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