The kids are getting more and more trail time. Two years ago, we did one uphill mile each day, with two miles hiking out. Last year, we did two miles with a lot of elevation gain. Now, we’re going to tackle more than five miles. The last week has been all about getting ready, both physically and mentally. Daphney and Jayden have been gearing up with backpacks loaded down with books, tackling hilly laps to build their endurance.
Our journey begins with an easy drive up to Horseshoe Meadow, where we fuel up with a simple dinner in the car. The backpacker’s campground is just half full—perfect for a quick overnight before the big hike.
Early in the morning, we hike up the trail, which starts out flat. It leads us into a verdant meadow near a wilderness school, and here, we try to fly fish. Kevin and Barry hook some golden trout, but I find them to be very picky.
As we push past the meadow, the trail climbs steadily into the high basin. The first Cottonwood Lake reveals itself—a sparkling sheet of water rimmed by brilliant green. The sun backlights the meadow grass, turning it into a glowing, undulating wave. We take a breather, soaking it all in before trudging through the marsh toward the next lake.
Daphney and Jayden are exhausted. This is the longest they have hiked in one day. We wait among some boulders as Kevin and Nico and Barry march ahead to scout for a campsite.
We settle on a broad field of grass and scattered rocks, with Mount Langley towering over Cottonwood Lake #3. Dinner is farro lentil soup, perfect for warming up as the cold sets in.
After dark, the Milky Way emerges, stretching diagonally across the southern sky like a band of jewels, its center clearly recognizable.
We hang out around camp in the morning. After breakfast, we do laundry. The kids run around and play in the wide-open field. They discover the joy of wading in the stream, splashing around until lunchtime. Beef-flavored noodle soup fuels us for an afternoon trek to the higher Cottonwood Lakes, where we sightsee and fish. Old Army Pass looks daunting, but we meet a few groups descending that trail from Mt. Langley.
Overnight, the incessant wind gives way to calm, leaving the lake as still as glass. In the early morning, Mt. Langley stands tall against a cloudless, brilliant blue sky.
After a leisurely breakfast, the hike out is smooth and easy. All that prep and training—every mile, every climb—has paid off. The kids are already asking for the next adventure.
