Home / All Programs / Backpacking & Hiking / Mt. Langley
Mt. Langley
$895
Dates
- 2025 - July 12-14 | July 25-27 | August 16-18 | September 13-15
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 and physical training in the “Resources” tab.
The ascent of Mt. Langley is not technically difficult and does not require ropes or technical climbing equipment. However the elevation is a major concern and it is easy to get high on the peak without allowing sufficient time for the body to acclimatize to the elevation. If possible spending the night before camped at the trailhead.
The Horseshoe Meadows Road allows us to drive to over 10,000 feet making this one of the higher trailheads in the Sierra Nevada. From the trailhead the trail climbs steadily, but not steeply, to our basecamp in the Cottonwood Basin and it’s stunning high alpine scenery and meadows.
The area makes up for the unimaginative naming with stunning high alpine scenery and meadows. We leave early in the morning on the second day crossing either Old Army Pass or New Army Pass depending upon the presence, or absence, of snow on the trail. Once atop the crest our route is cross-country across a high alpine plateau with sparse vegetation amidst rocky tors without any maintained trail, but with easy travel. The final five hundred feet involve Class two scrambling (you will use your hands for balance and be moving over large rock blocks) to the summit plateau from where we get spectacular views of Mt. Whitney, Lone Pine Peak and north into the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
We return via the same route, spending the night along the shores of the lake at camp. After a leisurely breakfast and enjoying the sunrise we pick up camp and plan upon returning to the trailhead in the early afternoon of Day Three.
Trailhead to camp: 5.5 miles, 1350’ of gain, 300’ of descent.
Camp to summit: 4.0 miles, 3100’ of gain, 207’ of descent.
Camp to trailhead: 5.5 miles, 300’ of gain, 1350’ of descent.
Rental Equipment
We have rental equipment available at checkout.
Reviews
Paul, Evolution Loop Backpacking Trip
“I went on the 6-day Evolution Loop backpacking trip. I had the time of my life. The scenery was stunningly beautiful. Our guides kept us safe, prepared excellent meals, and were very knowledgeable about the area. They were friendly and kept us informed about what to expect each day. I only wish the trip lasted more days. I’ll be back for more.”
More Reviews
Brecken, Women’s Beginning Backpacking
“This service is great! I talked at length prior to the trip with the office staff on several different occasions. They answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable with the decision to take the trip. They were always so happy to chat at length. It was easy to book and the service was perfect!”
Ken, John Muir Trail
“SMC and it’s staff were completely responsible for making my JMT trip such a wonderful experience. Very competent and helped me prepare for the journey from their wealth of experience and expertise! Highly recommend this company to anyone looking for an adventure in the Sierra!”
Collette, Death Valley Backpacking
“Death Valley backpack with SMC guide Larry Gumina was exceptional!! He made awesome dinners and guided through exciting conditions (running creeks!). What a trip!!”
Related Trips
- $985
- 3 Days
- We are able to apply for Half Dome permits. contact us to get on our Half Dome call list.
- $895
- 3 Days
- 2025: June 13-15 | June 27-29 | July 4-6 | July 25-27 | August 8-10 | August 22-24 | September 5-7 | September 19-21
- $1,495
- 6 Days
- 2025: June 19-24 | July 3-8 | August 15-20 | September 12-17
- $895
- 3 Days
- 2025: May 23-25 | June 14-16 | June 27-28 | July 25-27 | August 23-25
- $895
- 3 Days
- 2025: June 20-22 | July 11-13 | July 19-21 | August 1-3 | August 16-18 | September 13-15 | September 26-28
- $895.00
- 3 Days
- 2025 - June 20-22 | July 11-13 | July 18-20 | Aug 15-17 | Aug 29-31 | Sep 12-14 | Sep 26-28