Cottonwood Pass
Inyo National Forest · California
Cottonwood Pass is one of the permitted entry points in Inyo National Forest on recreation.gov. The daily quota is 24 people/day, and dates can sell out ahead of the season. Its current demand score is 73/100. Permit Ranger watches this pass around the clock and alerts you the moment a sold-out date opens up.
Quota
24 people/day
When permits are released
Rolling 6-month window: 60% of quota opens 6 months ahead, advancing each morning at 7:00 AM Pacific. The remaining 40% drops 14 days before entry at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Demand
High demand (73/100)
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in this area.
Popular trails nearby
- River Trail, Thousand Island Lake, Garnet Lake, and Shadow Lake Loop - 5.0 on AllTrails
- June Lake, Yost Creek and Fern Lake Trail - 4.9 on AllTrails
- Duck Pass and Pika Lake Trail - 4.9 on AllTrails
- Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes - 4.9 on AllTrails
- Grouse Mountain - 4.9 on AllTrails
Frequently asked questions
When do Cottonwood Pass permits open?
Rolling 6-month window: 60% of quota opens 6 months ahead, advancing each morning at 7:00 AM Pacific. The remaining 40% drops 14 days before entry at 7:00 AM Pacific. Check the recreation.gov page for the exact on-sale details for your dates.
What if my dates are sold out?
Cancellations happen all season as plans change. Add Cottonwood Pass to a trip window on Permit Ranger and you get an instant alert the moment a date you need opens back up.
How competitive is Cottonwood Pass?
The live demand score is 73/100. Odds of catching an opening are low - most dates book up well ahead.
Does Permit Ranger book the permit for me?
No. Permit Ranger never books on your behalf. When a watched date opens, you get an alert with a direct link so you can book it yourself on recreation.gov.
Nearby passes
- Cottonwood Lakes - 1 mi away
- Baxter Pass - 29 mi away
- Birch Lake - 46 mi away
- Big Pine Creek South Fork - 50 mi away
- Big Pine Creek North Fork - 50 mi away
Book on recreation.gov · All Inyo National Forest passes · Inyo National Forest permit guide