Conditions for Mt. Langley

Hi there. I have a permit for Mt. Langley via cottonwood lakes trail May 30-June 2. My goal was to do Old Army Pass to the Southwest slope but I’m having trouble getting information on it.

Spoke to a ranger who says he’s only done New Army Pass which adds some mileage I’d prefer to not do. My guide book and AllTrails seem to have the same route I’m wanting to try for but am curious if anyone has information on conditions (snow, recommended gear etc.) 

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/cottonwood-lakes-campground-to-mount-langley

Any and all information on current conditions welcome. Would love to hear some recent summit stories. Thanks! 

Old Army pass is treacherous when there’s a lot of snow on it, which is why they built New Army. It’ll still be snowy May 30-June 2.  I’d recommend New Army.  

Although new army is longer, it’s supposed to be easier due to a better, less steep trail. And less treacherous. I plan on going mid June. 

Is the mileage difference your only objection to New Army, vs Old? If so, you will hear this advice repeatedly from m everyone -- don't take Old Army Pass. The old trail is so much shittier than the new, it's not actually a net savings of time or effort. New Army Pass will be the fastest & easiest route.

But if you genuinely want to climb Old Army for its own sake... As of two weeks ago, I heard that it was still snowed in -- ice axe & crampons, for sure. (And apologies for the roundabout answer.)

Thanks all! I have pivoted plans to New Army pass but unfortunately it sounds like both options are totally snowed in. Two separate parties reported to the visitor center this week being unsuccessful even with crampons and ice axes.

We are still going to try for it. I will post a reply with whatever we see and experience out there in case anyone else has permits this early in the season.

Fingers crossed! Weather is looking good 

Having done both, I support your choice to do NAP. Army (aka OLD Army) pass is treacherous in the best of times. The only real downside is that New Army takes you a bit higher in elevation and then you descend a bit before climbing up to Langley. But worth it for the much easier approach. 

Liv Davi wrote:

Thanks all! I have pivoted plans to New Army pass but unfortunately it sounds like both options are totally snowed in. Two separate parties reported to the visitor center this week being unsuccessful even with crampons and ice axes.

Any idea if it was the snow itself that stopped them -- or maybe rockfall in the warming temps? I heard from a few folks, this past week, who got turned around on various routes by bad rockfall at mid-morning.

How’s it looking for a June 15 attempt?  Is the road open?  

Planning to go the 25th of June. Hoping the lakes are no longer icy by then. Looking forward to hearing how your attempt went. :)

I can’t get a permit for the 15th. Looks like I’ll be going later if I can get a permit. 

Charlie Kissick wrote:

I can’t get a permit for the 15th. Looks like I’ll be going later if I can get a permit. 

This is the second year in a row you've been talking about Langley, Charlie. Time stop talking about it and get out there and do it!

Charlie Kissick wrote:

I can’t get a permit for the 15th. Looks like I’ll be going later if I can get a permit. 

You don't need a permit if you day hike it. Long car to car, but hardly impossible. Similar to Whitney. 

Andrew Rice wrote:

You don't need a permit if you day hike it. Long car to car, but hardly impossible. Similar to Whitney. 

You do need a day use permit for the Whitney Zone (including day hiking the summit).

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5150055

FrankPS wrote:

You do need a day use permit for the Whitney Zone (including day hiking the summit).

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5150055

When did Mt. Langley move to the Whitney zone?

My "similar to Whitney" is pretty obviously in relation to the length and difficulty. I'd argue that Langley is a bit easier but the mileage is the same. Altitude gain/loss loss is less. 

FrankPS wrote:

This is the second year in a row you've been talking about Langley, Charlie. Time stop talking about it and get out there and do it!

There’s always something getting in the way. On a training hike/run yesterday a pit bull took a chunk out of my calf. Now I’m on the couch with my leg elevated and on crutches.  But I’ll get up yet!  

Andrew Rice wrote:

You don't need a permit if you day hike it. Long car to car, but hardly impossible. Similar to Whitney. 

True. But at 65, it would be tough. I could probably do it, but it wouldn’t be all that fun. Besides, I enjoy camping in the high Sierra. 

Charlie Kissick wrote:

 On a training hike/run yesterday a pit bull took a chunk out of my calf.   

You could start a thread about dogs! Never too many of those. Oh, wait..

Heal up!

Charlie Kissick wrote:

True. But at 65, it would be tough. I could probably do it, but it wouldn’t be all that fun. Besides, I enjoy camping in the high Sierra. 

Watch the wilderness permit cancellations on permits for that trailhead, then. My experience is it's never hard to get one if you have a mid-week window.