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Mount Langley via Cottonwood Lakes permit area in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - backcountry hiking destination
Each entry point carries its own quota

Mount Langley via Cottonwood Lakes Permit

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · California

California's 9th highest peak (14,042 ft) climbed via the scenic Cottonwood Lakes basin, a fourteener without the Whitney crowds.

Get an alert when Mt. Langley opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Mt. Langley dates

A Mt. Langley permit is booked by the day you start. Tell us every date you'd go and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

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70% of the openings our scanner caught on Mt. Langley were gone within 10 minutes.

Mt. Langley reservation dates

route distance, out and back
22mi
elevation gain
4,100ft
max group size
8people

Mt. Langley elevation profile

Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead to Mount Langley summit, one way

4,100 ft of descent · 7.1% average grade

Landmark

Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead

Mile 0 of 11
0 Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead11 Mount Langley summit
Mile
0
Elevation
10,000 ft

Mt. Langley landmarks

How to get a Mt. Langley permit

As of September 2026, Mt. Langley in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Mt. Langley rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Mt. Langley permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Mt. Langley route covers 22 miles with 4,100 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.

Type
Overnight
Location
Eastern Sierra, CA

  1. Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account

    Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Book at Recreation.gov
Learn more:
Best booking timesCancellation huntingRecreation.gov tips

More on Mt. Langley: Live availability activityWhen Mt. Langley permits open upMount Langley via Cottonwood Lakes permit itinerary

How much a Mt. Langley permit costs

Mt. Langley permit fee: $6 + $5/person.

The Mt. Langley hike

Distance
22 miles
Elevation Gain
4,100 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
2-3 days
Difficulty
Strenuous
Elevation Range
9,950 - 14,042 ft

How hard the Mt. Langley hike is

  • Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
  • Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
  • NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
  • CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5

Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.

Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.

When to hike Mt. Langley

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (9,950 ft)

⚠️

Backcountry Tips

  • Windy conditions: Bring wind-resistant shelter if camping.

Today

☀️

76°

58°

Wed

☀️

86°

64°

Thu

☀️

88°

65°

Fri

☁️

90°

63°

Sat

☁️

89°

64°

Sun

☀️

89°

65°

Mon

☀️

87°

66°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

Mt. Langley rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Mt. Langley.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Mt. Langley · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Mt. Langley FAQ

How do I get a Mt. Langley permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Mt. Langley cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Mt. Langley permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Mt. Langley?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Mt. Langley permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Mt. Langley permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

Mt. Langley trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Mt. Langley permit

Where to stay near Mt. Langley

Trip planning

Articles that plan a trip around this permit.

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