Actually, the fire burning in the Kern canyon is what's left of the Rattlesnake Fire.
It IS a long hike into Langley and back out in a day. Good for you thinking about the others in your party.
By the way, there is a no-longer-maintained trail up the South Fork Cottonwood Creek. Takes you clear up to the South Fork Lakes (Cirque Lake) Trail. It doesn't save any distance, but makes a nice loop.
