Summary
A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays (free but must be reserved in advance), and there are no fees to camp. Expect no amenities: no toilets, water, tables, fire rings, or RV access. Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. The experience is remote and scenic—alpine meadows, granite peaks, and trout-filled streams dominate the landscape. Popular trails lead to Cottonwood Lakes and Mount Langley. Best visited July–September when snow is minimal. It's ideal for backpackers seeking solitude and pristine wilderness.
Nearby Campgrounds
Golden Trout Camp
Cottonwood Lakes Walk in Campground
Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground
Chicken Spring Lake Camp Area 11,240ft.
Diaz Creek
Upper Rock Creek Lake Camp Area
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Camping Essential Practices
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Related Links
Nearby Snowpack Depths
|
COTTONWOOD LAKES
|
1" |
|
NOHRSC CASA VIEJA MEADOWS
|
169" |
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CHARLOTTE LAKE
|
3" |
|
BEACH MEADOWS
|
0" |
|
BLACKCAP BASIN GOES
|
5" |
|
INYOKERN 9.4 WSW
|
0" |
Headwaters To Forest Road 16S02
Forest Road 16So2 To La Dept. Of Water And Power Property
Ladwp Property To Wilderness Boundary
Wilderness Boundary To Intake
Tributary Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary
Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary
Muir Lake
Cottonwood Lakes
High Lake
Cottonwood Creek Lower Lone Pine
Peanut Lake