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Cottonwood lakes trail water source
Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 2:08 pm
by Solace-seeker
I am planning to do a backpacking trip to Cottonwood Lakes along the Cottonwood lakes trail soon. In the past I've have had problems acclimating at high elevations. I am planning on taking it real easy and camping halfway to Lake #1. Will there be water sources along the Cottonwood lakes trail?
Thank you.
Re: Cottonwood lakes trail water source
Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 2:50 pm
by MountainMinstrel
Water will not be a problem as the trail follows a stream. Here are a few pics...
Re: Cottonwood lakes trail water source
Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 5:36 pm
by Solace-seeker
Thank you so much Mountain Minstrel. Great Photos.
Re: Cottonwood lakes trail water source
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2018 7:50 am
by John Harper
You cross over South Fork Cottonwood Creek about 1 1/4 miles in, then cross the regular Cottonwood Creek another 2 times on the way to #1 Cottonwood Lake IIRC. It's only about 5 miles, and 1000' gain in elevation, not much to acclimate if you stay at Horseshoe Meadow the day before and camp overnight. We usually go the SF Lake trail which basically follows SF Cottonwood creek all the way to SF Lake #1. It is a non maintained route, although pretty easy to follow if you just stay along the creek you can't fail.
John