Mt. Whitney From Cottonwood Lakes
Mid-picture is Cottonwood pass. The trail passes to the right of the meadow below the pass. At this point in the hike it is easy going despite the sometimes loose sand.
Sand and SwitchbacksMt. Whitney Trip from Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead. June 2000.
After the usual last minute gearing up, we were on a fast pace to Cottonwood Pass. The first mile or so of approach is fairly flat, except that this was at 10,000 feet and even the ever so slight incline threatened to take my breath away.
Looking back the way we came in the meadow area mentioned in the picture caption above.
Finally the trail began to climb sharply taking us above the trees for views back along Horseshoe Meadows. At this point the trail is a fairly well graded collection of switchbacks, at times moderately steep.
