Army Point Pass Loop

Army Pass Point Loop is a 30.1-mile lollipop route in the southern Sierra Nevada west of Lone Pine, California. The route goes through Horseshoe Meadows and the Cottonwood Lakes Basin, passing many pristine alpine lakes and creeks. There is a short loop around Army Pass Point (12,360'), which offers scenic views of Mount Langley (14,032'). 

From Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead, the route heads west over Cottonwood Pass. This hike encompasses sections of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and  explores less populated areas along Army Pass Trail and Old Army Pass Trail. This moderately challenging route can be completed as a challenging day trek or as part of a short backpacking trip (see information below regarding backcountry permits). 

CAMPING AND PERMITS

The route passes through Golden Trout Wilderness, John Muir Wilderness, and Sequoia National Park. Make sure you are familiar with the specific regulations for each area in advance. 

• Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays along this trek. 

• Day use does not require a permit.

WATER

This route passes by several creeks, lakes and springs. Water collected from these sources should be treated before consumption.

TRAILHEAD

Cottonwood Pass Trailhead is located at the Horseshoe Meadows parking area off of Highway 395. The road to Horseshoe Meadows climbs from Lone Pine, California and ascends over 6,000 feet. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. 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. 

MILES AND WAYPOINTS

00.00 - Cottonwood Pass Trail

00.50 - Cross Trail Pass Trail

01.00 - Horseshoe Meadow

04.00 - Cottonwood Pass / Continue on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

04.17 - Chicken Spring Lake

08.14 - Turn right on Siberian Pass Trail

09.60 - Army Pass Trail

12.00 - Descend Army Pass towards High Lake and Long Lake.

14.00 - High Lake

14.20 - Long Lake

15.00 - Cottonwood Lake #2

15.20 - Cottonwood Lake #1

17.00 - Cottonwood Lake #3

17.10 - Cottonwood Lakes #4 & #5

19.00 - Old Army Pass

19.20 - Trail junction, continue on Army Pass Trail

21.00 - Head west on Siberian Pass Trail

22.00 - Head south on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

26.00 - Cottonwood Pass

30.10 - Cottonwood Pass Trailhead

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center: 1-(760) 876-6222

Wilderness Permit Information: 1- (760) 873-2483