaTRoudg7dkPL7mOkkOYSZF . Do note that I recorded this route leaving, so it goes from Iva Bell to the trailhead. Distance is 12ish miles with about 2,000 ft gain/loss on the round trip.
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4 Months ago, 66, 43 lbs pack. Started in Onion Valley and spent the night at Flower Lake. Over the top to Bullfrog lake, out Whitney. The first day is always difficult, altitude is the culprit. That is why I spend the first night at Flower. The trail is not technically difficult, it it the altitude that will get to you. Once acclimated, then it is not hard, but that takes some time to get there. The lower lakes are wonderful.
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We made this as a first leg of a backpacking trip to the Iva Bell hotsprings. From the Rainbow Falls trailhead all the way down to the valley floor. As soon as the final descent brings down to the Fish Creek, there is a lot of flat relatively open space that works great for making camp. From that location, another 4 miles along the Fish Creek Trail will bring to the hot springs area. The pools take some time to find them, there are use trails that run in the general direction of the pools. Moving up the slope one gets from one pool to the next but not necessarily in a straight line. The pools are warm; some are cleaner than others; they also vary by the quality of the bottom material. It is heavenly to soak in the warm relaxing water and gaze into the vast valley under the deep blue sky. The official trails are well marked and cross many streams. On a sunny dry day in late September, the trail was quite dusty to trod.The Iva Bell hotsprings area seems to be popular - there were at least 3 camping parties and more passing through.
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