High Sierra Topix

I have permits for Langley (via CottonWood Lakes Trail) at the end of July (3 days - 7/29 -> 7/31).
Hopefully a good amount snow will have melted by then (especially with the summer heat).
I have a couple newbies going on the trip this time, and I'm hoping that I can get them up to the summit.

Which route seems more likely for end of July, Old Army pass, or New Army pass ?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I believe New Army pass was built because Old Army pass held snow so long. I'd bet NAP over OAP as your best chance.

Jimr wrote:I believe New Army pass was built because Old Army pass held snow so long.

That's certainly lined up with my, admittedly limited, experience. Old Army conditions on my July 1 trip last year still required crampons and an ice axe while New Army was viable with nothing. Actually ran into a couple that went up Old Army that did just that.

It's possible it'll have opened up by the end of July and it never hurts to check with a ranger when you pick up your permit. That said, New Army definitely clears first, and that was the actual question being asked.

TheMarmot wrote:Hi, here's a pic of New Army Pass and the regular route up Mt Langley. Taken from summit of Cirque Peak this past Sunday 6/11/17. Trail clear up to @11000'(Cottonwood Lks area), then areas of snow up to NAP. Hope that helps!

Would someone be able to point out on Marmot's photo where NAP crests? I see the right trending switchback in the lower part of the photo, but then I lose it. I've never been up this pass (though I hope to next month) so I'm not sure where the route trends. Thanks in advance.

I think that's basically it.

B.Kruger wrote:Would someone be able to point out on Marmot's photo where NAP crests? I see the right trending switchback in the lower part of the photo, but then I lose it. I've never been up this pass (though I hope to next month) so I'm not sure where the route trends. Thanks in advance.

I hiked up there on June 3 2015 and there was still a cornice at the top of the pass. It was no where as bad as this picture, though.
It looks like Jim answered your question, but I'll post anyway.

Thanks,

-Russ

I really can't comment on the actual crest, because it was covered by the cornice (just as in this picture). I just used my ice ax and went over the crest where there was snow but no cornice. I essentially followed what others had done before me.

I hope this helps.

-Russ

Great. Thanks, all.

Thanks for everyone posting this information. I am leading a group up Langley via New Army on July 28, 29 and 30. Should be pretty well open by then don't you think?

jrock73 wrote:I have permits for Langley (via CottonWood Lakes Trail) at the end of July (3 days - 7/29 -> 7/31).
Hopefully a good amount snow will have melted by then (especially with the summer heat).
I have a couple newbies going on the trip this time, and I'm hoping that I can get them up to the summit.

Which route seems more likely for end of July, Old Army pass, or New Army pass ?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

@jrock73- I'm traveling with a group 1 day ahead of you- 28th thru 30th. We are planning on New Army Saturday 29th. Hopefully it'll be passable. I was going to call the ranger station 1 week out.