Cottonwood Lakes Basin

May 10, 2014: Cottonwood Lakes Basin, Lone Pine

Turn at the only stop light in Lone Pine, CA and head toward Whitney Portal. Most people will continue straight toward the Mt. Whitney trailhead, but by turning south on Horseshoe Meadows, then climbing a few thousand feet above the valley floor over a span of 20 or so miles, past some beautiful flowering desert lupine, the trail to Cottonwood Lakes awaits.

The trail is at an elevation 9,000 to 11,000 feet, but besides that is only moderately difficult. It starts by passing through the forest along a creek. Then, the trail slowly climbs and the forest fades into an alpine region with few trees and low growing tundra. The mountains come into view.

Meander a little farther and you reach the Cottonwood Lakes Basin. There are five Cottonwood Lakes to see (and others as well if you want to venture off the main trail).

A very much enjoyed six hour adventure in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains!

Click here to see more photos of Cottonwood Lakes.