Mount Langley via New Army Pass

This route begins on the Cottonwood Lakes Trail, gradually climbing through a forest of foxtail pines and meadows, the picturesque Cottonwood Lakes Basin (with good campsites) in about 5 miles. From here, follow the trail toward New Army Pass, which offers a well-graded yet strenuous ascent. As you reach the pass, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada before descending slightly onto a broad plateau.The trail then turns northward toward Mount Langley, where it transitions into a steeper, rockier path as it nears the summit. The final push involves some scrambling over loose rock and sand, but it remains non-technical. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra, with Mount Whitney visible to the north. After soaking in the views, retrace your steps down New Army Pass, passing through the Cottonwood Lakes area as you make your way back to the trailhead.