Getting between Cottonwood Lakes trailhead and Whitney Portal exit

[evolving]

Two of us are starting at Cottonwood Lakes overnight with Whitney exit.

Was thinking of getting a shuttle back to our car at the trailhead, but it was recommended that we leave the car at our exit Whitney Portal and then shuttle down to the trailhead as it's difficulty to estimate exit time.

Looking at the FS website, it doesn't seem like we'd be able to park there without a Whitney Portal entry and only for 3 nights.

Any suggestions?

[TurboHike]

Not ideal, but you could just leave your car in Lone Pone. Dow Villa offers long term parking, $25 per week, cash only (see their FAQs). Take a shuttle up to the trailhead, then try to get a hitch from the portal down to Lone Pine when you're done.

The Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce also offers weekly parking, $30, but you need to make a reservation. Scroll to the bottom of the link.

https://dowvillamotel.com/faq-contact-us/

https://lonepinechamber.org/services-av ... -commerce/

[Jim F]

Hi evolving,

I just did the transportation this way:

6:00 AM Wed July 3- parked my car at Whitney Portal, stored food in bear box (yes, I was carefully watched by the black bear with the red collar), met my driver at the porch of the Whitney Portal Store, left for Horseshoe Meadow.

7:00 AM July 3- Start hiking from Cottonwood Lakes TH. Went over NAP, passed thru the Miter Basin, exited over Crabtree Pass, camped at Upper Crabtree Lake.

6:15 AM July 4- Scrambled up Sand Hill to Discovery Pinnacle. Then summited Mt Whitney and hiked down the Main Mt Whitney Trail. Finished hike quite tired and retrieved food from bear box. AND FIVE MINUTES LATER DROVE DOWN THE WHITNEY PORTAL RD IN MY CAR (already sketching out next outing).

If you cannot find a driver from an internet search, call the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce. They will gladly provide local guidance.

Jim

[Mtbski]

I parked at Whitney Portal, rode an old bike of mine down to the road interestion and hitch-hiked up to the cottonwood Trailhead. The bike was stashed in some bushes, and was picked up on my way out. Worked great for me.

[FrankPS]

Looking at the FS website, it doesn't seem like we'd be able to park there without a Whitney Portal entry and only for 3 nights.

Any suggestions?

Do you have a link to this? I've never heard this before.

[WHH]

getting ready to do something similar but after Whitney we plan to come back down the sand hill and spend the night at lower crabtree and then exit cotton wood pass.
How was crabtree pass and how are conditions in the crabtree basin? we don't want to bring more gear than necessary but know that basin can hold snow longer.

[Jim F]

WHH,

On July 3:

(1) The Miter Basin had no snow. In fact, it seemed that creek and seasonal stream levels would be running low in a couple weeks.

(2) The approach to Crabtree Pass from the Miter Basin had a a few feet of snow at the top. Passage there was trivial. My descent to Upper Crabtree Lake was routine and crossed no snow.

In summary, no special gear was required.

Enjoy your outing.

Jim