The Cottonwood Lakes are a great introduction to the high Sierras, very easy to access and relatively close to San Diego. Looks like it’s still quite snowy up there.
Pictures from 2021 (much less snowy!): https://www.meetup.com/sandiegobackpackers/events/278793005/
Snow depth: https://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/interactive/html/graph.html?ey=2023&em=6&ed=16&units=0&station=CWDC1
Weather (still unseasonably cold, hopefully it will be warm up): https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-118.21492172105822&lat=36.49599812734478
BEAR CANISTER (or Ursack) REQUIRED
Itinerary:
Friday night:
Walk-in site at trailhead: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20692
Or Tuttle Creek:
https://www.blm.gov/visit/tuttle-creek-campground-0
Saturday:
Hike 6mi 1400ft to Cottonwood lakes and setup camp. Catch some fish.
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.7/-118.2430/36.5127&pubLink=A7zLkhPvRTCxYGkqCarkd2n8&trackId=eba9c090-af8b-4385-9d32-b3dbd0c882df
Sunday:
Climb Mount Langley? The route up New Army Pass isn’t too steep but crampons and ice axe are likely required.
Hike 6mi back to cars.
DISCLAIMER: San Diego Backpackers is not a commercial or an organized travel group. We are amateur hikers with a love of the outdoors.
DISCLAIMER 2:
Hike at your own risk. Be responsible for yourself and your safety. Make good decisions. With any trip, things can change, reservations can get lost, the unexpected can happen. A go-with-the-flow attitude is always a good thing, and most importantly, let’s all have fun! This is an intermediate hike. Make sure you are in good enough physical shape for the distance, elevation changes, and terrain. The hike leaders in this group aren’t professional hike leaders. By signing up for these events, you agree not to hold the Meetup organizers responsible for whatever happens to you on these events. The hiking group does not certify the expertise of the organizers, the event or assistant organizers (hike leaders) and…We are NOT responsible for any possible losses or injuries.
