Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Horseshoe Meadow trail head

Is the road open?

I talked to someone at the Mt. Whitney Ranger Station today who said it was open, as was the road all the way to Onion Valley. I was surprised, given recent posts. Will check it out tomorrow as I'm planning on doing Wotan's on Sunday.

Thanks, let me know what you find out. I want to go up there next week to get some altitude conditioning.

Glad to know Horseshoe Meadow is open for perusal. I plan on being there Tuesday/Wednesday, that's my jumping-into point starting June 25 for the weeklong slog to Mt. Whitney and back. Can't wait to take a peek over Cottonwood Pass.

I spent the night at the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead Saturday night before heading over to the Whitney Main trail and hiking Wotan's Throne on Sunday. The road to Horseshoe Meadow was completely clear and in great shape. A couple of snow patches at both campgrounds but nothing significant. It was a beautiful weekend in the mountains.

I was up at Cottonwood Lakes this past weekend. Here are some pics: Pics

Thanks, just what I was hoping to hear.

hey gigamike, good pix's. Made it back o.k. Sunday. Looks like you guys enjoyed the 2nd night @ the meadow. TOM.

Mike, you have a couple of pictures of a phenomenon that I also observed from about 30 miles south of you: a Sierra Wave. This was the long lenticular cloud bank that was so spectacular. This is often not recognized.

GigaMike,
Awesome pics. I'm thinking of heading up there later in the summer, since I've heard about it in the past. Any suggestions as far as where I can get some info on it?
Did you need any permit or a reservation for hiking or camping?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Hi Tom, it was great hiking with you. It was a much more pleasant night down lower than it was the night before. Glade you made it out ok. Maybe we'll run into each other again sometime.

Ken, I noticed the lenticular clouds after I arrived up near Lake 1. That was the best cloud formation I've ever seen. Too bad it was so darn cold and windy or I would of took more pics.

dveleas, Cottonwood Lakes is a great area. I have pics from another trip up there when there is no snow that I will put on my Webshots page tommorrow. You can call the Lone Pine Ranger station to get info and directions. No permits are needed for day hikes, but you will need one for overnighters.