Mount Langley via Cottonwood Lakes wilderness permit area in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - backcountry hiking destination
ReservationOvernightModerate Demand

Mount Langley via Cottonwood Lakes

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

California's 9th highest peak (14,042 ft) climbed via the scenic Cottonwood Lakes basin—a fourteener without the Whitney crowds.

“Experience Mt. Langley in SEKI.”

Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when Mt. Langley permits become available.

Demand
Moderate
6/10
Method
Reservation
Cost
$15 + $5/person/night
Booking Method
First-Come, First-Served

Mt. Langley Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Cost$15 + $5/person/night
Max Group Size15 people

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationCA

What to Expect

Route Details

Distance
22 miles
Elevation Gain
4,100 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
2-3 days
Difficulty
Strenuous
Elevation Range
9,950 - 14,042 ft

How to Get This Permit

1

Create a Recreation.gov account

Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

2

Know the release schedule

Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.

3

Be ready when permits drop

Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

4

Monitor for cancellations

If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Mid-July through AugustShoulder: September

Conditions

Snow-free above 10,000 ft by mid-July most years. Afternoon thunderstorms common.

Crowd Level

High

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +All routes accessible

Challenges

  • !Mosquitoes through July
  • !Afternoon storms
  • !Crowded trailheads

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand5/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill2/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation2/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment3/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.

Recommended Experience

Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Mt. Langley in SEKI offers a wilderness experience protected by the permit system. Quotas help maintain trail conditions and ensure visitors can enjoy the natural setting without overcrowding.

Key Landmarks

↑
4,100ft
Gain
↓
4,100ft
Loss
⛰️
14,042ft
High
📏
22.0mi
Distance
📐
2.9%
Avg Grade
Click on a marker to view details•3 landmarks

Landmarks (3)

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Mt. Langley.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Mt. Langley FAQ

How do I get a Mt. Langley permit?

Mt. Langley permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Mt. Langley?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Mt. Langley permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Mt. Langley permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Golden hour at Mt. Langley offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.

Best Light

Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.

Beat the Crowds

Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.

Classic Shots

  • 📍Classic view of Mt. Langley
  • 📍SEKI scenery
  • 📍Trail or route documentation

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