Ascending Mount Langley: Reflections from the High Sierra - Part Two

Ascending Mount Langley: Reflections from the High Sierra - Part Two

By Armando Ortiz

Journey Outward:

With the goal of reaching High Lake, the final destination on the New Army Pass trail I set out from Los Angeles around 10AM. However, picking up the permit from the East Sierra Center, and buying lunch from a roadside lunch truck chipped away at the time.

The drive to the trailhead proved slow, trying to navigate the winding road while feeling the heat of the valley thermals ring up against the mountain faces. Finally, the steep cliffs gave way to a small green valley, Horseshoe Meadow. Parking near the trailhead’s overnight section, I shut off the car, ready to start my journey. However, an unexpected challenge awaited. 

Suddenly, violent gurgling emanated from the car’s hood, signaling an unforeseen complication that would challenge my journey ahead.  Pink coolant was streaming from under the car. I opened the hood and saw that the coolant reservoir was overflowing. Undeterred, I shifted my focus to preparing for the hike ahead. The car was an afterthought.

The slow drive and car inspection chipped away at the time I had for hiking under the sun. Taking my time, yet feeling slightly rushed, I savored my burrito, conscious of the ticking clock and miles ahead. Packing couldn’t be rushed; forgetting something essential would have probably cut the trip short. Once done packing the pack, and locking the car, I placed the key inside the bag. I made sure the pack was sturdy. The trekking poles were adjusted. The process felt meditative. With preparations complete, I commenced the trek at 4:30PM, the sky was clear and the weather welcoming. Observing the few white clouds in the sky I pondered the serenity of the landscape.

Approaching the trailhead, a rush of determination and excitement surged through my body, propelling me into the wilderness. The altocumulus seemed unusually close and scattered like pulled-apart white cotton candy. This would be my first 21-mile expedition, complete with an overnight stay and summiting a mountain peak. The weather felt dreamlike and resembled a late summer afternoon in Los Angeles, and the trail was tranquil. The first two miles felt awkward underfoot as the ground was soft, with tiny granite bits of sand causing my feet to sink with every step. 

At the John Muir junction, the trail became firmer, and shadows increased while the air grew cooler. Studying the topographic map helped anticipate areas that would be flat, but having to walk through a lush green section was a surprising relief. The shade provided a pleasant feeling from the sun’s intensity. Approaching the solitary junction, I noticed some buildings towards the east. The coolness of the vegetation refreshed my skin as the humid air was soothed with its heavy presence.

At this point it was late afternoon. Darkness was yet to begin its descent, but the shadows were lengthening. I kept my pace until reaching Cottonwood Lakes. That section was a relief, since it felt that it was mostly flat though you continue gaining elevation. This forested section made me reflect on the wilderness and its inhabitants.

As I approached Cottonwood Lake Number One the glowing yellow rays of the sun were touching the edge behind the mountain ridge. Mt. Langley seemed to have a yellow aura at its peak. High Lake was my determined destination, unwilling to compromise. It was quiet along the trail which traces the water's edge. It hadn’t been a snowy winter so the lakes seemed half full. There were plenty of flat spaces to set up camp all along this area. Across the lake was a delicate green canopy of varying foxtail pines.

Contemplating the proximity of water, my mind wrestled with unease about potential bear encounters, heightening my awareness of the surrounding wilderness. I remained determined to reach my predetermined camp spot. While finding a sheltered location away from the wind was a priority. 

Continuing along the trail, the thought of my food canister and its potential to attract animals also loomed with every step, intensifying my vigilance as darkness descended. The moon-like landscape in this section nonetheless made me quickly forget those wandering thoughts. As darkness fell, Long Lake came into view after another thirty to forty-five minutes of climbing. The sight of Long Lake could have been an ideal spot for an overnight stay, offering designated campsites and flat terrain amidst the encouraging shadow.

Nevertheless, I felt compelled to continue further up the trail. Reaching High Lake, stars were beginning to appear, and darkness enveloped the landscape. This was the designated area that had been chosen days before. This was the last lake along the trail before the harder ascents began. I encountered rocky terrain and found a sizable boulder that could serve as a potential windbreak. The proximity to the lake provided easy access to water. Hastily, I set up camp and retired for the night.

Although the trek had been tough and adrenaline kept pushing me forward, I found solace in knowing that I had prepared well for this expedition. Even though there were better areas to stay the night, this was good enough. There was a sense of ease knocking that I’d made it to my destination. At this point, the summit, not my car, occupied my thoughts. Anticipation and excitement had been replaced by determination and focus. I slept under the presence of cathedral-like peaks. I probably woke up once or twice in the night, but overall this expedition had earned me a well deserved rest.

