Near Cottonwood Lakes Trail
The look up at Cirque Peak from the Cottonwood Lakes Trail can be utterly stunning.
Near Cottonwood Lakes Trail
There's great camping at Cottonwood Lake Number Five beneath Mount Langley.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Cottonwood Lakes Trail

4.3 (23 Ratings)
Hike to scenic alpine lakes from one of the highest trailheads in the Sierra Nevada.
6.2
mi
Distance
1,378
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
LakeViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.16mi
Distance
1,378ft
Elevation Gain
204ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
11,211ft
High Point
10,018ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Head north through pine forests along Cottonwood Creek. Pass the junction with the New Army Pass Trail at 3.5 miles. The trail turns west and at around 4.5 miles you enter an open meadow with excellent views of the Sierra Crest ahead. Continue on and pass Cottonwood Lake Three on your left and then end at Cottonwood Lakes Four and Five.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Nearby Hike Routes

Mount Langley

Hike Route

Mount Langley

Lake
extreme
20.85 mi
+4,683 ft
Cottonwood Lakes to Sky Blue Lake

Hike Route

Cottonwood Lakes to Sky Blue Lake

Dogs Allowed
extreme
30.79 mi
+5,870 ft
Cirque Lake

Hike Route

Cirque Lake

Lake
strenuous
9.31 mi
+1,448 ft
New and Old Army Loop (via Soldier Lakes)

Hike Route

New and Old Army Loop (via Soldier Lakes)

Lake
extreme
22.25 mi
+4,423 ft
Cottonwood Lakes Trail

Hike Route

Cottonwood Lakes Trail

Lake
strenuous
14.02 mi
+1,663 ft
Cirque Lake Loop

Hike Route

Cirque Lake Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
22.27 mi
+3,877 ft
Contributors
Miguel Vieira