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California
5.9 mi
Distance
1,026 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Inyo National Forest
3 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
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Why you'll love it
Cottonwood Lakes
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Cottonwood Lakes offers a scenic moderate hike through the Eastern Sierra, gaining over 1,000 feet while traversing approximately 6 miles of varied terrain. This trail showcases the region's alpine character with access to pristine mountain lakes nestled in a glacially-carved basin. The route combines meadow walking with steady climbing, rewarding hikers with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and crystal-clear alpine waters.
New Army Pass
~1 min drive
Steep Sierra alpine pass with sustained elevation gain and high-country views.
Muir Lake
~2 min drive
Easy 1.2-mile alpine lake hike with gentle elevation gain.
South Fork Cottonwood Creek
~3 min drive
Easy creek-side walk with minimal elevation gain in Cottonwood Creek drainage.
Mulkey Pass
~7 min drive
Moderate 7-mile hike to a scenic mountain pass with steady climbing.
Cirque Lake
~3 min drive
Easy 1.54-mile alpine lake hike with 226 ft elevation gain.
Mulkey Mdw.-Templeton Meadow
~14 min drive
Gentle alpine meadow trail connecting two scenic high-country meadows.
Trail Pass
~7 min drive
Steady 10-mile alpine hike with 472 ft elevation gain near Trail Pass.
Cottonwood Pass Stock
~4 min drive
Ultra-short, easy stock trail near Cottonwood Pass.
Kern Peak
~18 min drive
Steep alpine climb to Kern Peak with excellent Sierra views.
Dutch Meadow to Mulkey Meadow
~8 min drive
Gentle 8-mile meadow walk connecting Dutch and Mulkey Meadows.
