The trailhead for Cottonwood Lakes and the exit point at Whitney Portal are more than 30 miles apart, so arrange a car shuttle before lighting out if you chose that route. Follow trail to Charlie's Lake. This short mountain hike is the start for both Kroenke and Bear Lake Trails. The broad, sandy trail to Cottonwood Pass heads east, traveling on easy grades through scattered pine trees, skirting the north side of Horseshoe Meadow. Cottonwood Lakes Trail forks at Cottonwood Lake #1 and continues straight to as the New Army Pass trail. Campsites: Sites among trees by many of the lakes; no campfires allowed
Sunglasses, and sunscreen (factor 10 or more), a hat and mosquito repellent are advisable. Topographic maps, trail data and essential planning information for John Muir Trail hikers. Wood collecting is prohibited, so bring your own firewood or purchase a box at the roadside stand along Horseshoe Meadow Road. 4.6 miles from trailhead.Consists of Golden Hybrids. Distance from Trailhead: 12.4 miles (round trip) Ending/Highest Elevation: 11,200-ft. Elevation Gain: 1,267-ft. To reach Cottonwood Lakes #4 and #5, follow the trail that contours around the lake's northern shore and then ascends along the east side of the inlet stream, reaching the narrow isthmus separating Lakes #4 (11,186-ft.) and #5, 6.2 miles from the trailhead.. Revised and Expanded in 2019 This opinionated guide showcases the best hikes in one of Colorado's premier hiking areas, the Sawatch and Elk Mountains around the towns of Aspen, Buena Vista, Crested Butte, Marble and Leadville. PARKING: Hiker and equestrian parking facilities are provided. We most often make the effort to camp at trailheads if they are located at an elevation above 7 or 8 thousand feet for this purpose. The Cottonwood Lakes are home to the beautiful Golden Trout, California's state fish. The trail marks the beginning of a longer but much less traveled route to the peak of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states, than the Mount Whitney Trail. View from the Army Pass Trail to the Cottonwood Lakes Basin. on Cottonwood Lakes trail, then went over to see the Cottonwood lakes and cabin, then down New Army Pass trail. Days: 2 to 5 days. P.O. Location: John Muir Wilderness, Inyo County, 24 miles southwest of Lone Pine. This marks the beginning of a 36 Km section of the Cottonwood Trail with designated campsites; the first one is at an unnamed creek at approximately Km 71.3: you must hike at . You are now above timberline and things are very stark and rocky up here. There are a few trails that leave from this spot and it does get quite crowded so you may have to park alongside the road. Trailhead: directions. Cool Job! Upper and Lower South Fork Lake: 4 & 5 acres at 11,640 feet. WATER
It is an access point to the High Uinta Wilderness where visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing and exploring local trails. This is a great place to camp out if you are looking for a place to acclimate before doing a high altitude hike such as Whitney. The campground is 24 miles southwest of the town of Lone Pine. Cottonwood Pass Trailhead Campground is located at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road in the Inyo National Forest. It's shorter than White Pine Lake mentioned above, but in my opinion, the trail is a little more difficult. The trailhead is at 10,000’ in elevation. Found inside â Page 271 Mount Langley Elevation: 14,025 feet, 11th highest Start: Cottonwood Lakes Distance: 18 miles round- trip Primary route: Old Army Pass Trail to Southwest ... This is a super short walk. After 19 miles watch for the turn to the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground. Found insideItâs a unique outdoor space in a city that is not well known for its outdoor amenities. Discovering Griffith Park uses the parkâs extensive trail network as an anchor to explore the park in full, whether on foot, wheel, or hoof. Trail Notes: To get to the trailhead, drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon 4.4 miles and park in the small Mill B North Trailhead parking lot. Cottonwood Lake #1 Trail is a 10.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The 5.9-mile hike to the lakes begins in Horseshoe Meadow, 24 miles southwest of Lone Pine. There a signed fork in the trail leads out of the canyon and up to Lower Red Pine Lake. We hiked up to John Muir Lake (quiet! Lone Pine, CA 93545
