TR: Cottonwood Lakes Day Hike from the Old Cottonwood Creek trail, 5/24/2020

[deenad]

I live in the Eastern Sierra, so I get up into the mountains as much as I can. The Cottonwood lakes area is such a special place! I started from the old Cottonwood Creek trailhead today. The weather was perfect!

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This trail is a delight! I like unsigned trails, because I am not a fan of continuous, well graded slogs. I dig more of a variation and a more natural vibe in my trail and this one has it in spades!

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There were so many wonderful campsite opportunities along the way. I would much rather acclimate the first night about a mile into this hike than at a campground next to a parking lot!

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Eventually, after traveling along with the creek on one side and dolomite and Foxtail pines on the right, you end up at the Golden Trout Camp.

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Due to Covid I assume, there was no one at the camp, and I am wondering if they allow folks to walk through their camp to access the mail trail. I crossed their quaint bridge and after entering the John Muir Wilderness, the trail starts climbing in earnest.

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When I finally arrived on the plateau and was able to wander over to the first Cottonwood Lake, I had lunch with my new marmot friend who I immediately named Murgatroyd.

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I then headed back as there are no wilderness permits yet this year. My Apple Watch said that the hike was 11.56 miles with 1,375 foot altitude gain.
I still haven't acclimated yet, but when I can start sleeping high, I will be happier!
Hike On! xo Deena

[counselor]

I’m thinking of headed up to cottonwood lakes in a couple of weeks to do some trout fishing. Did you go past the first lake and, if so, can you comment on snow conditions? It doesn’t look like I have anything to worry about from your pictures.

Hopefully the walk up permit situation is figured out by then. Thanks for the TR!

[Bishop_Bob]

nice report - thanks!

[papasequoia]

I’m thinking of headed up to cottonwood lakes in a couple of weeks to do some trout fishing. Did you go past the first lake and, if so, can you comment on snow conditions? It doesn’t look like I have anything to worry about from your pictures.

Hopefully the walk up permit situation is figured out by then. Thanks for the TR!

I don't know about the camping permits yet, I think that is still up in the air. However, that whole area around and including the Cottonwood Lakes has special regs and is always closed to fishing until July 1st.

[deenad]

There was a little bit of snow on the trail here and there. Nothing to worry about though. Definitely check the area fishing refs. I did read that there is no fishing in the first lake. Maybe because there are no fish. I didn’t see any jumping and I watched for a while. I would head to the South fork lakes for fishing myself.

[Jason]

Looks like an awesome hike. Thanks for taking the time to post a report. I hope to get up there one of these days.

[jimmyjamhikes]

Great report! I can't wait to get out there myself!

[ryanerb]

Thank you for posting! Glad you enjoyed!

[deenad]

Thanks everyone!