Cottonwood Lake Number Six
Lake · 11,597 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Cottonwood Lake Number Six sits at 11,597 feet in the Eastern Sierra, a high-alpine basin exposed to sustained afternoon winds. Access from the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead near Lone Pine.
Wind averages 14 mph over the rolling 30 days, with gusts to 45 mph. Morning calm typically breaks by mid-afternoon. Cold dominates; the 30-day average temperature sits at 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowpack persists through spring; approach with avalanche awareness on steep terrain surrounding the lake.
The rolling 30-day average score of 36 reflects the typical spring pattern here: strong wind, cold air, and lingering snow. The 30-day average wind of 14 mph understates the afternoon surge; expect gusts well above that by 2 p.m. The week ahead will show whether high-pressure builds or systems move through the corridor.
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About Cottonwood Lake Number Six
Cottonwood Lake Number Six lies in the Inyo National Forest's high-alpine zone, roughly 5 miles northwest of Lone Pine via Highway 395. The trailhead sits at the terminus of Cottonwood Lake Road, a rough dirt access off the main highway. The lake occupies a glacially-scoured cirque basin facing east, with talus slopes and alpine meadow defining the approach. Elevation isolation and sparse tree cover make it a destination for mountaineers and experienced backpackers rather than casual day-hikers. The basin receives significant snow accumulation through winter and spring; runoff keeps the water cold year-round.
Spring and early summer (late April through June) are the core visit window. Snow lingers on approach slopes and surrounding peaks well into May. The 30-day rolling average temperature of 21 degrees Fahrenheit reflects typical April-May conditions at this elevation. Wind is relentless; the 30-day rolling average wind speed of 14 mph masks afternoon gusts reaching 45 mph by mid-May. Morning hours offer the calmest water and clearest skies. By July, thermal patterns shift warmer, but afternoon convective wind intensifies. Late September brings stable cold air and the lowest wind risk. Winter (November through March) closes access via heavy snow on the approach road.
Experienced mountaineers approach Cottonwood Lake Number Six for water-access to climbing objectives on Cirque Crest and the Whitney Range. Backpackers typically camp on the bench west and south of the lake, where wind exposure is slightly reduced. Parking at the trailhead fills rapidly on weekends once the road becomes passable (usually late April). The terrain surrounding the lake includes steep gullies prone to wet-slab avalanches in spring; route-finding and snowpack assessment are essential. Swimming is rarely undertaken; water temperature hovers near freezing even in August. Most visits are brief, 2 to 3 hours, before wind and cold drive parties to lower elevation.
Nearby Cottonwood Lakes One through Five sit lower and warmer, with Cottonwood Lake One offering milder conditions and higher traffic. The Cottonwood Lakes circuit is popular for experienced backpackers seeking solitude at higher elevations. Lone Pine Creek drainage and the Tuttle Creek access offer alternatives for those avoiding the sustained wind at Cottonwood Lake Number Six. The location sits in the ESAC avalanche zone; checking the avalanche forecast before any spring or early-summer approach is mandatory.