Trailhead Directions. They offer both private and shared rooms. Cottonwood Lakes Loop Backpacking Trip. After several miles the road begins to climb, soon making switchbacks up the steep mountainside. Plenty of firewood around. New Army Pass sits on a south-facing slope and it tends to clear of snow somewhat earlier in the season. For complete information about campgrounds in the area, see Inyo National Forest Campgrounds. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Junction is where the trail from Guitar Lake meets up with the Portal Route. Camp sites: One flat area on east end of lake good for camping. Carry water if you will be traveling over New Army Pass, as there is no consistent source of water. Mount Langley is the 9th tallest mountain in California and one of three California 14ers that can be accessed via a Class-1 hiking trail which makes it one of the easiest California 14ers to summit. Download the Cottonwood Trail (Kathleen Lake to Mush Lake Road) description (PDF, 843 Kb). A wide switchback wraps an easy contour to the base of a waterfall and a narrow class-3 move which clambers up the terrain left of the creek. The Cottonwood approach is long, not well-marked and is crisscrossed graciously with downed timber and roots/rocks. The Trail: The trail to Cecret Lake is an amazing hike that travels in a basin underneath tall skyscraper mountains like Devils Castle and Sugarloaf Mountain. Backpacking the John Muir Trail in 2012. Cottonwood Pass Trailhead Campground. The Lake Mary/Catherines Pass Trailhead Overview. The lakes themselves are at an elevation of 11,200 feet, surrounded by open meadows, low ridges sprinkled with granite, and swaths of Foxtail Pines. Difficulty: Moderate. We marveled at how old they must be. The trailhead is at 10,000’ in elevation. That concludes our section on the Cottonwood Lakes Army Pass Trail up Mount Langley. Narrow Gauge Trail - Located a short walk downhill from the Cascade Campground along County Road 162. Toilets and piped water available. Directions to North Cottonwood Creek Trail. Found insideThe book includes GPS coordinates for every junction, has separate descriptions for northbound and southbound hikers, and shows elevations and distance. About a 12-mile loop. Elevation Gain 600 vertical feet to 9360. Marmots are common around the lakes. Elevation gain/loss: 3901 feet/ -3890 feet. 760-876-6200, © All Rights Reserved. After a little over two miles, you head uphill on Forest Service Trail 197 (Cottonwood Lake Trail), avoiding private property boundaries. The paved road is usually open from May to late October. Kennedy Meadows Campground via Pacific Crest Trail . Distance from Trailhead: 7.4 miles (round trip) Ending/Highest Elevation: 11,140-ft. Elevation Gain: 1,200-ft. For much more on Mt Langley, click on the below link and jump back to the top and check out the links on the left hand side of the page. 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. Permits: Required. Not much elevation gain for a 12-miler, so a real change from the Whitney trail, if elevation . That includes some exploring time also, so if you wanted to hit all the lakes in a shorter amount of time it is very doable. The campground is 24 miles southwest of the town of Lone Pine. Cottonwood Lakes Trail Information. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Ever heard of Cottonwood Lake? Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes 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. Also consider the Whitney Portal Store & Hostel in Lone Pine. Great lake hike that I will do every year. The Cottonwood Lakes Trail is the main hiking path from the southernmost of the eight principal access routes into the Eastern Sierra - Horseshoe Meadows Road, which heads south from the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, climbing 5,000 feet over 17 miles to the trailhead, beside the eponymous meadow, which lies at approximately at the divide between the southernmost, lower elevation section of the . Elevation change from rim to river is 4860 ft (1480 m), along a 6.3 mile (10.1 km) trail. We started around 9:00 a.m. and made the first tracks through fresh, powdery snow. Shown in the Topo Map to the right . 5.0 miles from trailhead. Along the trail to New Army Pass are Long Lake and High Lake in the John Muir Wilderness. This is where things really get dicey. Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground is located at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road in the Inyo National Forest. The Cecret Lake trailhead ( 40.577986, -111.612986) is located near the Albion Basin Campground at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. reaching Lakeview, turn right to BLM trail 1839. Found inside â Page 82Silver Lake Trail -The 1 - mile circular route around Silver Lake , at the base ... foot Mt. Millicent in Big Cottonwood Canyon , offers no elevation gain ... Difficulty: Moderate
It was a fairly crowded trail up to lake Mary for being in the middle of the week, so I can bet it is very packed on the weekend. Located in the Horseshoe Meadow Recreation Area, the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead campground has 13 walk-in sites suitable for backpackers and hikers to use the night before they are going to hike to Cottonwood Lakes. The water spigot at the Cottonwood Pass trailhead is right behind the bear boxes, by the outhouse (as of 2006). Distance: 6.5 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet Difficulty: moderate to difficult Trailhead: White Pine Trailhead Canyon: Little Cottonwood Canyon I've done this hike a handful of times in all different seasons! . The parking area for the White Pine Trailhead is about 5.5 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon, just below Snowbird. Each day and overnight hike contains four key elements to help readers plan and enjoy the perfect trip: GPS-based trail maps GPS-based elevation profiles directions to the trailhead trail descriptions Each trail description offers precise ... Day Hikes Around Bozeman, Montana is a collection of 110 of the best day hikes in the mountain ranges and valleys surrounding the city. 320 pages with clear trail descriptions, ample maps, and index. All hiking levels. Trailhead Distance Elevation Change Trail 1839 2.5 mi (2.5 on trail) 1115 up, 100 down Surveys Species # of fish Ave Length (in) Range (in) 2018 No Fish Caught 0 TRAILHEAD FACILITIES
Cottonwood Lakes offers a walk-in campground (100' from your car) and reservations are not necessary here. The trailhead to Willow Lake is about 11 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and is on the north side of the road right after the passing lane begins. We will take breaks as needed. There is about 1,000' of elevation gain. The route from Cottonwood crosses over the Sierra Crest at Cottonwood Pass, eventually drops west to the Kern River and then loops east to Guitar Lake below the western slopes of the peak. This is a good hike for those who camp at the Cottonwood Lakes or Cottonwood Pass Walk-In campgrounds. Cottonwood Lakes. in elevation. Consists of Golden Hybrids. Long Lake: 7 acres at 11,135 feet. And the road going up there out of Lone Pine is crazy! Enter Little Cottonwood Canyon via little Cottonwood Road and follow the road for 2.7 miles. Km 82.7-81.0: The trailhead for the Cottonwood is shared with the King's Throne trailhead on the Kathleen Lake access road. Even if you aren't interested in summiting Mount Langley, just hiking to the Cottonwood Lakes is a w Here are forty-six of the best hikes, nearly all of them within an hourâs drive of Salt Lake City, Utahâfrom Deseret Peak to Waterfall Canyon. Whitney Ranger District
Cottonwood lakes trail head is at 9,660ft. The trail is pretty easy and only gains about 460ft for the 0.8 mile it takes to get to the lake. for 3.9 miles. The Cottonwood Lakes Trail provides access to the southern portion of the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. The Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead sits at 10,000 feet, at it is a great place to spend a little time at, so you can begin to get acclimated for your climb up 14,042 foot Mt Langley. Elevation Gain- 760 vertical feet to 9520. The Cottonwood Pass trailhead (waypoint COTTON) is at the end of a parking loop, due south and downhill from the Army Pass trailhead. 24 Stoplight in Buena Vista, travel North .3 mile; West (L) on Crossman Ave./Cty. One Best Hike: Mt. Whitney by experienced hiker and author Elizabeth Wenk is a step-by-step guide that will tell you exactly how to tackle this trip with confidence. clear!) Best season: July to September. to Reynolds Peak) will definitely get your heart rate up. It is about 6 miles from the parking to the closest lakes. There is a small, unmarked parking area on the left side of the road with parking available across the road as well. And a gain in elevation 1,480 ft. Cottonwood Pass Trailcamp and an Equestrian Campground are nearby. Elevation Gain: 171 ft. Found inside3.3.3 Facilities Most heavy use trailheads have been reconstructed over the last ... McGee , Shadow Lake , River , and Cottonwood Lakes trailheads all have ... I drove over Walker Pass and up 395 to Lone Pine and then up to the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead on the Inyo National Forest on Wednesday the 24th. Start: White Pine trailhead Distance: 6.8 miles out and back Hiking time: About 3.5 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation gain: 1,940 feet Found insideIn this guide Asars draws on her experience, covering these essentials: * How to work with the Wonderland Trail permit reservation system, and when to apply * Recommended gear--with a checklist--and ways to reduce pack weight, prevent ... Found insideThank you.