Cottonwood Lakes Trail Guide | Lakes #1, #3, #4 & #5 via New Army Pass
Cottonwood Lakes Trail Guide Lake #1, #3, #4 & #5 via New Army Pass Loop Quick Summary Cottonwood Lakes is one of the most beginner-friendly alpine lake hikes in the Eastern Sierra. Despite covering nearly 14 miles (22.4 km), the trail gains only about 1,600 feet (484 m), making it an excellent choice for day hikers, families, beginner backpackers, and hikers preparing for Mt. Langley. This was my third visit, but my first time experiencing Cottonwood Lakes in midsummer. While Los Angeles reached around 105°F (41°C) , the temperatures here stayed between 60–73°F (16–23°C) —perfect for a full day in the alpine. Trail Overview A relaxed alpine hike through open meadows beneath 14,026-foot Mount Langley and five unique lakes. Cottonwood Lakes AllTrail Link Photo Journal 5:00 AM — Trailhead The hike began before sunrise with headlamps. Even in early August, the morning air at over 10,000 feet (3,048 m) was cool enough for a light jacket. Forest Trail The first few miles follow a gentl...