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Cottonwood Pass Trail

Inyo · Managed by Inyo National Forest (USFS) · Region: Inyo NF backcountry
Difficulty 50/100 · Strenuousout and back#usfs#backcountry#inyo
Distance
30 mi
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Cottonwood Pass Trail is a 15-mile trail (one way per the Forest Service; out-and-back mileage listed) in Inyo NF backcountry. Difficulty is estimated from distance; the Forest Service trail page carries the official description.

Highlights

  • 15 miles of trail per the Forest Service trail page
  • Cottonwood Pass
  • Chicken Spring Lake
  • Rocky Basin Lakes
  • Big Whitney Meadow
  • No entrance fees on national forest land

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Cottonwood Pass Trail Trailhead
  • Water: Streams and lakes along the route; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None nearby; plan a self-supported trip.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Inyo National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips in the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout and South Sierra Wildernesses; quotas apply to many trailheads.
  • Reservation window: Reserve quota trailheads via Recreation.gov up to six months in advance.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are allowed only in established rings, and seasonal forest-wide restrictions are common — check current alerts. A California Campfire Permit is required for camp stoves. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: June, July, August, September.

Snow: Snow clears by June at most trail elevations; passes may hold snow into July.

Heat: Summer afternoons can be hot at lower elevations.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in early summer near water.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Check current fire restrictions and forest alerts before your trip
  • A California Campfire Permit is required even for a stove
  • Bear canisters or approved food storage are required throughout Inyo wilderness areas.
  • Water sources are seasonal — confirm flows before you go

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Cottonwood Pass Trail. Inyo National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/recreation/trails/cottonwood-pass-trail. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Golden Trout Wilderness
  2. Hiking — Inyo National Forest (USFS). Inyo National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/recreation/opportunities/hiking. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Forest hiking overview and trail index.
  3. Passes & Permits — Inyo National Forest (USFS). Inyo National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/passes-permits. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirements for the forest and its wilderness areas.