Cottonwood to Baxter via Upper Kern

This route is a point-to-point backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada, making up a total of 82.8 miles. Depending on both hiker speed and personal preference, this route can be done anywhere from 4 to 8 days, with opportunities to extend with side trips and/or mountain climbing. 

The route begins at Cottonwood Pass Trailhead at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road. Instead of heading toward Cottonwood Pass, take the trail toward Trail Pass and continue southwest into the meadows of the Southern Sierra. Continue onto Golden Trout Creek Trail, which descends gently, and then significantly into Kern River Canyon. The route follows this Wild and Scenic Kern River for the next 23 miles or so before it surfaces out of the canyon and toward the river’s headwaters near the base of Mt. Ericsson (try to strategize to spend the night near the hot springs at mile 30). The route heads up toward Lake South America near the base of the Kings-Kern Divide before joining the Pacific Crest Trail at Tyndall Creek near mile 50. From here, the trail climbs to its high point (which is also the high point of the entire PCT) at Forester Pass (13,160). Depending on the year, snow can remain present on both sides of the pass until late into the season. Do research about current conditions at Forester Pass, and be prepared with appropriate gear. Here begins a more than 7-mile descent, eventually joining Bubbs Creek, leading toward Vidette Meadow. The climb between Vidette and Glen Pass can feel steep and relentless, but the views from Glen Pass are worth the effort, as is the descent toward the stunning (but increasingly busy) Rae Lakes. Just pass Dollar Lake (near mile 71.5), don’t miss the junction onto Baxter Pass Trail. On this climb, it can be easy to lose the trail as it ascends steadily toward Baxter Lake, and eventually toward the strangely attractive Baxter Pass. The descent from Baxter Pass is notably steep as it drops sharply toward the Owens Valley. 

Hikers will pass through both the Golden Trout Wilderness and 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).