Cottonwood to Upper Crabtree

This route from Cottonwood Pass Trailhead to Upper Crabtree Lake is a fantastic backpacking out-and-back in the southern Sierra Nevada. The total mileage is 46.3 miles, but there are ample opportunities for side-trips to extend the route. 

Starting at Cottonwood Pass Trailhead (10,000 feet), the trail ascends steadily for 3.5 miles through forests and meadows to Cottonwood Pass (11,160 feet). From the pass, take the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), heading north toward Crabtree Meadows. This section is 6.5 miles of relatively gentle hiking through alpine meadows and forests, with occasional creeks to refill water.

At Crabtree Meadows (10,400 feet), leave the PCT, and navigate onto a use trail along the creek toward Lower Crabtree Lake. The terrain becomes rockier and briefly steep, and the trail may be occasionally difficult to find. Ascend another ~600 feet to reach Upper Crabtree Lake (11,200 feet), nestled beneath the towering peaks of Mt. Hitchcock, Mt. Chamberlin, and Mt. Newcomb. This final stretch involves some scrambling and loose rocks, but the pristine alpine lake is worth the effort. It must be noted, however, that Lower Crabtree Lake has more opportunities for camping. The intrepid adventurer can continue past the inlet of Upper Crabtree Lake to explore an attractive canyon leading up toward Crabtree Pass.

Hikers will pass through the John Muir Wilderness in Inyo National Forest and enter Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. Wilderness permits are required for backcountry camping, which can be found at www.recreation.gov. For more information regarding advisories, weather, road conditions, campgrounds and more, check out the Inyo National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/inyo, and the Sequoia-Kings Canyon website at https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm. Practice the principles of leave no trace, and take action to defend threatened wilderness areas (wildernesswatch.org).