Cottonwood Pass / C. Lakes loop: “hammock camping” and SNOW questions
Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2019 7:06 pm
I have a Cottonwood Pass permit reserved for 07/25 entry, going with my adult son. I tent camp; he prefers his hammock. Plan to camp Night # 1 & 2 at lower Soldier Lake; with layover dayhike to Miter Basin, if not stopped by snow/ice. Day #3 - head back over New Army Pass; Night #3 spent at either Long Lake or one of the lower Cottonwood Lakes; exit on day 4.
Questions:
1. Are there enough hammock-friendly to be found thereabouts ? On our 2018 trip (Golden Bear Lake), this wasn’t an issue. For this trip, in the photos I’ve studied (around lower Soldier and Cottonwood Lakes) trees look plentiful but LARGE - and therefore maybe spaced far apart (?). Sorry if this is a frivolous question.
2. After seeing the New Army Pass “snow cornice” issue discussed in other threads, I’m wondering if it’s better to be hitting the pass around mid-afternoon (to avoid worst ice in the morning) ? Also, any advantages to doing this loop in the opposite direction ?? ... heading in/“up” New Army and out/“down” Cottonwood Pass - if so, would need to change my permit.
Thanks for any help with this.
Questions:
1. Are there enough hammock-friendly to be found thereabouts ? On our 2018 trip (Golden Bear Lake), this wasn’t an issue. For this trip, in the photos I’ve studied (around lower Soldier and Cottonwood Lakes) trees look plentiful but LARGE - and therefore maybe spaced far apart (?). Sorry if this is a frivolous question.
2. After seeing the New Army Pass “snow cornice” issue discussed in other threads, I’m wondering if it’s better to be hitting the pass around mid-afternoon (to avoid worst ice in the morning) ? Also, any advantages to doing this loop in the opposite direction ?? ... heading in/“up” New Army and out/“down” Cottonwood Pass - if so, would need to change my permit.
Thanks for any help with this.