Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,420.00 ft (1,042.42 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
24.10 mi (38.79 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Trail Pass Trail is a 24.1-mile out-and-back trail located in the southern Sierra Nevada, west of Lone Pine, California. This well-maintained, singletrack trail runs southwest from Cottonwood Pass Campground, off of Horseshoe Meadows Road, and into the Golden Trout Wilderness. There are several other trails accessible from the Trail Pass Trail, including easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). It features aromatic pine forests, picturesque streams, and lush meadows. Trail Pass (10492 ft.), and the surrounding wilderness, is a popular destination for trail running, hiking, backpacking, camping, and peak bagging. 

Trail Pass Trail is a scenic getaway for anyone looking to explore a pristine wilderness in a day or as an overnight camping trip. 

DIRECTIONS

Starting from the Horseshoe Meadows Trailhead, follow the Cottonwood Pass Trail for approximately 1/2 mile, then turn south on the Trail Pass Trail, heading towards Trail Pass.

TRAILHEAD FACILITIES
At the trailhead visitors will find potable water, bear storage lockers, bathrooms, and a campground. 

COTTONWOOD PASS CAMPGROUND

Cottonwood Pass Campground is a first-come, first-serve walk-in campground. Sites are equipped with food storage boxes, picnic tables, toilet facilities, etc. For more information please visit,

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20694

PERMITS AND CAMPING

Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping and can be reserved up to six months in advance through www.recreation.gov

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center: 1-(760) 876-6200

Wilderness permit information: 1-(760) 873-2483

 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic meadows. Mountain Views.

Cons

Mosquitos.

Trailhead Elevation

9,948.00 ft (3,032.15 m)

Highest point

10,495.00 ft (3,198.88 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

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