Mt. Whitney From Cottonwood Lakes

Time to head back. Here is a typical section of the trail sporting its lofty view. The views are worth the trip. This is looking towards Hitchcock Lakes, Chagoopa Plateau, and the southern Great Western Divide.

The Trail Back

Mt. Whitney Trip from Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead. June 2000.

Strangely, most of the people on the summit only seemed interested in talking on their cell phone or to each other, signing the register or eating what food they brought and hardly giving the view a second look.
Well, all good things must come to an end, so finally it was time to go. Dave trotted off ahead while I, in a fairly mellow mood, strolled along occasionally stopping to chat with those only too eager to stop for a breather on their way up to the top. The floodgates were open now, and torrents of red faced puffing hikers were making their way to the summit. I marveled at the variety of style and diversity of the upward travelers. Many seemed ill prepared had the day turned out less than perfect.