Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Cottonwood Pass conditions?

Planning a quickie trip to Chicken Spring Lake from Cottonwood Pass trailhead -- a trail which is unfamiliar to me -- as prep for upcoming Whitney climb. Can anyone offer current conditions? And, is my assumption from the map correct that there will be opportunities to filter water along or near the trail?

Many thanks in advance!

I hiked that route last August and recall a plentiful amount of water avaialble. I had a 70 oz Camelbak and didn't need to refill until I was down from the switchbacks (37, by the way - I counted). I refilled at a stream crossing about halfway between the switchbacks and the trailhead on the return. I think I also recall a stream to one side of the switchbacks. Even without the streams, with a decent size bladder you can probably cover the 5 miles to the lake with plenty of room to spare. With all the snowmelt going on, you should be just fine.

Enjoy the view from the pass - it's majestic.

The trail has been clear for a while all the way to Cirque Peak cut up.

Lot'sa water along the trail but much of it is seasonal, especially as you approach the last set of switchbacks to the pass.

The pass is devoid of spectacular vistas. If you want that type of experience continue the trail beyond Chicken Spring Lake to the top of ridge beyond it. You will be rewarded handsomely for your extra effort.

OK, maybe not majestic in the strict Sierra sense, but pretty sweet if you take the time to climb up the boulders directly above the last switchback:

Tiger, Was up that way two weeks ago. The trail to the pass is snow free, and there are several different places to get water after the first sandy 1/4 mile. I wouldn't carry more than a Qt..There was a small patch of snow at the pass, and a litle around CSL.

Thanks to everybody for the information. This will be a great weekend getaway!