Cottonwood Lakes to Upper Rock Creek (Backpacking)

I’m always looking for trips with huge dividends per hiking mile. This one nears the top of my list. Magnificent alpine basins defined by sculpted peaks cradle shining blue lakes and are linked by high passes with awe-inspiring views, all on a relatively short trip that’s about half in Sequoia National Park. But don’t cut it short! One layover day in the Cottonwood Lakes or the South Fork Lakes would let you climb Mt. Langley—the Sierra’s southernmost 14,000-footer—or easier Cirque Peak, or explore Cottonwood Basin. Another layover day, this one near the lake on Upper Rock Creek, would permit a dayhike into breathtaking Miter Basin or a visit to dramatic Siberian Outpost.