PCT SECTION HIKE | DAYS 29-30 Lower Crabtree to Soldier Lake + Soldier Lake to Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead
Miles Hiked: 12.2 miles / 11.5 miles
Elevation: 2477 ft / 1755 ft ascent | 403 ft / 2496 ft descent
In all honesty, I forgot to write anything down for these days. I was tired. Completely solo once again, and ready to be done. I saw almost no people on trail either of these days. There was much less traffic. I debated whether or not to hike via Cottonwood Lakes or Pass, but ultimately decided on Lakes. The mileage worked out better with hiking to Soldier Lake the first day. Heading to Cottonwood Pass, it was dry between Rock Creek and Chicken Springs Lake.
I saw Kurious Traveler once again at Rock Creek. He said that Trainwreck was exiting at Cottonwood Pass instead of Kennedy Meadows due to lack of water—he was considering the same. I saw one more person at Rock Creek, a man named Byron. He asked if I could text his wife when I had service, letting her know that he was safe. The next goal was Soldier Lake. A gradual climb, through forest and meadows, occasionally following along a barely running creek. At the junction, it is just over a quarter mile to the lake, tucked away behind a granite hill.
The next morning, I packed up for the last time. One more pass. I was joined on New Army Pass by dozens of marmots. I have never seen so many! They were everywhere. I lost track of time. Just keep moving. Almost there. I made it to the trailhead much earlier than I expected.
I waited at the bottom of the road for a hitch, hoping that I would get traffic from both trailheads. At least a dozen people passed by. No luck. 3 hours of waiting in the hot sun and I finally got a ride from a group head to WP before town. I had them drop me off at Whitney Portal road, knowing it would be much easier to get a hitch near Alabama Hills into town. I finally made it. Got a room at the Dow Villa. Shower. Shave. Now time for food. I grab a burger and onion rings from The Grill, a frozen Coke from McDonald’s, and some fruit from the grocery store. It’s done. It hasn’t set it yet, but I know it will.