Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion water question

Hi there! Does anyone have a recent update of water availability on the PCT between Chicken Spring Lake and Rock Creek crossing (area of the ranger station)? Thanks!

There is no water from Chicken Springs Lake until where the PCT insects with the trail to Soldier Lake/New Army Pass junction (upper Rock Creek area).

When you reach that intersection, there is a small stream that you cross over, about a half mile. But at this point, you parallel Rock Creel until you cross it, about 1 mile further.

Be prepared to hike in sand from above Chicken Springs until the junction of the PCT and the trail that heads over to Soldier, maybe 2 1/2 to 3 miles). That section is hell!!!!

Guyot Creek..... unless you talk to someone on the trail, I would not count on water at the creek. So, in a nutshell, you may have to hike from lower Rock Creek to Lower Crabtree with what you are carrying. I believe that distance is 5.5 miles.

paul

Thanks Paul.

Hi Barbara!

I was up there at the end of June. If you stick with the PCT you will not see any water until Rock Creek RS (some 7 ish miles).

There is a junction about 3 miles from Chicken Spring, if you head north at the junction toward New Army Pass you will encounter water in about a mile (4+ miles from Chicken Spring as opposed to 7+ miles).

Taking the NAP and Soldier Lakes detour is also MUCH prettier, and only tacks on 1.5 miles.

Hope this helps.

Paul is also right about Guyot Creek, it was swampy a few months back. Now it is likely dry from Lower Crabtree to Rock Creek.

Thanks Snacking Bear - I've been perusing the map and was thinking that the route via the NAP cutoff and down along the creek might be the way to go for water and maybe some shade. Definitely think I'll do that.