Cottonwood Pass to Rock Creek to Soldier Lake and Back

This scenic, moderate-to-strenuous route makes for an ideal overnight backpacking trip in California’s southern Sierra Nevada, offering solitude, sweeping vistas, and diverse high-elevation terrain. The 26.2-mile route starts and ends at the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead, traversing the Golden Trout Wilderness and a portion of Sequoia National Park. Along the way, you'll experience stunning high-country wilderness, with the option to adjust your route easily thanks to several intersecting trails. This flexibility allows you to tailor the adventure to your needs, making it a rewarding escape into some of California’s most beautiful landscapes.

DESCRIPTION
Your journey begins at the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead. The trail starts relatively flat before ascending switchbacks to reach Cottonwood Pass at 11,200 feet, offering breathtaking views of surrounding granite peaks and valleys.

Once over the pass, follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) until you connect with the Rock Creek Trail. From the Rock Creek Ranger Station, continue along the trail to Soldier Lake, a serene alpine lake sitting at approximately 10,800 feet. The trek to Soldier Lake takes you through a mix of rocky terrain and open meadows, with stunning mountain views. Soldier Lake is a perfect spot for camping, with peaceful surroundings and reliable water sources, although it can get crowded on weekends.

From Soldier Lake, head toward the Siberian Pass Trail, which will reconnect you to the PCT. This final stretch retraces part of your earlier route, leading back to the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead.

FLORA AND FAUNA
Throughout this hike, you'll pass through a variety of ecosystems, ranging from lush alpine meadows to dense pine forests. The high-elevation terrain is rich in biodiversity, home to wildlife like marmots, pikas, and mule deer. You may also spot birds such as Clark's nutcrackers and Steller's jays. During the spring and summer, the meadows come alive with wildflowers.

CAMPING AND WATER SOURCES

• Backcountry camping is allowed along this route, with several good spots near Soldier Lake and along Rock Creek.

• Water sources include Rock Creek, Soldier Lake, and various small streams along the trail. Be sure to carry a water filter, as all water should be treated before drinking.

PERMITS AND REGULATIONS

• A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the Inyo National Forest. Permits can be obtained through www.recreation.gov.

• Bear canisters are required for food storage in the backcountry.

SAFETY AND CONSIDERATIONS

• Be prepared for high-elevation hiking, as much of the route stays above 10,000 feet. Acclimate properly to avoid altitude sickness.

• Weather can change quickly at high elevations, so bring layers and rain gear.

• Trail conditions can vary, so check with the ranger station before setting out.

TRAILHEAD AND PARKING INFORMATION
Horseshoe Meadows parking area is located off of Highway 395. The road to Horseshoe Meadows climbs from Lone Pine, California and ascends over 6,000 feet. Horseshoe Meadows has no shortage of trails and is a great location for anyone looking to acclimatize, the parking area and nearby campgrounds, sit at 10,000 feet above sea level. 

The road to Horseshoe Meadow is closed from around November to May (depending on snow), and water spigots may be turned off as early as October.

For more information about Horseshoe Meadows please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20700.

MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the Cottonwood Pass Trail area please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd530477.pdf