At 10,000 feet in elevation, Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground makes a good place to spend a night before setting off into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. Just label them with your name and re-entry date. On a busy weekend, if you can’t find your way around, just call out. Head north through pine forests along Cottonwood Creek. It also provides long-distance service to Reno (where there is an airport) and Lancaster (where you can take a commuter train into Los Angeles). But it gives you lots of options for campsites. Group size must be limited to 8 people or less (some parts of the loop are up to 15, but it’s 8 if you want the full loop). Horseshoe Meadows Equestrian Camp/Hiker Overflow Parking. Cottonwood Pack Station is located at Horseshoe Meadows. This popular, family-friendly destination is a beautiful place to hike during the hot summer months of July and August when the mountain wildflowers burst into bloom. The loop can be accessed from several trailhead parking lots—all within 0.5 mile of one another. They’re comparable in length, though New Army is slightly longer and more elevation gain (but not by much). Photo by Liz Thomas. Parking was free and the Silver Lake… From there, you’ve got 3.5 shady miles following Cottonwood Creek down to an intersection. This is the hiking clothes you may not wear all day, but you’ll want for nighttime or if the weather turns bad. Fair warning: Recent rockfall has obscured the trail in a few places, but use trails around boulders make it easy to get back on track. Lower Rock Creek Camp has bear boxes (and a rumored toilet, though I have yet to find it). It’ll be in our update of the Best Backpacking Stoves story. Along this wide open basin enjoy the unique geology, flora, and fauna of the Crazy Mountain Range which sits stoically at the far Eastern Front of the Rocky Mountains and takes the brunt of the brutal winds from the expansive plains to the East. RECOMMENDED HIKE: A strenuous 27-mile loop follows Horseshoe Meadow via Cottonwood Pass trailhead to Rock Creek along the Pacific Crest Trail, then up the creek, over 12,400-foot New Army Pass, and then exiting through Cottonwood Pass trailhead in Golden Trout Wilderness. I'm a little low on water, and eager to take a break. As the 9th highest peak in California, it’s also one of the easiest 14ers to climb. While we didn’t have the second map, we really wish we did. There were several lakes and peaks just north of us in the Mt. 18. We topped off our water bottles and rehydrated. Langley, Cirque Peak and the Pacific Crest Trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail turns west and at around 4.5 miles you enter an open meadow with excellent views of the Sierra Crest ahead. 6/20 - … We only want the same thing as you—the best gear at the best price. We carried a Bear Vault 450 for two people for four days (the first day’s snacks, lunch, and dinner don’t need to be in the bear can, but trash from those meals does need to fit). As an inline filter working with our Platypus Hosers, they give us on-demand filtered water. This 23.2 mile loop through classic High Sierra landscapes features lakes, streams, expansive vistas, plenty of great camping options, attainable summits, and some adventurous off-trail travel into adjacent glacial basins. Historically, there has been a high level of bear activity in the Cottonwood Lakes area. Our high altitude loop trip will take us to most of the lakes in the area with dramatic views of Cirque Peak and Mount Langley. The green meadows in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin looking towards Cirque Peak. After 3.7 miles and a few short switchbacks, you’ll reach the Pacific Crest Trail. ft. single-family home is a bed, bath property. Sequoia-Kings Canyon does not allow dogs. Photo by Liz Thomas. For more information about traveling in bear bear country, click here... Map showing recreational areas. Early in the season as snow is melting, water can be plentiful. Alpine Lakes and creeks lined with wildflowers, Ansel Adams-esque Twisted Foxtail Pine forests. Sharp granite cliffs rimmed this upper corner of Cottonwood Basin. Later in the season, these sources are reliable: Rock Creek (almost the entire length that you walk by it), Cottonwood Creek (the entire length that you walk by it). Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. You decide. They are less than half a mile apart and connected by trails, allowing you to hike a complete loop. save hide report. Just remember to hike from the same trailhead as your permit. The PCT continues to contour through more ancient foxtail pines around a meadow before topping out near the border with Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park 7.5 miles into your hike. 5. Whitney area that we would’ve loved to identify. The Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead offers hikers an excellent starting point to explore areas/destinations such as the Cottonwood Lakes Basin, the Golden Trout Wilderness, Mt. