SA Report: High all weekend

Trip Date: 8/16/2014

Location: Golden Trout Wilderness, Inyo National Forest

Permit/Pass: Dayhiking is free. Permits required for backcountry camping. $5/person, $6 transaction fee. Permit pickup at Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center.

Trails: SherpaGuides Map

Directions: From Highway 395 about 4.5 miles south of Lone Pine turn west onto Lubken Canyon Rd. and head up 3.3 miles to an intersection with Horseshoe Meadows Rd. Turn left and follow Horseshoe Meadows Rd. 15.5 miles to a right turn (follow the signs for Cottonwood Lakes trailhead and walk-in campground). Drive .7 miles to the parking area and find the trailhead sign at the west side of the lot.

Synopsis: We did this short hike as a warm-up and elevation acclimation for a backpacking trip. It's an easy walk along the Cottonwood Lakes trail through pines and along hillsides to the crossing of Cottonwood Creek, a good spot for a break and a bite. 

Trail sequence: Cottonwood Lakes trail

Type: Out and back

Distance: 3.5 miles

Elevation: Min. - 9958', Max. - 10171'

Profile:

Rating: Easy (factors: elevation)

Trail Notes: Nice, sandy-rocky trail through open forest.

Cottonwood Creek - Golden Trout Wilderness

Turn by Turn:

  -- The hike begins at the west side of the parking area next to a trailhead board and interpretive signs. It's a pretty straightforward walk west for about a half mile, the the trail circles to the north. After zigging left (northwest) then right (northeast) for another mile you arrive at Cottonwood Creek.

  -- Return the way you came, being careful not to get led onto side spurs (there is a trail that connects the Cottonwood Lakes trail to the Cottonwood Pass trail, but we couldn't find it, so just stay on the main path and remember the zigs and zags).

Photo Gallery: Flickr

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