Cottonwood Lakes Trail Guide

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Cottonwood Lakes offers some of the best backpacking and golden trout fishing in the world. It’s beginner friendly and also loved by experienced hikers.

Bears are very active in this area because of all the food waste. Use the bear boxes at the campsite and don’t leave anything in your car that has a scent.

The parking lot is massive but it’s often relatively busy. You may have to drive around the loop to find a space. The trailhead has bathrooms, a water fill, and bear boxes. Don’t leave scented items in your car.

When you get to the top of the hill, make the right to head to the Cottonwood Lakes Parking area. There are other areas like the Cottonwood Pass trailhead, which is a different spot.

The drive to the Cottonwood Lakes Campground is spectacular, climbing over 6,000 feet and 20 miles up the switchbacks of Horseshoe Meadow Road. If you have a fear of heights, it’s probably not a drive for you.

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Bears are very active in this area because of all the food waste. Use the bear boxes at the campsite and don’t leave anything in your car that has a scent.

The parking lot is massive but it’s often relatively busy. You may have to drive around the loop to find a space. The trailhead has bathrooms, a water fill, and bear boxes. Don’t leave scented items in your car.

When you get to the top of the hill, make the right to head to the Cottonwood Lakes Parking area. There are other areas like the Cottonwood Pass trailhead, which is a different spot.

The drive to the Cottonwood Lakes Campground is spectacular, climbing over 6,000 feet and 20 miles up the switchbacks of Horseshoe Meadow Road. If you have a fear of heights, it’s probably not a drive for you.

Cottonwood Lakes is in the Eastern Sierra near Mt. Whitney, about a few hours’ drive from most major cities. If you want to stay nearby, Lone Pine is your best bet. Check out my guide to Mt Whitney for more info on Lone Pine.

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