Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Horseshoe meadows road alternative?

With as much snow as has fallen it's probably unlikely that the Horseshoe Meadows Road will be open any time soon. I've noticed on the topo's that there is a road leading up past the Cottonwood Power Plant, that turns into a trail that leads up to Horseshoe Meadows. Has anyone taken this trail before? Or, better yet, has anyone taken it recently? I'm planning a spring snowshoe backpack to the Cottonwood lakes basin. Is there a gate closure anywhere on the Cottonwood Power Plant road before the trailhead, like there is on Horseshoe Meadows Road? Also, are dogs allowed in the Whitney Portal campground area? I know they are not allowed over the Sierra crest, because then you're into the national park, but what about to the east of the crest, and the trail leading up to it? Thanks, Doug.

I believe the trail by the cottonwood powerplant is known as cottonwood creek trail. It has been about a year since I've been up that trail, but I recall there is not any gate. There are nice campground areas near the end of the road. It isn't very high altitude, but it is in the trees.

I believe this trail was once used by lumberjacks taking wood down from the mountains to the kilns found by Owens Lake. It is a very good trail, however fairly steep, at least near the bottom.