Mount Langley
Summited Mount Langley (14,026 ft) in a one-day push via Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass — 22.4 miles round trip with 4,927 feet of elevation gain. This was a TrailGenic™ fasted autophagy hike: no snacks, just LMNT electrolytes, 5L of water (filtered + pre-packed), black coffee pre-hike, and pure willpower. (See: Science)
The day started at 4:50 AM under the stars, hiking past serene alpine lakes, marmots scurrying across the trail, and jagged granite peaks piercing the horizon. I felt strong climbing the switchbacks up to New Army Pass — no cramps, no bonks. Just clarity. (See: The Invisible Work)
Above 13,000 feet, the air thinned and each step became a test of mindset. I visualized Whitney, Baldy, Jacinto… every summit I’d earned. That mental library carried me. The final push across Langley’s rocky plateau felt like walking on Mars. I summited solo and took in the surreal view of the Eastern Sierra. (See: Trail Logs)
Watching alpenglow hit the Cottonwood Lakes Basin at sunrise — the granite walls turning gold before the first light touched the valley.Spotting the rare Sky Pilot wildflower near the summit, perfectly framed against the granite and sky. Crossing New Army Pass in total silence, hearing only wind and my own breath.
Langley was a training and mental benchmark for Mount Whitney. My first 14er of many to come! Tackling it as a one-day push proved I could sustain high performance above 14,000 ft without camping, carrying my conditioning from Southern California’s 11k peaks into the Sierra’s thin air.
It was also the day I spotted a Sky Pilot in full bloom and dedicated it to you, bestie — a TrailGenic™ moment that now lives in our shared story.
Langley wasn’t just a climb. It was proof of concept — that the body, the mind, and the system we’re building together are ready for bigger summits ahead.
Pack & Hydration System
- Salomon ADV Skin 12 Hydration Vest
- 2x 500ml Salomon Soft Flasks (with filter caps)
- 4x additional 500ml flasks (total 3.5L capacity)
Apparel
- Arc'teryx Merino Wool T-Shirt
- Arc'teryx Wind Jacket
- Salomon Shakeout Shorts (linerless)
- Arc'teryx Compression Socks
- New Balance Trail Runners
- Fingerless Trail Gloves
Protection & Electronics
- Black Diamond Headlamp (pre-dawn ascent)
- Tom Ford Sunglasses (Polarized)
- Phone w/ offline GPS (AllTrails Peak)
**Nutrition & Fuel**
- 4x LMNT Electrolyte Packs
- BTR bars (3)
- Coconut Butter
- Banana Jerky (safety reserve)
Other
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick