Trail Overview
The Old Cottonwood Trail is located within the Hungry Valley SVRA. You can access it from Gold Hill Road by turning right onto the Old Cottonwood Trail. You can stage just up the trail at the Cottonwood Campground. The trail is 1.7 miles in length and starts at GPS coordinates N34.75812° W118.87666°. The trail splits, with the left section providing access to the campground, and then merges back into a single trail. The trail starts off with a sandy, hard-packed surface. Just past the last turn-off for the campground, there is a large washout on the left. The trail splits multiple times, with the right fork being the easiest. The light layer of sand disappears as the trail turns to the left and climbs into the hills. As you climb, there is a steep drop-off on the left, so it's best to hug the right section of the trail. As the trail descends into the valley, there is a sweeping left turn followed by a section of small whoops. At 1.1 miles, you will intersect with the Meadows Trail, followed by a long straightaway. The trail terminates at the intersection with the Meadows Trail at GPS coordinates N34.75937° W118.89924°.
Difficulty
Many sections would warrant a 2 or 3, but some areas require more attention and the need to navigate around washouts, which is why I rated this as an intermediate level 4 trail.
