Introduction:
What? :
The hike to Cottonwood Lakes in the southern Eastern Sierra mountain provides a stunning high-altitude view above tree-line alpinist landscape with several crystal-clear alpine lakes, wide open meadows and ragged granite cliffs and mountain peaks.
Although this is a relatively long day hike (14 miles) and the overall gain of 2,00 ft of elevation, I will rate this hike as moderate. The hike does not have steep ascent sections but rather climbing moderately flowing the creek.
Starting at 10,000 ft and climbing to 11,300 ft, high altitude is probably the main challenge.
With all the snow on the trail and my long rests it took me 8 hours to complete this 14 mile long hike.
The alltrail path climbing Armey Pass and getting back down on the other side doing a loop. When I was here during Late May the pass was covered with deep snow and ice so I hiked to lakes number 4 and 5 and then hiked back down.
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Where? :
Located in the south eastern side of the high Sierra mountains.
From Lone Pine drive up west to Whitney Portal Rd, drive for 3.1 miles, turn left onto Horseshoe Meadows Rd.
Drive for 19.2 miles, the road sharply climbs the Sierra mountains with a series of steep switchbacks until it starts to level up and reach the day use and campground area.
This road climb of about 6,000 feet is impressive engineering work.
Just near the end of the road turn right here to Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead, soon after and you will reach the large parking lot near Horseshoe Meadow Campground.
The trailhead is located at Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead (Horseshoe Meadows Road), starting at elevation 10,050 ft.
Make sure to turn onto the road to the right or you will get to Cottonwood Pass Trailhead Campground and day use area that is a different trailhead.
When? :
During the winter months (Oct-May) the Horseshoe Meadows Road is closed as of snow accumulation and all the high elevation area is covered with deep snow.
I hiked here at the end of May 2025 and the trail in the high elevation was still covered with some snow and half frozen lakes. The snow was not too deep and can be done without snow shoes. Snow levels are different year-to-year.
The recommended time to hike here is June to early October up to the first season snow storm.
Even with the high elevation Summer month can be hot so take enough water with you.
During the summer month thunder storms are common in afternoons. Try not to be in a high exposed location during nearby linings.
Due note 1:
Water: as you hike up Cottonwood Creek water streams become abundant, you need to filter the water before drinking them.
Due note 2:
Most of the second section of the trail is exposed to the sun. Bring a hat, sunglasses and use sun protection.
Even during the warm summer months, come prepared for changing weather and have warm clothes with you.
Depending on the season mainly during early summer mosquitoes might be a problem, bring a face net and repellent.
Due note 3:
The trailhead has vault toilets, piped potable water, trash cans and bear food storage boxes.
Due note 4:
This is a popular trail so you will not be the only one here but there is plenty of locations for everyone.
Due note 5:
No permit required for Day use hike.
Wilderness permits are needed year-round for overnight stay and you can get them at Eastern Sierra Inter Agency Visitor Center in Lone Pine. Dispersed camping near the lakes is allowed.
Due note 6:
For overnight stay you are required to store food items in bear-proof containers
Due note 7:
Camping: Walk-in campground available near the Trailhead. The campgrounds are walk-in one-night stay only.
Due note 8:
Golden Trout Wilderness was formed in 1978 and encompasses 304,000 acres in the southern Sierra Nevada.
My thoughts:
This is an amazing hike that passes through high Sierra landscape and brings you up close to alpine lakes, flat meadows, and ragged mountains.
The climb is not so challenging but this is a long day hike so come prepared.
The Hike:
After driving up the impressive Horseshoe Meadows Road with stopping at some of the viewing points along the road you will reach the trailhead parking.
From the trailhead the first 3.5 miles the trail crosses a large pine forested area.
You will slightly descend and cross over the South Fork of the Cottonwood Creek. and from here it is mostly gentle climbs that get steep after about 3.5 miles.
You will reach a marked fork in the trail, keep right to the directions of the lakes, the left trail is leading to New Army Pass Trail and if you will do the loop hike you will come back from here.
Around here the trail entered John Muir Wilderness.
After about 3.5 miles the trail level and get into open alpine meadows and drainage flats.
From here you will see the views of Mt. Langley and Cirque Peak.
You will see the lower lakes flat area, surrounded by green meadows and granite peaks on their far side.
The main trail keeps following the forest at the meadows edge and another trail fork to the left and crosses the meadows.
I kept hiking straight and soon after a short climb you will reach another large open meadow.
When I visited here, at the end of May 2025, it was all flooded and covered with snow.
From this point onward there was a lot of snow on the ground.
The trail crosses the drainage area and follows the flooded plain, here you will see an old cabin near the trees (5.3 miles from the hike TH).
After walking 0.6 mile you will need to turn left and go down to the north side of Lake Number 3.
From here a short 0.4 mile and a steep climb will bring you to the area between Lakes Number 4 and 5, that are nested in a large granite basin.
You can stay at the lake level or better climb up to the small hill.
From the top of the hill you can enjoy a 360 degree view. You can see the lakes below to the east and the trail you climb up, the upper lakes, the mountain ridge surrounding them. You can also see the Old Armey Pass trail that is climbing up on the far side of Lake Number 4.
At the end of May the pass climb was still covered with snow and ice and can be done only with proper mountaineering equipment.
I understand that even without snow this trail is not in a good condition.
The top of the hill with an elevation of 11,300 ft is 6.9 miles from the trailhead.
Another unique thing near the upper lakes are the old trees, many are dead but some are still growing.
When I was here the weather changed and clouds started rolling in. After 30 minutes a light rain/snow started so I began with my hike going down.
The 6 miles down to the parking lot passes fast and I reach my car after hiking for 8 hours.
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