Hiking a 23-mile loop from Cottonwood Lakes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, via the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and exiting via the Cottonwood Lakes Trail, with the additional goal of reaching the Mount Langley Summit in a single weekend is an ambitious endeavor. This trip would require careful planning, preparation, and a good level of fitness. Here's a rough itinerary and some considerations:
Day 1:
Morning: Start your hike early in the morning from the Cottonwood Lakes campground. We had gotten there late the night before and camped in the southwest corner near the start of the PCT trail.
Midday: Follow the PCT
Afternoon: Continue hiking along the PCT. The PCT offers stunning views and takes you through beautiful alpine landscapes.
Evening: Camp along the PCT. Make sure to set up camp well before nightfall and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Day 2:
Morning: Continue your hike on the PCT towards Mount Langley. Depending on your starting point, you may need to cover significant mileage to reach the summit.
Midday: If you plan to summit Mount Langley, make sure to have adequate navigation skills, as the trail can be challenging to follow in some sections. Be cautious of altitude and weather conditions.
Afternoon: After reaching Mount Langley's summit (if you choose to do so), begin your descent.
Evening: Depending on your progress, camp along the PCT or descend back to one of the Cottonwood Lakes for the night.
Important considerations:
Permits: Obtain permits in advance at the Ranger Station in Lone Pine
Weather: Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations. Check the weather forecast before your trip.
Navigation: Carry maps, a GPS device, or a compass, and know how to use them. Some sections of the PCT and Mount Langley can be challenging to navigate.
Altitude: Be aware of the effects of high altitude, as you'll be hiking at significant elevations. Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
Gear: Pack appropriate gear, including layers for varying weather conditions, a reliable backpacking tent, a lightweight stove for cooking, and a water purification system.
Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.
Physical Fitness: This loop is physically demanding, so ensure you're in good shape and capable of hiking long distances with elevation gain.
Please note that completing this loop with the Mount Langley Summit in a single weekend is a challenging goal, and it may be more enjoyable and less rushed to spread it out over a longer timeframe if possible. Additionally, trail conditions and regulations may change, so always check for the most up-to-date information before your trip.
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