Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Cottonwood lakes Info

I am wondering if anyone knows how far it is from the trail head to the first of the cottonwood lakes?

hvydrt,

According to my TOPO map Cottonwood Lake #1 is approximately 4.5 miles away from the trailhead with about 1,000ft. elevation gain. Hope that helps! It's a nice hike and not that hard. Once you hit the lake the scenery is spectacular!

The altitude makes this hike hard for many. Remember that altitude is reputed to affect children more.

Also, remember that 4.5 miles is HALFWAY. I'd doubt that most 3 year olds will walk 9 miles. I'd expect to be carrying your child most of the way. The average 3-year old boy weighs around 32 lbs, plus you'll be carrying the usual clutter of stuff for a kid, plus day-hiking stuff....figure a 45 lb load.

So, that hike, carrying a 45 lb load, with an unhappy child.....might be a bit challenging.

Ken makes a good point. That 4.5 miles is HALFWAY and I forgot about the youngster! YIKES! Yes indeed, it might be a little much to expect from someone that young. Thanks Ken for pointing that out!

I just got back from climbing Mt. Langley, and have hiked the area a lot over the years. I would agree that taking a three year old to the Cottonwood lakes would be a lot to ask on a day hike. My eight year old sons' first real backpack trip, where he was hiking, was when he was almost 4. We went over Trail Pass to Mulkey meadows. It was about a 5 mile hike in, that took a LONG time with all the breaks. If your three year old is fine with riding in a carrier, and you can handle the weight and distance, then I'd say "go for it". If you expect him to walk most of it, I'd say "go check out the old cabin off the trail towards Cottonwood Pass".

I'm sure the subject's been done to death, but I'm a mother of six (now grown), and I hike and climb with my sons. As outdoor oriented as we are, I'd never go so far with a 3-year-old that I can't quickly retreat if needed. Aside from the little guy, there is such a thing as unpredictable weather in the high country.

If you're comfortable with a compass, I would recommend going cross-country - horses have really churned up and otherwise messed up that sandy trail.

Good point. In addition to the 45 lbs with unhappy child and potentially bad weather, you'll be hiking 4.5 miles one-way in horse poo. That section of the trail can be pretty disgusting.

Andy