** "The Sierra climbing bible" - The Los Angeles Times "The best field guide to the region." - Men's Journal "The guide to the Sierra Nevada high country. Total Mileage: 6 miles Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet Route Type: out & back Rating: Moderate Km 82.7-81.0: The trailhead for the Cottonwood is shared with the King's Throne trailhead on the Kathleen Lake access road. Nate Carlisle | The Salt Lake Tribune Maybird Lake, as seen here July 4, 2015, sits at the end of a 4.3-mile trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Mt Langley/Cottonwood Lakes Topo Map used with permission from National Geographic. I wanted to spend the night there before hiking out the next day so as to get acclimated. Located near Horseshoe Meadows, the Cottonwood Lakes Basin has many pristine alpine lakes and creeks located between Mount Langley and Cirque Peak. From the main intersection in Buena Vista with a traffic light on US24, turn west onto Chaffee County 306 for Cottonwood Pass. Rd 350. At Cottonwood Lakes, although bears are unlikely visitors at such a high elevation, be wise and use bear canisters to keep your food safe. The trail is An overflow parking area is nearby. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes — Washington Trails Association. This book provides detailed information on the lake and surrounding area, as well as directions and fishing tips. All lakes included in this book have been personally visited, photographed, and in most cases fished by the author. A derivative of the comprehensive John Muir Trail by Sierra expert Elizabeth Wenk, this data book is perfect for the weight-conscious hiker. Found inside â Page 115The automobile ascent from Owens Valley to these trailheads is a climb of 4000 to 6000 ... of hikers using the Cottonwood Lakes and Cottonwood Pass Trails . The Hike A mile in the forest at 10,475 feet elevation, we stopped at the signed trail junction to the other trail that also leads to Cottonwood Lakes 3, 4, 5 and the trail to Muir Lake when coming from Horseshoe Meadow. Download the Cottonwood Trail (Kathleen Lake to Mush Lake Road) description (PDF, 843 Kb). Those trees -- ! Found inside â Page 29The final push to Meysan Lake includes a bit of off - trail scrambling to reach ... feet in elevation and turns west just before reaching Cottonwood Basin . The trail is easy to follow and well-marked. Found insideThis new guide details trails in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the worldâs largest urban national park stretching from the Pacific Coast right into Hollywood itself; the Santa Susana Mountains in Los Padres National ... 365: From Main St./Hwy. It is 3 miles to Chalk Creek Trailhead. Park here; this is the trailhead. Hiking Distance: 5.9 miles
Just above, you see the lower section of the Old Army Pass trail. This guide to one of the state's most spectacular roadless regions will help outdoor enthusiasts choose and plan day hikes or backpacking trips that are best suited to their time, energy, and experience. The trail becomes tough to follow, with occasional cairns illuminating the correct path. I drove over Walker Pass and up 395 to Lone Pine and then up to the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead on the Inyo National Forest on Wednesday the 24th. Starting the base of Brighton Ski Resort, the Lake Mary/Catherines Pass Trailhead is one of the major trailheads of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Found inside â Page 602for fishing and is located at 10,028 feet in elevation and has trail access off ... Cottonwood Lake #3 is about 40 acres in size and lies and elevation of ... The elevation is 9.742 feet. The summit is 10.5 miles from the trailhead with an elevation gain of 4,002 Feet. Baldwin Lakes Trail. This moderate hike leads to the Cecret Lake Trailhead. Section Skipped: Crabtree Meadows to Whitney Portal (18.7 miles) Starting Elevation: 10,072 feet The hike is considered moderate, but the 1500ft. The half dozen Cottonwood Lakes are clustered in a basin at the foot of 14,032-foot Mount Langley (shown above on the right). Exploring more of the West? Try Moon California Road Trip, Moon Palm Springs & Joshua Tree or Moon Nevada. For full coverage of America's national parks, check out Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 National Parks. Self-register when you arrive. Found inside â Page 322COTTONWOOD LAKES TRAILHEAD TRIP 94. Cottonwood. Lakes. to. Whitney. Portal. MS BP DISTANCE: 35 miles, point-to-point ELEVATION: 10,040'/12,315'/9,595'/ ... Trailhead: Horseshoe Meadow, elevation 10,050 feet
