Mount Langley

Mt. Langley is the southernmost of the 14,000' peaks in California. From the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead (9,900'), hike to Cottonwood Lakes. From the 1st lake, Mt. Langley will be obvious. Most people climb via the Army Pass trail to the steep gravel heading north to the summit. It's class 1 and 2, fairly straightforeward. The summit peak is bare, with flat broken granite. One can see picturesque views of Mt. Whitney, Mt. Russell, and Mt. Williamson, plus a breathtaking view facing northwest of the vertical north face of Mt. Tyndall. The Army Pass can be dangerous if snow and ice are present, and an alternative route would be an obvious westerly slope about 1/2 mile north of Army Pass up to a cornice at the ridge. Once the ridge is gained, head north to the summit. From the ridge, this peak offers one of the best opportunities for cross country or randonee skiing to a 14,000' summit in California. Big Horn sheep have been seen in this area. Just south of Mt. Whitney, this is perhaps the 3rd easiest 14er In California to summit. An easy class 1 with some basic routefinding is needed to summit. The Views to the north are spectacular.