How to Get a Cottonwood Lakes Permit
A basin of golden trout lakes between Mount Langley and Cirque Peak, and the standard back door to a 14,000-foot summit.
Check Cottonwood Lakes permit availabilityRecreation.gov permit 233262 lists a $6 Inyo reservation fee plus a $5 per-person fee.
Permit Cost
2-4 days
Duration
moderate
Difficulty
About Cottonwood Lakes
Cottonwood Lakes is an Inyo National Forest wilderness entry point near Horseshoe Meadows above Lone Pine, opening the Cottonwood Lakes Basin, New Army Pass and the Mount Langley approach. Inyo's quota season runs May 1 to November 1 in 2026, with reservations opening six months in advance at 7 am Pacific and additional permits released two weeks ahead. Outside that window the trailhead is non-quota with a two-week booking window. Inyo confirms this permit may continue over Army Pass and on the Pacific Crest Trail. It is a different reservation from Cottonwood Pass, which leaves from the same road.
Inyo National Forest describes the Cottonwood Lakes as home to California's state fish, the golden trout, in a basin of pristine lakes and creeks located between Mount Langley and Cirque Peak. It is also the approach to New Army Pass and the southern portion of Sequoia National Park, and the standard route up Mount Langley.
The Experience
The trailhead is already high, so the walking is gentle and the air is thin from the first step. The basin opens into a scatter of lakes with Langley's south slope rising behind, and the water is full of small bright fish nobody is allowed to keep more than two of.
From near Horseshoe Meadows the trail climbs gently into the Cottonwood Lakes Basin. Inyo lists side trails to Muir Lake, Hidden Lake, South Fork Lakes, Cirque Lake, Long Lake and High Lake.
Climbing over New Army Pass crosses into the southern portion of Sequoia National Park, and Inyo confirms a Cottonwood Lakes permit may continue over Army Pass and on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Fishing here has its own rules. Inyo states only artificial lures may be used, with a limit of two trout. For Lakes 1 through 4 and their tributaries the season is open September 1 through November 30 with a minimum size limit of 14 inches, and other lakes in the basin are open all year.
What to Expect
A gentle climb from an already-high trailhead into the lakes basin
Side trails to Muir Lake, Hidden Lake, South Fork Lakes, Cirque Lake, Long Lake and High Lake
A permit that may continue over Army Pass and on to the Pacific Crest Trail
Special fishing regulations for the golden trout
A quota season from May 1 to November 1, plus a two-week release
Get Cottonwood Lakes Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
Permit Requirements
No campfires in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin or above 10,400 feet
Bear containers are required for storage of food and trash
Only artificial lures may be used, with a limit of two trout
For Lakes 1 through 4 and their tributaries the fishing season is September 1 through November 30, with a minimum size limit of 14 inches. Other lakes in the basin are open all year
Maximum group size is 15
Not recommended for stock between Lakes 1 and 2, or on the South Fork of Cottonwood Creek
Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness regulations apply if you enter the park, including no pets, a group size limit of eight to hike Mount Langley, and a three-night limit at Soldier Lakes
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here
- •A stove, since fires are banned in the basin and above 10,400 feet
- •Warm layers for camps above 11,000 feet
- •Water treatment
Hazards & Safety
Altitude from the first step, since the trailhead is already high
Afternoon thunderstorms on an open basin and on New Army Pass
Cold nights year-round in the basin
Snow on New Army Pass into early summer
Best Time to Visit
The quota season runs May 1 to November 1. July through September is the reliable window. September also opens the Lakes 1 through 4 fishing season, which runs to November 30.
Pro Tips
Sleep at Horseshoe Meadows the night before, because this trailhead starts high
Check which lake you are fishing - Lakes 1 to 4 are closed until September 1
Carry a stove, since fires are banned throughout the basin
This and Cottonwood Pass are different permits from the same road, so read the name twice
Camp at Muir Lake or the South Fork Lakes if the main basin is busy
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Cottonwood Lakes permit?
+
Cottonwood Lakes permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Cottonwood Lakes?
+
The quota season runs May 1 to November 1. July through September is the reliable window. September also opens the Lakes 1 through 4 fishing season, which runs to November 30.
How difficult is Cottonwood Lakes?
+
Parties heading for Mount Langley, anglers after golden trout, and backpackers who want alpine country without a hard climb.
What gear do I need for Cottonwood Lakes?
+
Essential gear includes: A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here, A stove, since fires are banned in the basin and above 10,400 feet, Warm layers for camps above 11,000 feet, Water treatment.
Don't Miss Your Cottonwood Lakes Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Cottonwood Lakes availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