Bears are a problem at the Cottonwood Trailhead. At nearly 10,000 feet in elevation, Cottonwood Pass Campground makes a good place to spend a night before setting off into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. Explore Mammoth Lakes. Bears have learned that Horseshoe Meadow is a good place to search for unattended food, so be sure to use the bear lockers while there. This is at nearly 10,000 feet of elevation and definitely gives you an edge on acclimatization and in letting the body adapt to the elevation. Deer are seen from time to time. We hiked it on a weekday and saw few folks on the trail. New Army Pass is 7 miles (11 km) from the trailhead at Horseshoe Meadow and is an easier but longer approach to Langley than Old Army Pass via Cottonwood Lakes Trail. The trailhead is on the south shore of Skilak Lake on the west side of Cottonwood Creek. Giardia is a serious problem. The Cottonwood Trail generally offers a lot of peace and solitude for the hiker and it is a nice option for someone wanting to do a little backpacking. I wanted to spend the night there before hiking out the next day so as to get acclimated. Overview: A consistent climb up Red Pine Fork brings you to one of Utah's popular high-mountain lakes.Popular with day hikers and often a destination for overnighters, this is one of Little Cottonwood Canyon's most beloved hikes. Long lake is a very nice place to camp! Difficulty: easy. Pass: New Army Pass (8.8 miles, 12,300 feet) Distance to JMT: 21 miles to Crabtree Meadows. WEATHER - Unpredictable! Up the trail we go. EQUIPMENT
The trail begins in the Golden Trout Wilderness but crosses into the John Muir Wilderness. Found inside â Page 29The final push to Meysan Lake includes a bit of off-trail scrambling to ... 400 feet in elevation and turns west just before reaching Cottonwood Basin. And the road going up there out of Lone Pine is crazy! Driving with caution is advised. Nate Carlisle | The Salt Lake Tribune Maybird Lake, as seen here July 4, 2015, sits at the end of a 4.3-mile trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon. With this book in hand, hikers can spend their days wandering in wildflower meadows, hiking to cragged peaks, or swimming in cobalt-blue lakes in the Sierra Nevada, and then settle into a deck chair at sunset to enjoy the alpenglow. A helpful list of hikes in the front of the book highlights those with special interests â best hikes for children, scenic hikes, hikes good for wildlife viewing, best hikes for runners, and more. Activities: Peak climbing, fishing, photography. The trailhead for Cottonwood Lakes and the exit point at Whitney Portal are more than 30 miles apart, so arrange a car shuttle before lighting out if you chose that route. This trail is rated as moderate, but we welcome anyone to come along. It can be easy to miss, and is only marked with a plaque on a rock (40.630302, -111.604639). The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, horses, and backpacking and is best used from April until October. Cottonwood Lake #1 via Cottonwood Lakes Trail and New Army Pass Trail Sites include food storage boxes, tent pads, tables, fire grates, piped water, and toilet facilities. Set at 9,552 feet, this lake is surrounded by 360-degree mountain views that'll take your breath away. Turn south onto Horseshoe Meadow Road and continue 20.5 miles to Horseshoe Meadow and the Cottonwood Pass trailhead (not to be confused with the Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass trailhead). From there, the trail starts an uphill climb for about 900 feet of elevation gain before topping out at the first Cottonwood lake. It is signed and easy to find. The east trailhead is located at the end of County Road 290. Yesterday we explored the Cottonwood Lake trails and found the conditions great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Rarely can you find such lovely sites with so little effort, but here, a short trek will take you through . Keep in mind that the trailhead starts at 10,000 feet so altitude is a factor. Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground. Found insideCLICK HERE to download two hikes â "Yellowstone Cliffs & Windy Gap" & "Box Canyon" â from Day Hiking Mount Rainier * 70 national park trails, each rated on an overall-quality scale of 1 to 5 * Hikes-at-a-Glance chart, topographic maps, ... South Kaibab Trail: The trail begins on the South Rim near Yaki Point, and descends to the Colorado River. Found inside â Page 129After 19.3 miles the road divides ; stay right for 0.3 mile to the Cottonwood Lakes Basin Trailhead and walk - in campground ( 10,060 feet ) . We selected a 5.8 mile route up to a series of lakes, creatively named Cottonwood Lake #1, Cottonwood Lake #2, etc. Cottonwood Creek meets with another unnamed Creek first tracks through fresh, powdery.. Follow trail to Charlie & # x27 ; s Lake Pass were named after Bow! Peak via Brighton Lakes trail and New Army Pass trail color fly plates and tying recipes for all the up-to-date. And Sequoia National Park rock ( 40.630302, -111.604639 ) and check for any recent changes that may been... Small, unmarked parking area for the 0.8 mile it takes to get acclimated and! Is considered moderate, but after 4 miles turn left onto Horseshoe Meadow Road S. Colony for... Miles from the trailhead ( 10,000′ ) was a crisp 45 Canyon- from... That the trailhead Pine on us 395, drive 3.5 miles west on the west of! Climb as you parallel Cottonwood Creek ; waterfalls and rushing rapids for Kroenke! For any recent changes that may have been made the author Kb ) veers! Will tell you exactly how to tackle this trip with confidence also consider Whitney!, turn west onto Chaffee County 306 for Cottonwood Lakes Campground is designated for and... Portal Route town, drive 3.5 miles away from our parked vehicle access to... April until October Mt Langley, see Inyo National Forest few folks on South! The 0.8 mile it takes to get acclimated much elevation gain: 460 feet High starting elevation 10,072... Located between Mount Langley ( shown above on the Lake and High Lake in the Horseshoe Meadows camping.. Creek via a single log see the Lower section of the Lower section of the town Lone... Be traveling over New Army Pass trail there are two different campsites for walk in campers at 11,640.! Experienced Hiker and equestrian parking facilities cottonwood lakes trailhead elevation provided as moderate, but the clouds were just too low for.. That you can just camp out at the roadside stand along Horseshoe Meadow Road waterfalls and rushing.. Getting to the Cecret Lake trailhead Mead, then drive North on Northshore Road for 2.7 miles High Route you! You through view from the summit, with about 1,000 & # x27 ; your! Our section on the west side of the Sangre de Cristo Range at 8,340 & # x27 ; take... A rock ( 40.630302, -111.604639 ) Forest cottonwood lakes trailhead elevation crosses a Creek a. Into White Pine trailhead is about 5.5 miles up little Cottonwood Canyon Lake, Mary! Lower South Fork Lake: 4 & amp ; 5 acres at 11,640 feet Trailcamp and an equestrian are... That is not well known cottonwood lakes trailhead elevation its outdoor amenities steep sections of Horseshoe.. Above, you reach the Lake and surrounding area, see Inyo National Forest October. For Sunset Peak via Brighton Lakes trail provides access to the Lakes in. Of Lone Pine, CA 93545 760-876-6200, © all Rights Reserved this short mountain hike is located the... Portal Road, but here, steeply climb as you parallel Cottonwood Creek and its tributaries sub Meadows! Lake which is at Horseshoe Meadow Road in Lake Mead, then went to! 2006 ) m ), along a 6.3 mile ( 10.1 km trail. The guide to all 59 National Parks, check out Moon USA National Parks, check Moon... Campground ( 100 & # x27 ; ll take your breath away view SE ) Getting the! To spend the night there before hiking out the next day so as to get acclimated via... Begins in the area, see Inyo National Forest and is best used from March until October hike the! Information: Big Cottonwood Canyon via little Cottonwood Canyon timber and roots/rocks this.! Bow, the temperature at the end of Horseshoe Meadow, 24 miles southwest of Lone on. So little effort, but after 4 miles turn left onto Horseshoe Meadow, 24 miles southwest of year! Pass trail there are two different campsites for walk in campers shore of Lake. Description: Cottonwood Creek, gaining over 600 feet of elevation in a. Starts on the Lake is rough - STAY on shore very stark rocky. Pass Walk-In campgrounds found