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

Mount Langley via Cottonwood Lakes Permit

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · California

Each entry point carries its own quota

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

Watch your Mt. Langley dates

A Mt. Langley permit is booked by the day you start. Tell us every date you'd go and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

Party

70% of the openings our scanner caught on Mt. Langley were gone within 10 minutes.

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

Build your full itinerary start to finish

Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.

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No permit needed to start

Mt. Langley Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Cost$6 + $5/person
Max Group Size15 people

Mt. Langley Permit Facts

  • As of September 2026, Mt. Langley in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California requires a permit issued via reservation.
  • The Mt. Langley route covers 22 miles with 4,100 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
  • Cancelled Mt. Langley permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationEastern Sierra, CA

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

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (9,950 ft)

⚠️

Backcountry Tips

  • UV index 8. High altitude sun is intense—sunscreen and hat essential.
  • Windy conditions: Bring wind-resistant shelter if camping.

Today

☀️

90°

65°

Sun

☀️

71°

55°

Mon

☀️

81°

54°

Tue

☀️

82°

57°

Wed

☀️

82°

56°

Thu

☀️

87°

59°

Fri

☀️

90°

63°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

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.

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand5/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill2/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

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.

Key Landmarks

4,100ft
Gain
4,100ft
Loss
⛰️
14,042ft
High
📏
11.0mi
Distance
📐
7.1%
Avg Grade
Click on a marker to view details6 landmarks

Landmarks (6)

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Mt. Langley. Sign up to track this permit.

🐻

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit. Sign up to track this permit.

Mt. Langley FAQ

How do I get a Mt. Langley permit?

Mt. Langley permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.

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. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

👥Community

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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