Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail

Route Description for Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail

As Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail is within the high alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range, it is important that you prepare yourself for the mountainous conditions. The weather can change rapidly along the route's duration, so we recommend bringing extra clothing so you can layer up as needed. Likewise, due to the route's high elevation, it is important that you monitor yourself and your group members for the effects of altitude sickness.

With your vehicle parked, locate the trailhead and follow Cottonwood Lakes Trail as it makes its way northwest. The terrain will gradually incline as you reach a junction within the trail. At the junction, continue on along Cottonwood Lakes Trail by taking the eastern pathway. From here, carry on along Cottonwood Lakes Trail as it heads west adjacent to Cottonwood Creek.

The Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail will then cross Cottonwood Creek to its northern side, and begin to veer west. Picking up elevation as it goes, the route will diverge from Cottonwood Creek before arriving at several junction points within the trail. At each junction, continue on along Cottonwood Lakes Trail as it bypasses several small lakes and delivers you to the Cottonwood Lakes cluster. Once you've arrived, take some time to enjoy the scenery! When you're ready to return to the trailhead, simply backtrack your steps.