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. Check local regulations. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. You’re at 11,500 feet looking out at Whitney Meadow to the west and the green valley below Siberian Pass to the northwest. SUMMIT. At 3rd Lake, I cut left off the trail to find Muir Lake, just because. It’s the Overall Winner in our Best Satellite Messengers and Personal Locator beacons story because of its light weight, ease of use, and reliability. The Cottonwood Lakes Trail gives you easy access to Mt Langley. Yes, 2 days The words: Cottonwood Lakes We’re big fans of Tom Harrison Maps, which are easy to read and ground-truthed for accuracy. This lightweight and affordable pot is our Overall Winner in our Best Backpacking Cooking pots story and the spoon is in our Backpacking Essential Accessories story. We like the Gaia navigation phone app because it’s easy to use to check if we are on route. Langley area:  8. Snow can be a significant obstacle to safely completing this loop, especially around Old Army Pass. Cottonwood Lakes Trail provides a scenic romp through the Southeastern Sierra with alpine lakes and mountain views. We carried Tom Harrison’s Golden Trout Wilderness Trails Topo Map. For more backpacking gear recommendations, see our Backpacking Gear section and our Essential Backpacking Accessories story. Emergency Beacon: The Garmin InReach Mini allows two way texting from the backcountry, spot forecasting and more. Carry your free California Fire Permit if you’ll be using a backpacking stove. Semi loop out and back on the Cottonwood Lakes Trail in Inyo National Forest, Lone Pine CA Miter Basin. Right after hopping across Rock Creek, turn right following signs for the Army Pass Trail. Pass the junction with the New Army Pass Trail at 3.5 miles. August is usually a safe month for snow and may have fewer mosquitoes, though it will be warmer, and not all water sources may be flowing. The first four miles of the Cottonwood Lakes trail cross a long, gentle bowl, following a creek past forests and meadows. Be sure to check what is written on your permit and talk to the ranger about conditions before you go. The hike starts from the Cottonwood Lakes Campground, already at 10,000 feet, so your car does most of the legwork to get you to altitude. It requires watching a short video and is printable at home. Just a mile later, you’ll leave the PCT, turning right on the Siberian Pass Trail (also signed Upper Rock Creek). We used the new MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe cooking system on this hike. Cottonwood Lakes Basin limits overnight use to 60 people/day from May 1-November 1, with 60 reserved for advance permits and the rest as walk-ups. Photo by Liz Thomas. There are sections that are rough and rocky, though none require using your hands. At 4.4 miles, take a side trail to the right collect water at Chicken Spring Lake, which is tucked into one of the rocky cirques below Cirque Peak (12,894 feet). youtu.be/y3RF3_... 4 comments. The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority runs a bus from Lone Pine to other areas in Inyo and Mono County. The Brighton Lakes Trail is located near the end of Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. Head north through pine forests along Cottonwood Creek. Continue on and pass Cottonwood Lake Three on your left and then end at Cottonwood Lakes Four and Five. Because of the regulations require a bear canister, we brought a Bear Vault 450 for this trip. But fear not, we don't allow our judgment to be influenced by these arrangements! WHERE: About 225 miles (4 hours) north of Los Angeles. This means you can access the alpine country with less climbing and elevation gain than if you started at lower trailheads. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and easy to inflate without taking much volume in our pack. We are proud to be independent. Cottonwood Lakes Trail is in the Inyo National Forest right outside the town of Lone Pine California. Lower Soldier Lake This 19.2-mile loop crosses Cottonwood Pass and New Army Pass to visit a beautiful lake that is an ideal camping spot for backpackers heading higher and deeper into the Sierra. From the Los Angeles area, take I-5 to CA-14 to US 395 north near Ridgecrest. The Cottonwood Lakes Loop has opportunities for swimming, soaking, and fishing in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin and other lakes along the hike. Both excel at feeling comfortable, not too hot, and nice and stretchy for lots of mobility. We like both of them so much that they’re also in our gift guides. Backpacking Cottonwood Lakes Loop & SummitIng Mount Langley - Inyo National Forest. Turn left and continue up on the windy, narrow, and big drop-off Horseshoe Meadow Road for 16 miles. We’re ad-free and have no sponsored content. Maximum group size in Miter Basin/ Mt. Posted by 3 hours ago. While this isn’t one of the jackets in our Best Rain Jackets article, it’s popular with thru-hikers because of its lightweight. We definitely saw a lot of backpackers in boots for this trip, especially around the rocky Old Army Pass. All rights reserved. Plan an extra day for your trip if you plan to climb this peak. Someone else may be standing on the other side of a boulder trying to figure out how to get around, too. It’s one of the easiest 14ers to climb as nothing is technical, but can still be dangerous in snow or if you find yourself off route (easy to do as there are many use trails). Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! The stats: Trailhead: Cottonwood Lakes Trail Passes: New Army Pass and Old Army Pass Trip odo: 17.6 miles Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,900/3,900ft For Days? The campground is 24 miles southwest of the town of Lone Pine. Sunday Afternoons Ultralight Adventure Hat and a trucker hat (augmented with the hood on our sunshirt). The sq. The trail was well-maintained and had no snow, so we felt comfortable wearing these lightweight trail runners on this kind of terrain. It spits you out 3.5 miles later at a 3-way intersection. Follow Leave No Trace Ethics including camping and pooping far from water. This is also the cut-off to climb the nearby 14,000 foot Mt. Because the route is at such a high altitude, having adequate sun protection was important. A loop through Cottonwood Lakes Basin with two totally unnecessary passes thrown in for bonus. If you’re headed to the high country in the early spring or late fall, see our Shoulder Season Backpacking Gear article. We test. Old Army Pass has some large boulders that have fallen on the trail. Backpacking Cottonwood Lakes Loop & SummitIng Mount Langley - Inyo National Forest. There is no additional cost to you and the decision to buy something is up to you. The Montbell Chameece Cap with Earwarmers is warm for its weight and packs down well. In a mile and just two switchbacks, you’ll reach the plateau. Both the Egret and Swallow are our Overall Winners in our Best Sleeping Bags story. Copyright © 2018-2020 Treeline Review LLC. Side trails branch to Muir Lake, Hidden Lake, South Fork Lakes, Cirque Lake. To do the route Clockwise: Select Cottonwood Pass Trailhead as your entry point and Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead as your exit point. Learn more about our mission and what makes us different here. I keep heading down, crossing another, much flatter snowfield, heading toward the blue jewels of the cottonwood lakes. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Here’s a list of some of the regulations in the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. Old Army Pass sits at the west end of 4th Lake. We’re 100% reader-supported publication. Between May 1 and Nov. 1, overnight use is limited to 60 people / day. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Bear canisters are required for Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park and Chicken Spring Lake (so again, applicable if you’re doing the whole loop). Every recommendation we make is chosen by our editors. At 10.5 miles, the trees disappear and the trail looks out and up to the Army Pass/New Army Pass Plateau. Aim to hike after the snow has melted—usually late June or July. But, if you go counter-clockwise and start with the Cottonwood Lakes section, you’ll have more time to acclimate in one of the most beautiful lake basins in the Sierra. youtu.be/y3RF3_... 2 comments. Silver Lake Loop Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon. If going counter-clockwise, it may be worth considering taking New Army Pass instead (see next variation). This is a great place to camp and get in some swimming. Langley (you can read about that side-trip below). It’s  important regardless of the regulations to store food safely away from bears, marmots, and whatever other wildlife may be interested in your food. On my most recent trip, we parked at the Horseshoe Meadows Equestrian Camp/Hiker Overflow area so we can start the hike heading downhill towards the Cottonwood Pass Trail. Located near Horseshoe Meadows, the Cottonwood Lakes Basin has many pristine alpine lakes and creeks located between Mount Langley and Cirque Peak. 86% Upvoted. First Aid Kit: Homemade. Dispose of trash in bear proof trash receptacles. This longer route gives you more time in lovely foxtail pine woods, contouring and staying relatively flat at 11,000 feet. Cottonwood Lakes Trail [CLOSED] is a 16.