Cottonwood Lakes Backpack Register

Date and Time:
Sun, Jul 12, 2026; 8:00 AM (Pacific) - Fri, Jul 17, 2026  6:00 PM  (Pacific)
Time is tentative.

Organized By: San Diego Chapter

Location: FR3J+72 Lone Pine, California

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Jim Greenstein
   jimgreenst@gmail.com
   (619)708-4888
Rachel Lo Secco
   rlosecco@gmail.com
   (914)489-9805

This backpack adventure is in the southeastern Sierra Nevada Cottonwood Lakes area, just south of Mount Whitney.  The trip will be strenuous at elevations above 10,000 feet with the goal of ascending Mt. Langley at 14,042 feet. After driving to the trailhead, we spend one night at the Cottonwood Lakes walk-in campground. The next morning, we begin our backpack into Cottonwood Lakes where we camp one night. On the second backpacking day we hike over New Army Pass (12,280’) to Upper Soldier Lake, with an optional Class 1 hike up Mt. Langley. The third day is a leisurely off-trail day hike into Miter Basin. We return to Cottonwood Lakes on the fourth day via (old) Army Pass or New Army Pass, depending on snow levels. Considering the 11-mile hike back to the trailhead, we may spend one more night at Cottonwood Lakes or at the trailhead before driving home, which we will decide as a group.

Costs- your share of campsite costs, anticipated to be $11, and transportation to the trailhead. Please contact Jim for more information. Although you can RSVP through this website, the leader will need to be assured that you can successfully complete the trek. To do this we will contact you regarding your gear and your backpacking / physical conditioning, and experience at high altitudes. We will have a Zoom meeting prior to the trip for participants to meet each other, and self-coordinate carpools. The trailhead is about 300 miles from San Diego. Carpooling is encouraged.

Form Regarding Gear: https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/backpack.pdf



 

Level: Strenuous (11 mi 4000 ft gain)

Cost: Share of $11 for campsite + private transportation

Signup Restrictions: Leader must approve your capability to handle this hike/backpack

Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather