Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Easy directions for the Cottonwood Lakes Trail, day hiking, backpacking, golden trout fishing and the Cottonwood Lakes Campground.
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The Cottonwood Lakes Trail is an 11-mile round trip in the Eastern Sierra that starts at 10,000 feet and climbs to a basin of alpine lakes beneath Mount Langley. I cover the rough drive up Horseshoe Meadow Road, what to expect at altitude from the start, and how to pace yourself for either a day hike or an overnight in the Cottonwood Lakes Campground. The route is moderate but you feel the elevation immediately. Permits are required for overnight trips. Golden trout fishing is an option once you reach the lakes. This is one of the more accessible alpine destinations near Mount Whitney without the lottery system.
00:00 Why Cottonwood Lakes?
01:06 Cottonwood Lakes Campground
01:48 Trail Guide
10:30 Golden Trout Fishing
12:23 Backpacking
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Easy directions for the Cottonwood Lakes Trail, day hiking, backpacking, golden trout fishing and the Cottonwood Lakes Campground.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/cottonwood-lakes-trail-inyo
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
The Cottonwood Lakes Trail is an 11-mile round trip in the Eastern Sierra that starts at 10,000 feet and climbs to a basin of alpine lakes beneath Mount Langley. I cover the rough drive up Horseshoe Meadow Road, what to expect at altitude from the start, and how to pace yourself for either a day hike or an overnight in the Cottonwood Lakes Campground. The route is moderate but you feel the elevation immediately. Permits are required for overnight trips. Golden trout fishing is an option once you reach the lakes. This is one of the more accessible alpine destinations near Mount Whitney without the lottery system.
00:00 Why Cottonwood Lakes?
01:06 Cottonwood Lakes Campground
01:48 Trail Guide
10:30 Golden Trout Fishing
12:23 Backpacking
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