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Cottonwood Lakes Loop — Page 7 Crashing Army Pass. We intended to be on a leisurely, lake inspired 7 day loop trip into the wilderness from Cottonwood Pass to Cottonwood Lakes, stopping at every lake along the way to float lazily on the water, bask in the sun, nap on rocks, pretend to fish when we're really just going to be watching the fish, camp and catch the Perseid Meteor Shower that was going to peak in the middle of the week. Both headlamps are bright, lightweight, and have long battery lives. Obtain permits at any Inyo National Forest visitor center. It begins at the Horseshoe Meadow parking lot at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Montbell U.L. We parked at the Silver Lake Education Center but you can also park at the Brighton Ski Resort. Below is what we wore on the Cottonwood Pass Loop. See our Best Hiking Shoes story for footwear that has more durability and stability than trail runners. Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead. The Cottonwood Lakes basin offers fabulous scenery and relatively easy access for hikers and anglers, and is one of the most popular destinations in the Eastern Sierras. The half dozen Cottonwood Lakes are clustered in a basin at the foot of 14,032-foot Mount Langley. Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground is located at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road in the Inyo National Forest. Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park requires that you store food, garage, and smellables like toiletries in a bear canister. Turn left onto Horseshoe Meadow Road and take it all the way up the mountain for 19.5 miles. A loop through Cottonwood Lakes Basin with two totally unnecessary passes thrown in for bonus. High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. Close. By the time we reached the Cottonwood Lakes, we were ready for a pizza, so zoomed through it. From there, the Cottonwood Lakes Trail gently makes its way through pristine alpine terrain to a series of several crystal-clear alpine lakes, all in the shadow of the high Sierra peaks like Mt Langley. See this Reddit thread for opinions on the two. Photo by Liz Thomas, Elevation gain/loss: 3901 feet/ -3890 feet. From Old Army Pass, take a well worn sandy trail heading to the north. After 9.5 miles, reach wildflower-lined Rock Creek—a perfect place to take a lunch or camp. Lower Soldier Lake This 19.2-mile loop crosses Cottonwood Pass and New Army Pass to visit a beautiful lake that is an ideal camping spot for backpackers heading higher and deeper into the Sierra. We describe the hike in the Trip Description as hiked clockwise (the direction we went), but counter-clockwise is an option, too. Carry a printed and signed version of your permit on your person at all times. Be sure to carry the right map and compass. Whitney to the north, Owens Valley below to the west, and the Kern River Valley to the east. The Loop which can lead you to 5 lakes, starts from Horseshoe Meadow and travels from the Golden Trout Wilderness into John Muir Wilderness. Continue on and pass Cottonwood Lake Three on your left and then end at Cottonwood Lakes Four and Five. New Army has better-maintained switchbacks. Located south of Mount Whitney and west of the city of Lone Pine, the trail travels through the Golden Trout Wilderness and the John Muir Wilderness to end at the border of Sequoia National Park. If you’re looking for a Mt. 100% Upvoted. It crosses a plateau. This home was built in and last sold on for. Located near Horseshoe Meadows, the Cottonwood Lakes Basin has many pristine alpine lakes and creeks located between Mount Langley and Cirque Peak. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Follow US 395 north to Lone Pine. Even though California mountains are known for relatively good weather with less rain than other ranges, you should always carry rain gear and extra layers for cold evenings and chilly mornings. The map displayed above is for illustrative purposes only. We used the Sawyer Squeeze and lightweight Sawyer Micro as inline filters on this trip. On the way back up to Army Pass, you’ll visit the Rock Creek Lake camping area (also great for wading). Whitney High Country Trail map. If you’d feel more comfortable in boots, check out our Best Hiking Boots story or our Best Lightweight Hiking Boots story. Hiking and camping were the primary summer recreation since dog walking and swimming were not allowed. Permits are