Pacific Crest Trail: Cottonwood Pass to Forester Pass

The trail begins high, descends through open meadows and forested basins, then climbs and drops across the High Sierra toward Forester Pass. Expect long climbs, rugged rock and stretches well above treeline. A terrain profile ranges from about 9,600 to 13,150 feet; the last approach to Forester is steep, rocky and exposed. Acclimatize before tackling this remote route. Parts of the corridor share tread with the John Muir Trail; keep following the PCT for this Cottonwood-to-Forester segment.

Horseshoe Meadows Road ends at the road-accessible parking area. From there, the Cottonwood Pass Trail climbs to the PCT junction at the pass; that approach mileage is additional to the mapped 29.3 miles. The road usually opens around Memorial Day and closes in early November, depending on snow. Forester Pass has no road access, so plan a longer through-route or return on foot; this point-to-point segment has no shuttle pickup at its endpoint. Overnight wilderness permits are required. Since the start is outside the parks, the starting land agency generally issues a permit for the full itinerary; check its current entry-point rules and seasonal quota. A PCT long-distance permit is for trips of 500 miles or more, not this short section.

Glacial basins hold lakes and tarns, and creeks and springs cross the high country. Treat natural water before drinking. Carry your food and supplies for a remote wilderness trip, and use the required bear-resistant food storage. There is no road resupply along the mapped segment.

The route moves between conifer forest, broad alpine meadows, granite slopes and high passes. Glaciers carved the shallow basins that now hold the region’s lakes and tarns. Forester Pass, at about 13,153 feet, is the Pacific Crest Trail’s highest point and the defining finish of this segment.

Marmots, deer, coyotes, black bears and high-country birds live in this region. Keep food secured and give wildlife room. Pets are prohibited on park trails.