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Mount Whitney via Cottonwood Pass
#50492 06/30/17 04:08 PM
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Hard to get reports on the west side conditions other than just bits and pieces from PCT sites. I'm wondering if anybody on here could post a trail report, some images or a description having done it recently?

I am going in via Cottonwood Pass from Horseshoe Meadows at the end of next week. I've seen that the water crossings basically all along the way are high from the fast melting snow so hitting them early is necessary but would appreciate some information on the snow itself along this route. Full crampons still necessary for this route? Microspikes enough? Poles vs. ice axes?

For reference, our route is mostly along the PCT/JMT and we're planning on camping at the following spots:

Night 1: Chicken Spring Lake area
Night 2: Rock Creek area
Night 3: Either Crabtree Meadow or Guitar Lake

Any information on these areas is appreciated!

Thanks in advance!


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Re: Mount Whitney via Cottonwood Pass
Lizard #50495 06/30/17 05:30 PM
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Seems like I'll be there this weekend, but only a loop back to Horseshoe. But I'll update when I get back (Tues or Wed) on where I got with just microspikes/ice axe (could be no where).


@terraelise anything (fb, ig, etc.)
Re: Mount Whitney via Cottonwood Pass
Lizard #50497 06/30/17 09:52 PM
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We just got home from this trip. Micro spikes were fine. The only difficult water crossing was Rock Creek and you just need to go upstream (a note points the way) and you can cross on logs. You will get wet at Whitney creek but not dangerous. Look for a wide area, no current.
If you go over Trail Crest to Trail Camp at Mt Whitney, I would advise ice axes and microspikes. Microspikes and poles very helpful near Guitar lake as that area is mostly still covered in snow. If you are making a loop and going back to Cottonwood Pass, you don't even need microspikes, mostly the trails are free of snow.

Have a great and safe time.

Re: Mount Whitney via Cottonwood Pass
PatT #50506 07/01/17 01:04 PM
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Thanks Pat! We are going out Whitney trail via trail crest and trail camp. We are planning on carrying the ice axes but weren't sure if they'd be necessary from the west side. Super helpful report, appreciate it!

Last edited by Lizard; 07/01/17 01:04 PM.

PCT Thru-Hike 2015
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Re: Mount Whitney via Cottonwood Pass
Lizard #50751 07/10/17 01:20 PM
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Lizard, We're attempting the same route in a few weeks any intel you can provide would be greatly appreciated.


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