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Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
#37245 06/08/14 12:16 PM
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Hi!

My best friend and I are going to try Langley from Horseshoe Meadows on June 18th through the 21st (we're thinking of taking our time, hanging out, and coming out via Cottonwood Pass and chicken spring lake) using the Cottonwood Lakes Basin and we are wondering if anyone has been in that area lately and would know the conditions on New or Old Army Pass. Do the snow conditions call for crampons/ice axe or micros, or can we get by without them? Also, we are wondering if the trail up to the summit after the passes require snow gear, but are kinda thinking it won't because it's so exposed in this low snowfall year.

I checked out the conditions on the sequoia national park website, but it'd be great to get some more opinions. Better to be safe than sorry.

Thank you!

Matt

Re: Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
MattB #37252 06/08/14 11:45 PM
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Matt, it is warm and any snow still there is melting fast.

I am pretty sure you could go without any snow/ice gear by that time. (Old) Army Pass might be the biggest exception. It always has a snow bank at the north-facing top that can hang around, and it is pretty steep.

Re: Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
MattB #37260 06/09/14 07:49 AM
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Hi MattB,

I did a "Old" Army/New Army loop last year on June 28th, so one week later than you are planning on. As Steve mentioned there is typically snow lingering at the top of Old Army, but last year I believe it was very manageable. You can see more details from my trip report at:
http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/32072/Horseshoe_Meadows_Army_Pass_Ne#Post32072

I'm planning on attempting Langley on the 20th, but via Lake #6. I've not been up to Lake 6 as yet, but my guess is that it will also have snow in the chute between Lake 6 and the ridge. I'll just have to see what it looks like. If too intimidating, I may go back to Old Army, and take that route. With this years lack of snow I'm "guessing" that Old Army will be passable. Of course YMMV.

Regards,

John

Re: Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
John Sims #37269 06/09/14 10:21 AM
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I did Mt. Langley via New Army Pass last Saturday 6/7/14. Little bit of snow on top of New Army Pass, but can do through very easy without any equipment. Here is this section:



Old Army Pass is not passable even with ice axe/crampons at least 2 other hikers decided not to try it on the way back. There is no steps or evidence that someone made it through recently.

Re: Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
Dizzy #37271 06/09/14 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted By: Dizzy
I did Mt. Langley via New Army Pass last Saturday 6/7/14. Little bit of snow on top of New Army Pass, but can do through very easy without any equipment.

Old Army Pass is not passable even with ice axe/crampons at least 2 other hikers decided not to try it on the way back. There is no steps or evidence that someone made it through recently.


Good to know.

Thanks for posting.

John

Re: Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
John Sims #37282 06/09/14 01:44 PM
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Thanks for the information, and especially the picture. We're thinking of setting up camp around Long Lake, so when we come in past Cottonwood Lakes we can scope out OAP and see if it's an option. Rather not bring snow gear though, so NAP is looking quite appealing.

John, if you see two college guys around the 20th, that'd be us!

Re: Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
MattB #37284 06/09/14 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted By: MattB
Thanks for the information, and especially the picture. We're thinking of setting up camp around Long Lake, so when we come in past Cottonwood Lakes we can scope out OAP and see if it's an option. Rather not bring snow gear though, so NAP is looking quite appealing.

John, if you see two college guys around the 20th, that'd be us!


Hi MattB,

I do not think you will be able to see Old Army from the trail to Long Lake. Of course you could take a side trip to take a look at Old Army, but you will need to get to the North end of Lake 3/South end of Lake 4. The following picture was taken nearing the north end of Lake 3, and you can see that the view of Old Army is blocked. You will actually need to go around the lake and climb up to Lake 4 (straight ahead) to see the pass.



I plan on being at Horseshoe Meadows on the 19th for a short trip up to Trail Peak for acclimatization, and then early start on the 20th for Lake 6/Langley. If I can get up the chute I'll likely see you on top. I'll watch for you guys. I'll be the guy in my avatar.

See spot from where photo was taken here: ( Map )

Regards,

John

Last edited by Steve C; 06/09/14 03:59 PM. Reason: clickable link added
Re: Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
Dizzy #37328 06/11/14 01:02 AM
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Originally Posted By: Dizzy
I did Mt. Langley via New Army Pass last Saturday 6/7/14. Little bit of snow on top of New Army Pass, but can do through very easy without any equipment. Here is this section:

Old Army Pass is not passable even with ice axe/crampons at least 2 other hikers decided not to try it on the way back. There is no steps or evidence that someone made it through recently.




Any mosquitos or bugs to report??

And john, looks like we'll take a short detour and check it out, but will most likely take new army. Thanks for all the help.

Last edited by MattB; 06/11/14 01:04 AM.
Re: Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
MattB #37337 06/11/14 08:10 AM
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Originally Posted By: MattB


And john, looks like we'll take a short detour and check it out, but will most likely take new army. Thanks for all the help.


Matt,
If you do decide to try Old Army there is a good camp site located at the north end of Lake 3. You can see it in the above photo on the right edge of the lake near the top. See the following link for gmap4 position: ( Camp Location on Map )

Hope to see you guys next week.

John

Last edited by John Sims; 06/11/14 02:10 PM.
Re: Mt Langley Attempt 6/18-21 -- New/Old Army Pass Conditions?
John Sims #37389 06/12/14 09:24 AM
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That's where we camp before going over Army Pass. It's sheltered and it is easy to get water from the lake #4 outlet.


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