Highlight • Trail
Horseshoe Meadows Trailhead
Hiking
5.0
(6)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
December 29, 2020
Hiking
May 6, 2023
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Horseshoe Meadows Trailhead
5.0
(1)
32
hikers
7.31km
02:15
410m
10m
The Chicken Spring Lake via Cottonwood Pass Trail offers a classic Sierra Nevada experience, transitioning from lush meadows to rugged alpine terrain. You'll start among lodgepole pines, then ascend through switchbacks that open up to dramatic views of the Great Western Divide. The destination, Chicken Spring Lake, is a stunning high-alpine lake surrounded by granite and foxtail pines, making the moderate 4.5-mile (7.3 km) hike with 1362 feet (415 metres) of elevation gain well worth the effort. Expect to spend about 2 hours and 14 minutes on this rewarding route.
To plan your visit, head to the Horseshoe Meadows Trailhead, which is reached by a paved but winding road. While day hikers typically don't need a permit, overnight stays require a wilderness permit, especially during the quota season from late June to mid-September. Given the high altitude, it's wise to acclimatize if you're coming from sea level and always carry ample water. The best time to hike this trail is usually from late spring to early fall, once the snow has melted.
This trail is a popular entry point into the Golden Trout Wilderness, serving as a gateway for backpackers heading to destinations like Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. It also converges with sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), making it a known spot for long-distance hikers. The diverse landscape supports wildlife such as marmots and mule deer, and the area is known for its vibrant wildflowers in season, adding another layer of beauty to this high-country adventure.
38.3km
11:14
1,050m
1,090m
Hike the difficult 23.8-mile Cottonwood Pass and New Army Pass Loop, gaining 3456 feet through the High Sierra wilderness.
5.0
(1)
18
hikers
14.8km
04:21
430m
430m
Hike the moderate 9.2-mile Cottonwood Pass Trail in Inyo National Forest, gaining 1395 feet to Chicken Spring Lake and the Golden Trout Wild
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,820 m
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Wednesday 1 July
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Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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