Horseshoe Meadow to Cirque Lake - The Trail

Trip Type: Weekend Out and Back or incorporate other lakes to make this a multi-day

Trailhead to Cirque Lake: 5.7 miles

Altitude Gain: 1050 feet

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Season:  Mid Season Destination

Trail Traffic: Moderate.  Cottonwood Trail can be busy given it's proximity to Los Angeles however traffic to Cirque Lake (from the Cottonwood turn-off) is very low. 

WSH Trip Rating: 5 out of 5 stars:  Excellent mid and late season trip for those seeking solitude and stunning alpine views.  

THE HIKE: This 5.7 mile jaunt is relatively flat/undulating in the first couple miles.  The open trail makes this a nice time to catch up with fellow hikers.  At the two mile mark you'll begin a slow even and constant ascent to the Cottonwood/South Fork Lakes trail junction.  Trails and signage on the trip are excellent.  Take a left at the junction and ascend alongside an alpine meadow and over a moraine to the Easternmost South Fork Lake where you'll be greeted with simply stunning views of Cirque Peak and the awesomeness of the Sierra.  From here the trail is infrequently used and not as well maintained but make your way across the south side of the lake fording the outlet (likely challenging early in the season), and then over the rise into the Cirque Lake basin.   Again there you'll be greeted with stunning views and excellent camping near the outlet of the lake. 

CAMPING:  While there is camping along the northern side of the lake most of the tent pads aren't very flat.  We recommend you head towards the outlet where you'll fine flatter pads and an early sunrise.

TRAIL NOTES:  As noted, the trail between South Fork Lakes and Cirque Lake is not well maintained and could be challenging early in the season.  Not to worry, again, navigate around the south side of South Fork Lake and pop over the rise to the southwest side of the lake.