This mountain lake is 0.6 miles from Cottonwood Pass, making it an easy 8.2-mile round trip hike from Horseshoe Meadow. With just 1,330 feet of elevation gain en route to the lake, this is a desirable destination for day-hikers and a good first camp for backpackers.
Follow Cottonwood Pass Trail to a junction at the pass with Pacific Crest Trail. Turn right and continue through a rocky forest of Foxtail Pines. Chicken Spring Lake is set back a few hundred feet from the trail, but the alpine waters would be impossible to miss.
Around the lake are several good places to set up tents. As with all liquid bodies in the park, regulations require that visitors camp at least a hundred feet back from the water. At 11,250 feet, campfires are also prohibited.
The Pacific Crest Trail continues past Chicken Spring Lake toward the Siberian Outpost, Rock Creek, and Lower Soldier Lake. Those only hiking into the Golden Trout Wilderness for the day owe it to themselves to continue up the trail another quarter mile to the top of a mound west of the lake. Here you will enjoy expansive views down on Big Whitney Meadow and beyond.
A popular day hike from Chicken Spring Lake is the off-trail scramble to the top of Cirque Peak. The 12,900-foot summit stands over Chicken Spring Lake and serves up a commanding view of the area. The two-mile 1,650-foot ascent can be conquered by breaking from the PCT and swinging north up Cirque’s western slope to the summit.
Directions to the Trailhead
- From the city of Lone Pine on Route 395, turn west at the traffic light on Whitney Portal Road.
- After three miles, turn left on Horseshoe Meadow Road.
- Drive twenty miles up mountain switchbacks to road's end at Horseshoe Meadow.
- The Cottonwood Pass trailhead is at the east end of the campground.
Trailhead Location
Trailhead address: Horseshoe Meadows Road, Inyo National Forest, Lone Pine, CA 93545
Trailhead coordinates: 36.44834, -118.17065 (36° 26′ 54″N 118° 10′ 14.3″W)
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 | Cottonwood Pass This 7-mile round trip trail ascends 1,200 feet to an 11,200-foot pass and a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, with access to Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. |
 | Cottonwood Lakes This scenic trail through a lake-filled basin provides a 10-mile round trip day hike to Long Lake and a 7.5-miles one-way trek to New Army Pass on the border of Sequoia National Park near Mount Langley. |
 | Old Cottonwood Creek Trail This 8 to 9-mile day hike follows a secluded trail through mountain meadows to the South Fork Lakes and Cirque Lake. |
 | Cirque Peak This 12,900-foot summit can be reached via off-trail ascents from New Army Pass, Cirque Lake, and Chicken Spring Lake. |
 | Mount Langley This 22-mile trek travels past Cottonwood Lakes Trail over New Army Pass to a 14,042-foot summit with towering views of the Sierra. |
 | Lower Soldier Lake This 19.2-mile loop crosses Cottonwood Pass and New Army Pass to visit a beautiful lake that is an ideal camping spot for backpackers heading higher and deeper into the Sierra. |
 | Sky Blue Lake This hike extends beyond Lower Soldier Lake up Miter Basin to a deep blue lake surrounded by towering peaks. |
 | More trails in the Sierra Nevada Mountains Explore other destinations in Sequoia National Park and the rest of the range. |
 | Horseshoe Meadow Campgrounds This pair of campgrounds offer 40 sites and serve as a great base for the Cottonwood Pass and Cottonwood Lakes trails. |
Common Questions about Chicken Spring Lake in the Golden Trout Wilderness
- Is the trail open?
- Yes. You should expect to find that Cottonwood Pass Trail is open. There are no recent reports of trail closures. If you discover that the trail is closed, please help your fellow hikers by reporting a closure.
- Do I need a permit for this hike?
- Yes. National Forest Wilderness Permit and bear canister required for overnight trips.
- How much time does this hike take?
- It takes approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to hike Cottonwood Pass Trail. Individual hiking times vary. Add extra time for breaks and taking in the views.
- How long is this hike?
- The hike to Cottonwood Pass Trail is a 8.2 mile out and back with 1330 feet of elevation change.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on Cottonwood Pass Trail. The trail is open to hikers, dogs.
- Is Cottonwood Pass Trail a difficult hike?
- This hike should be considered strenuous. Hikers should be prepared for a workout covering 8.2 miles and 1330 feet of climbing.
- Is there a lake on this hike?
- Yes, Cottonwood Pass Trail visits a lake.
- Where is the trailhead located?
- The trailhead for Cottonwood Pass Trail is located in Lone Pine, CA.
Trailhead Address:
Horseshoe Meadows Road
Lone Pine, CA 93545
Trailhead Coordinates:
36.44834, -118.17065 - What are the driving directions to the start of the hike?
To get to the trailhead: From the city of Lone Pine on Route 395, turn west at the traffic light on Whitney Portal Road. After three miles, turn left on Horseshoe Meadow Road. Drive twenty miles up mountain switchbacks to road's end at Horseshoe Meadow. The Cottonwood Pass trailhead is at the east end of the campground.
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- Are there other trails near Cottonwood Pass Trail?
- Yes, you can find other nearby hikes using the Hikespeak Hike Finder Map.
Is there a bear locker at Chicken Spring Lake
No (unless one was added recently). You will need to bring a bear canister.
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