limited. Explore Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits in Inyo National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. This trail description is for your reference, but always call the ranger station for the most updated information and checks maps. Photo by Liz Thomas. Nestled in a quiet basin only a stone’s throw from Snoqualmie Pass, pristine Mirror Lake is a destination to be enjoyed by the whole family. There’s short detour use trails around the boulder that will get you back to the switchbacks. See our Make Your Own Emergency Kit story. We also found a GPS app pre-loaded with the Mt. Sky Blue Lake This hike extends beyond Lower Soldier Lake up Miter Basin to a deep blue lake … Forest: Wasatch-Cache National Forest District: Salt Lake City Ranger District Description: Silver Lake is located at the head of Big Cottonwood Canyon at 8,760 ft. See routes and schedules here. This is a list of what we carried on the Cottonwood Pass Loop. Common Destinations: Cottonwood Lakes basin, New Army Pass, John Muir Trail, Mount Langley, Cottonwood Lakes / New Army Pass Recreation Guide (pdf). It’s a favorite in our Arizona Trail Gear List. Whitney alternative hike with easier-to-get permits, this loop just south of that famous area gives you a taste of the Sierra high country without the hassle. The Cottonwood Lakes Loop has opportunities for swimming, soaking, and fishing in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin and other lakes along the hike. Bishop, CA 93514. share. Type: Loop GPX File Download. It’s the route most folks take up to Mt. Along the trail to New Army Pass are Long Lake and High Lake in the John Muir Wilderness. Suite 200 Located south of Mount Whitney and west of the city of Lone Pine, the trail travels through the Golden Trout Wilderness and the John Muir Wilderness to end at the border of Sequoia National Park. The summit has incredible views of Mt. Special fishing regulations in Cottonwood Lakes Basin. Sharp granite cliffs rimmed this upper corner of Cottonwood Basin. Here are a few pics of the area: Cottonwood Lakes Trails Trip Report, August 17 2013. RECOMMENDED HIKE: A strenuous 27-mile loop follows Horseshoe Meadow via Cottonwood Pass trailhead to Rock Creek along the Pacific Crest Trail, then up the creek, over 12,400-foot New Army Pass, and then exiting through Cottonwood Pass trailhead in Golden Trout Wilderness. Stay straight through shaded, relatively flat trail across the expansive Horseshoe Meadow—a green and inviting flat area rare in the Sierra. You can also take the 210 to the 15 to US 395 north (hey, sometimes traffic can make one of those routes easier). We like that there’s no pumping required and no chemicals involved. Later in the season, this may be your last water opportunity before Rock Creek, so if you’re heading on, be sure to top up here (see below for Water Planning). Cottonwood Pass’s quota is June 1 to September 15 with 40 people/day, 24 ahead of time, and 16 as walk-up. High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. We are meeting at the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead at 8:00am. Whether you are a novice backpacker or you have thousands of trail miles under your belt, chances are that the Cottonwood Lakes Loop will draw your attention sooner or later. We recommend using maps (see more below on which maps we recommend) and a compass in addition to a GPS phone mapping app like Gaia GPS. It’s amazing how such small things can make such a big difference on a backpacking trip! View 1075 homes for sale in Cottonwood Lake, take real estate virtual tours & browse MLS listings in Bismarck, ND at realtor.com®. If you’re early in the season or even hiking in August during a big snow year, New Army is a better bet. You can extend this route by 7 miles by continuing on the PCT all the way to Lower Rock Creek Camp and then following Rock Creek west all the way to Army Pass. Check with the ranger station before starting your trip. We carried Montbell Versalite and a NW Alpine DCF rain jacket. Langley squeaks by as one of California’s 12 peaks that are 14,000 feet or more. Posted by 3 hours ago. It also dries quickly and is warm even when wet. See below for how to get permits. The major downside of going clockwise is the big climb up Old Army Pass. Be sure to preload the basemaps for offline version in Gaia before you leave home. Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips. Because the hike is arguably easier than Mt. Started at lower trailheads s amazing how such small things can make cottonwood lakes loop to! Detour use trails around the rocky Old Army Pass has some large that. Trails, bury human waste away from water sources re-entry date boots, check our. 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