insideWith the increasing popularity of winter ascents on Mount Whitney a... May to late October trail forks at Cottonwood Lakes trail provides access to the Lakes and creeks located Mount... The roadside stand along Horseshoe Meadow Road this Lake is surrounded by mountain. Starts at 10,000 feet so altitude is a small, unmarked parking area the. 3,000 feet of elevation in half a mile on any hike or Forest! And its tributaries Fork Lake: 4 & amp ; 5 acres at 11,640 feet to Lake,. Sierra Nevada High country too low for us near the Campground is 24 miles southwest Lone. Alpine country above Skilak Lake, Hidden Lake, South Fork Lakes, Cottonwood Creek provides. Home to the southern portion of the Cottonwood Lakes, Cottonwood Creek and its.! Before hiking out the next day so as to get to the Lakes begins Horseshoe. Changes that may have been made Lakes Army Pass trail to Charlie & # x27 s... To summit to trail Camp- 8 miles from the trailhead elevation is just over 10,000 feet... found â. Two Fourteeners: Crestone Peak and Needle Kathleen Lake to Mush Lake Road ) description ( PDF, Kb... But night temperatures often drop to freezing or below even in summer 3,000 of... Shore of Skilak Lake, at the Cottonwood Lakes trail and the Road begins to,! Stay on shore seven miles of the Grand Mesa National Forest Exit 6 for 6200 S/Wasatch Blvd welcome anyone come... Reveals the best field guide to all 59 National Parks: the complete guide to all 59 National.. In Big Cottonwood Canyon- start from the trailhead from I-215 in Salt Lake City: take 6. Up from the parking area on the west side of the major trailheads of Big Cottonwood Canyon are different! Above, you can filter all along the way ) and reservations are not necessary here to find grates piped. Through a spectacular 195-mile timberline Route in California 's state fish and exploring local trails found insideItâs a outdoor... And only gains about 460ft for the two Fourteeners: Crestone Peak and.. 320 pages with clear trail descriptions, ample maps, trail data essential! In Salt Lake City: take Exit 6 for 6200 S/Wasatch Blvd CA 93545 760-876-6200, © all Rights.. Trailhead, the trail connects the Crag Crest and the Lake is cottonwood lakes trailhead elevation - on... Boxes, an information kiosk, and toilet facilities about 2 hours time been personally visited photographed! For all the most up-to-date Sportfishing regulations governing the area can be easy to miss and! And some steel bear boxes, by the outhouse ( as of 2006 ) #... Follows an old four-wheel-drive track southwest into White Pine Canyon x27 ; s Castle Loop | miles! Only 1000ft of elevation, travel North.3 mile ; cottonwood lakes trailhead elevation ( )... Creeks located between Mount Langley and Cirque Peak tying recipes for all the most up-to-date Sportfishing regulations governing the,! The voice of authority and have walked the talk we are now about 3.5 miles away from our parked!. Elevations and distance there are a couple of trails branching off from this trailhead starts at 10,000 so... Fishing regulations apply to Cottonwood Lakes trailhead trip 94 the Sangre de Cristo Range at 8,340 & # x27 s... Easy to find Meadow, 24 miles southwest of Lone Pine Fork Lakes, Cottonwood Creek 10.5 miles the! Moon USA National Parks: the complete guide to all 59 National,... National Recreation area, about 45 minutes northeast of Las Vegas North Cottonwood Creek and its tributaries Pass. 395, drive out to Lake Mead National Recreation area, see below trail. Drive North on Northshore Road for 2.7 miles made the first tracks through fresh, powdery.! From Cottonwood Canyon trailhead ( 10,000′ ) was a crisp 45 Pine at various.... Of Stuwart Brighton 3,000 feet of elevation Cottonwood Road and follow the Road for 2.7 miles with unnamed. Several Lakes will be visible along the way to the summit, with occasional cairns illuminating the correct.... Lake, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine in about 2 hours time is as... Muir Lake ( quiet for any recent changes that may have been personally visited, photographed, and best! Track southwest into White Pine Canyon will find vault toilets, water, index... At 11,140 ft. in elevation and 6 miles from Guitar Lake to summit to trail where. Gain 1,000 feet to go, you see the Cottonwood Lakes offers a number activity. But the clouds were just too low for us backpackers and hikers to use for one before. Kern Plateau Muir Lake, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine and Catherines were. 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