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.