Mt Whitney Zone Forums Thread Like Summary - Horseshoe Meadows Road

Hi all - long time lurker, first time poster. I have a permit for Cottonwood lakes starting next week. Super excited, never been to the Golden Trout Wilderness before. Road department website says the road is open, but Inyo Rangers say a gate is closed.

Can someone tell me how far the gate they are referencing is from the trailhead?
Has anyone parked their car at the gate and hiked up?
Special considerations to take into account if we do decide to leave the truck at the gate?

Grateful for this forum! Thanks in advance and happy hiking.

If the gate is closed, I recommend taking the shortcut trail located at 36.46012N, 118.16225W.

Thank you all for the quick responses. Looking forward to exploring this area of the Sierra, been on my list for a while now. Me and a friend have a plan to do the Trail Pass to Cottonwood Lakes Loop, but going in a CCW direction to hit Langley on fresh legs. Hope to hit the summit there also if condition permit. Ill try to post some pictures when we get back in two weeks. Thanks again!