Cottonwood Lakes Access is a trailhead located 24 miles southwest of Lone Pine, accessed via Whitney Portal Road and Horseshoe Meadow Road (open late May through October).

The trailhead offers a walk-in campground with 13 sites featuring bear-proof food lockers, water, and vault toilets, with a one-night stay limit and $11 nightly fee. The trail to Cottonwood Lakes #4 and #5 is approximately 6.

2 miles from the trailhead; overnight wilderness permits are required and subject to daily entry quotas (reservable up to six months in advance at recreation. gov).