josh8888888, getting from Whitney to Horseshoe Meadows but avoiding the PCT/JMT would require cross-country travel: leave the Whitney trail at the top of the switchbacks, cross Discovery Pass and head down to the Crabtree Lakes, then over Crabtree Pass / Miter Pass to Skyblue Lake, then follow Rock Creek to New Army Pass. A solid adventure not to be taken lightly, with some Class 2 terrain. Sounds like fun!
