Whitney Meadow Loop

Whitney Meadow Loop is a 30.4-mile route through the Golden Trout Wilderness. The loop begins with the Cottonwood Pass Trail located off of Horseshoe Meadows Road, west of Lone Pine, California. It features singletrack trails, picturesque mountain scenery, streams, and beautiful meadows including Big Whitney Meadow, one of the largest meadows in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Golden Trout Wilderness covers an extensive area of the Kern Plateau at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. This area is full of colorful meadows with picturesque streams surrounded by forested hillsides and tall mountains. Whether you are out for a long day or an overnight trip, an adventure on the Whitney Meadow Loop will allow you to explore the heart of this beautiful wilderness area.A variety of trails intersect this loop making it possible to explore, add on side trips, or shorten the total distance if necessary. Whitney Meadow Loop is rated as moderate and is suitable for trail running, hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. From the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead, take the Cottonwood Pass Trail over Cottonwood Pass and down to the Pacific Crest Trail. Follow the Pacific Crest Trail north until you reach the junction with the Siberian Pass Trail. Take the Siberian Pass Trail south, descend over Siberian Pass, and follow Golden Trout Creek through Whitney Meadow.Continue north on Trail Pass Trail following the South Fork Kern River. The trail goes through Tunnel Meadow and Bullfrog Meadow before ascending up and over Trail Pass. Approximately 2.7 miles from Trail Pass, you will reach the Horseshoe Meadows Parking Area and the end of the trail. At the trailhead visitors will find potable water, bear storage lockers, bathrooms, and camping areas. The road to Horseshoe Meadow is closed from around November to May (depending on snow), and water spigots may be turned off as early as October.