The Cottonwood Lakes Trail provides access to the southern portion of the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park.

The eye-popping gold of the Aspens, Cottonwoods and Willows reach their peak color during the first two weeks of October in this highly scenic canyon just south of Mammoth.

The trail ascends moderately from the pack station through a forest of Jeffery Pine, Juniper, Red Fir, Quaking Aspen, and Birch trees. Just through this, the trail merges with a mining road, which leads to the Brownstone Mine. The slope is steep here but the grade is fairly moderate. Views include the Owens River drainage, the volcanic tableland and the White Mountain range. The road ends just above the mine, and turns once again into a trail, which ascends talus and scree with short, steep switchbacks. The trail then turns north to reach the northeast end of Lower Pine Lake.

HONEYMOON LAKE

LAKE ITALY

MOON LAKE

The trail to Moon Lake follows the left fork of the Pine Creek Pass -Italy Pass junction. Towards Pine Creek Pass. Before reaching Pine Creek Pass, the trail climbs above timberline, leaving the Lodgepole Pines behind, and through white granite walls to reach 11,100'.

North Lake Falls, Bishop Creek Falls, Goldmine Falls, Schoebers Falls, and South Fork of Bishop Creek Falls