Hoping someone has recent experience with a short & beautiful stretch of trail from Cottonwood Pass trailhead (near Horseshoe Meadows) along the PCT to the western base of Mt. Whitney. I did this hike a long time ago and vaugely remember about 3 days worth of 8-mile days to get to Whitney. I am considering taking all four of my kids (grown up and strong) to the top of Whitney this way (in August) and hope some of you kind folks have some experience & advice. Thanks.
McIntyre
From Cottonwood Pass, many folks camp at lower Rock Creek the first night then Crabtree / Guitar the second night. Summit the third day. Another first night option is Soldier Lake / Upper Rock Creek. Avaiability of water is a consideration. In dry years, nothing between Chicken Springs Lake and the small creek above Lower Rock Creek, if you elect to go that way.
The climb out of Lower Rock Creek was one of those character building experiences - a lot due to second-day wear and tear - but supposedly the PCT was reconstructed last year up to the Guyot Saddle to eliminate some of the steeps.
Three years ago I met a role model between the Guyot Saddle and Crabtree. I was resting along the trail and noticed this solo small-statured figure very slowly making its way north on the PCT. Turned out to be an Oriental grandmother from San Pedro in her mid-seventies, out alone to climb Whitney. She said all her friends in San Pedro did nothing but watch soap operas and gossip - so she decided to try something different. She was eventually going to get there on her own terms - without having to answer to anyone.
That we might all have such spunk and determination as we age.
booger