High Sierras, Inyo Nat'l Forest

[GYM]

Has anyone backpacked in the New Army Pass / Cottonwood / Horsehoe Meadows area? (Kelleymoe?)

My understanding is that you leave Lone Pine on the same road that goes up to the Mt Whitney Portal trail head, but then turn off about half way.

Just want to try something different.

Any feedback / observations?

[cnynrat]

It's been a while, but I've backpacked up into Cottonwood Lakes basin out of the trailhead by the same name. You do start up the same road as Whitney Portal and turn left at the sign to Horseshoe Meadows (maybe signed for Cottonwood also?) to get to the trailhead.

The trailhead is pretty high - over 10k feet as I recall. That helps make for a relatively easy walk up to the highest lake, which at the time was the only lake open for fishing. Back then it was barb-less hooks & artificial lures only in that lake. As I recall the fishing was quite good for Golden Trout. I remember it as being a nice trip with perhaps somewhat fewer people than you would typically find out of the Bishop area trailheads.

Hope this helps.

[kellymoe]

Nope, all my exploring has been Whitney north. That area you mentioned is a good jumping off point that gets you high fast so to speak

Check out the forum on www.whitneyportalstore.com for lots of good info on that area.

[ujoint]

I explored the area for a day while we were acclimating for Mt Whitney. It was a holiday weekend, and there was hardly anyone up there. Rode horses to one of the lakes, can't remember the name! But it was beautiful!