Ascending Mount Langley: Reflections from the High Sierra - Part One

Ascending Mount Langley: Reflections from the High Sierra - Part One

Ascending Mount Langley: Reflections from the High Sierra - Part One

By Armando Ortiz

Introduction:

At the beginning of 2022 I decided to enter the Mount Whitney lottery once again to try to hike it up during the summer. By late Spring those plans changed since I had been unable to secure a permit. The popularity of summiting Mount Whitney, combined with the lottery system, poses challenges in obtaining a permit. This fact led me to consider hiking other fourteeners instead. Mount Whitney would continue to be there and as time passes opportunities would come their way. Moverover, as I reflected on the challenges of securing a permit for Mount Whitney, my attention turned towards exploring alternative hiking options. In light of these considerations, the allure of Mount Langley’s accessibility and challenge began to grow.

Mount Langley is in the Sierra Nevada. To the west is the Kern River Valley and to the east is the Owens Valley. It is the southernmost fourteener in the United States. To its north lies Mount Whitney which is the highest mountain in the contiguous U.S. Getting there from Los Angeles is an easy drive. 

Hiking Mt. Langley had been one of my goals for a few years. I’d read about the hike and its connection to Mt Whitney. It seemed like a trip to be tackled as an overnight trip, and at the time I was more interested in day hikes. Overtime though I’ve taken a couple of backpacking trips, but still consider myself a novice. After choosing to embark on this journey, I recalled my former professor and his reasoning behind backpacking into the wilderness. 

During my Chicano Studies course at East Los Angeles Community College, my professor shared personal anecdotes and described his unique backpacking experiences. Hearing him describe the solitude left an impression on my mind and for many years I remembered that instance. This trip would be in part due to him talking about why he enjoyed the outdoors. Moreover, it marked another step in my gradual progression into backpacking.

The decision to embark on the Mt Langley expedition was the culmination of experiences and preparations. I began backpacking by taking short trips that were two miles at most from my car. My small day pack was bursting at the seams, and my hands were holding a sleeping bag and a bag of food. The tent that was used the first couple of times was a backpacking tent which was purchased about ten years ago to be used for car camping. Over time, I continued hiking, a passion I’ve pursued for many years.

As time passed, I began taking overnight backpacking trips spanning up to ten miles round trip. One of the first major trips at that time was to Henninger Flats in the San Gabriel Mountains, that night it was cold and rainy. In the middle of the night a rivulet passed through the middle of the tent. Later I took several trips to Kearsarge Pass in the John Muir Wilderness. Everytime the weather was slightly different, with mosquitos being abundant one of the times. I also recall the water being much colder plunging into Gilbert Lake.

I’ve experienced backpacking in rainy weather, and in almost perfect conditions. This short expedition would be the longest, which would include summiting Mount Langley. Choosing this expedition only came after years of hiking local mountains, and several backpacking trips. This backpacking trip would be my toughest and longest one yet.

Furthermore, my journey towards Mt Langley was not just about reaching the summit; it was months of physical and mental preparation. I’d attempted the lottery system to hike Mt Whitney several times and was unable to get a permit. So, after trying for three years straight, I decided that it was time to start exploring and summiting other mountains that were just as challenging, but less trafficked. Before this hike I had summitted White Mountain Peak in the White Mountains of Mono County. Having completed White Mountain Peak as a day hike, I felt physically prepared for Mt Langley. It would be more easy going, accessible, but just as challenging as any fourteener. That was my best choice.

This hike would be both a summit and my first solo backpacking trip that would be longer than 12 miles. There was excitement and anticipation. I’d spent the early part of the year doing many hikes around Los Angeles, along with daily walks and working out twice a week. Despite still being a novice in backpacking this trip taught me many valuable lessons that should not be taken lightly. Additionally, I purchased a topographic map, read various blog posts, and revisited several books.

As I delved deeper into the logistics of the Mt Langley trail and its alternatives , the significance of proper preparation became increasingly evident. Mount Langley serves as a preparatory hike for many aspiring Whitney hikers. Also, for backpackers this is a popular multi-day expedition that starts at Horseshoe Meadows, and ends at Whitney Portal. This means that trekkers are able to summit both peaks if they wanted, and because of the distance permits are easier to get.

In January I began taking monthly hikes that were longer than usual. Hiking almost every weekend about 4-5 miles was my routine for the last few years. Once a month I'd go on a hike that was longer and more challenging. As summer approached, I increased the weight in my backpack. I also tackled shorter, but steep and arduous trails to build strength and stamina. That year, I hiked Mt. Wilson, but mainly focused on maintaining a monthly challenging hike outside my weekly routine. This along with consistently hiking with about 12-15 pounds of equipment on my back helped tremendously in my preparation for the upcoming long Summer hikes.

However, beyond recounting my journey, this essay aims to prompt reflection on the significance of proper and meticulous preparation and its role in averting unforeseen challenges during outdoor expeditions. Although my overall performance in driving there, packing, food preparation, clothing and understanding the terrain could be graded as a “C” this experience made me a better hiker and backpacker. Respect for the wilderness is paramount, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation. I hope this essay inspires readers to explore the outdoors and understand that great journeys begin with a first step.