Downsides of Horseshoe Meadows(and the above "Altitude Acclimatization Supreme Campground") vs the Portal is no hot resturaunt grub, showers and no cell/internet service.
:-(
I am wondering if it is best to hike the first day at Horseshoe or just take it easy? I think I have got myself pre-AMS-ed instead of acclimatized before.
Yeah, the lack of hot restaurant grub is definitely a downside. I sometimes bring a Dutch oven for the hot meal.
Another potential downside is that you can get stuck up there if the road floods with mud between Walt's Point and the campground. That seems to happen often, but the crews clean it up the next morning with bulldozers.
I usually do a casual day hike locally up there. I day hiked Mt Langley, but that can wear you out before doing MWMT.
Did 4 trips to Lone Pine last year. I could see making that trip just for Horseshoe Meadow and the surrounding trails. It is beautiful and I always get a good sleep in the cool, crisp air (I normally sleep on a mattress in the back of my truck).
