The trailhead starts at 10,000ft, the grade is gentle, and the lakes are alpine. The Sierra's best beginner trip, and not an insult to say so.
If you've never backpacked but want alpine lakes, start here. A gentle grade, well-maintained trail, and the trailhead at 10,000ft means you're already in the high country before you take your first step. Multiple sources call this the best beginner backpacking trip in the Sierra. You'll camp among foxtail pines beneath Mt Langley with golden-hour light on the peaks.
Start: Cottonwood Lakes TH (Horseshoe Meadow)
End: Cottonwood Lakes TH (Horseshoe Meadow)
Water: South Fork Cottonwood Creek crossing at 1.4mi; streams throughout basin; lakes
Gentle grade through pine forest. Pass Golden Trout Wilderness boundary. New Army Pass junction at 3.5mi - stay right for lakes. Trail crests basin rim at 4.5mi with stunning views of Mt Langley. Camp at Lake #3 (most accessible) or Lakes #4-5 (best views, more exposed).
Water: Same as Day 1 in reverse
Easy downhill return. Option: explore more lakes in morning.
Mt Langley summit via Old or New Army Pass (~26.5mi RT total, 14,042ft, class 1); Muir Lake (short detour from main trail); Cottonwood Lakes Loop via Cottonwood Pass and New Army Pass (~23mi, 3 days, moderate - adds PCT section and Chicken Spring Lake)
Called the best beginner Sierra trip by multiple sources. Walk-in campground at trailhead (first-come, no reservation needed). Horseshoe Meadow Road from Lone Pine is narrow and winding (40min). Mosquitoes worst Jun-Jul. No campfires in basin. Marmots everywhere - protect gear. Lakes #4 and #5 are the most popular for camping. Muir Lake offers the most solitude. Can extend to 3 days for Mt Langley summit attempt (add ~8mi RT, +2,800ft from Lakes basin, class 1-2).
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