Cottonwood Lakes Access is located at 10,000 feet elevation approximately 24 miles southwest of Lone Pine, California, accessible via Horseshoe Meadow Road (typically open late May through October).

The trailhead offers a walk-in campground with 13 sites featuring bear-resistant food lockers, water, and facilities, plus a nearby equestrian camp for stock users.

Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips and are subject to daily entry quotas May through November, available through recreation. gov up to six months in advance.