Cottonwood Creek (Sherman to Cuba Gulch)

Description 

This is a collection of climbs that begin past the winter road closure at the townsite of Sherman and go up to the poorly named (in the Roberts' guide) "Cuba Gulch" climbs. You will find remote usually long climbs in a beautiful setting. Bring skis or snowshoes, prepare for a long day, remember that sun does not really hit the North-facing climbs, so they will be brutally cold on a cold day and have fun- this is a super area!

Be VERY aware of the potentially huge avy danger along the approaches and from above the climbs. Specifically, look at the danger by aspect in the Northern San Juans on the Colorado Avy Info Site ( http://avalanche.state.co.us/Forecasts/N+San+Juan/ ) and pay close attention to the aspects threattening your intended line and the snow stability at higher elevations.

With the exception of the Sherman climb, you probably want a map and compass.

Getting There 

Drive South out of Lake City and take the Lake San Christobal turn just befor the base of the switchbacks. Go to the end of the plowed road which should be accessible with 2WD and no clearance issues. The road is usually maintained up to the Catarac Gulch Trailhead and has a nice turn around. Ski or snowshoe up the road past the closure to your intended climb. There is usually a good trail in to the Sherman climb and there can be x-country ski tracks beyond this for some distance but if you are going in to the "Cuba Gulch" climbs be prepared to break trail.

The GPS coordinates used in the map link above are for the road directly across from the base of the Sherman Climb which is no more than 1/4 mile beyond the parking area.

The Classics

Featured Route For Cottonwood Creek (Sherman to Cuba Gulch)

Sherman Climb WI4  CO : CO Ice & Mixed : ... : Cottonwood Creek (Sherman t...

This climb consists of steps of moderate ice with a long snow or WI2- slog between P1 and P2. It can be made longer by continuing up moderate snow and ice slopes above the upper pillar for as long as your fun meter lets you go.A popular outing.P1: Climb to a large bolder on climbers left with bolts (WI3).Slog through snow with possibly a little WI2-(ish) stuff to the base of the next slab and build an anchor.P2: Climb slab either to base of pill...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO