Climbing a 14K Peak in California

We all have to start our mountaineering somewhere and often we do not yet have the skills for technical climbing. Perhaps you do not want to acquire the skills for technical climbs or perhaps you just want to get out and experience the high mountains and climb a 14,000 foot peak. If so then an ascent of Mt. Langley is a great place to start (great for anyone with a good level of physical condition, a positive attitude and desire to experience the mountains). Mount Langley at 14,042 feet is the southern most of the California fourteen thousand foot peaks and the last major summit as one heads south in the Sierra Nevada. The ascent from Cottonwood Lakes is straightforward and a lot of elevation is gained via a trail before a talus scramble over large blocks to the summit.Langley has had a checkered history and the peak’s close proximity to Mt. Whitney led to much confusion amongst early ascensionists. The redoubtable Clarence King made what was probably the second ascent in 1871 in clouds and poor visibility believing that he had made the first ascent of Mt. Whitney. He left the area and returned to the east coast before his mistake was discovered. Frantically returning west King returned too late and found that a group of local Lone Pine fishermen had beaten him to the highest point in the lower 48.

If you are lucky enough to have extra time (and we do recommend this) relax, enjoy the mountains and take three days ($680).

• All meals when on the trail
• Group equipment and climbing equipment
• All tents, cooking and camp equipment
• Expert guides

• Backcountry camping
• Basic rock climbing
• Basic mountaineering including ice axe use