Mount Langley, at 14,042 feet, is the southernmost of the California fourteen thousand-foot peaks. We love this hike you will achieve a beautiful summit, but no technical climbing experience is required. The ascent from the Cottonwood Lakes Basin is straightforward. Much elevation is gained via a trail before a talus scramble to the summit.

Langley has had a checkered history and the peak’s close proximity to Mt. Whitney led to much confusion amongst early ascensionists. The redoubtable Clarence King made what was probably the second ascent in 1871 in clouds and poor visibility, believing that he had made the first ascent of Mt. Whitney. He left the area and returned to the east coast before his mistake was discovered. Frantically returning west, King was too late and found that a group of local Lone Pine fishermen had beaten him to the highest point in the lower 48.

Inclusions

Price includes guiding, permits, tents, kitchen gear, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Our meals are healthy and prepared by your guide before the trip. We use good quality dehydrated ingredients to make a variety of delicious, protein-packed meals. We rarely serve pre-packaged dehydrated meals.

Prerequisites

Prior day hiking experience is required. No prior overnight experience is required but you need to be in good physical condition, able to walk 6 miles, and gain up to 3,000 feet daily while carrying a multi-day backpack. Early season ascents may have snow travel, we will work with you to teach you the skills to cross it safely.

Acclimatization & Physical Training

For proper acclimatization, we suggest spending at least one night at a moderate altitude, higher than 8,000 feet, just prior to the start of the journey. See our detailed tips on acclimatizing an physical training in the “Resources” tab.