Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: 9,000 ft
GPS: 46.03611, -110.3371
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 6,758 total · 85/month
Shared By: Zach Wahrer on Aug 28, 2017
Admins: GRK, Zach Wahrer

Description Suggest change

The Cottonwood Lake Cirque features several dramatic towers and peaks, including the Dogtooth and the Incisor. The rock quality ranges from good to poor.

Several camping spots surround the lake, but be sure to use your best low impact skills, as it sees a lot of traffic on summer weekends.

From the lake, it is just under a mile with ~1000' of gain to reach the base of the major formations.

Getting There Suggest change

From the Cottonwood Creek Trailhead (GPS: 46.014250, -110.420559), hike past the gate and along the double track, crossing a car bridge. Further up, cross a stream (difficult in high runoff). Eventually, the road becomes a single track trail and switchbacks up a steep hillside. Next, it drops down and crosses Cottonwood Creek before winding up another hillside (look upstream if you can't find the trail after crossing). The trail continues up through the canyon, through trees, and across Cottonwood Creek once again. A final steep section deposits you out at Cottonwood Lake. The Incisor and Dogtooth will be visible up canyon.

From the car to the base of the climbs is about 6 miles (5.2 to lake, 0.8 to Incisor), and has ~3,500' of gain.

1 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Cottonwood Lake Cirque Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Cottonwood Lake Cirque

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 9
Direct West Arete
Trad, Alpine 6 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Direct West Arete Incisor
 9
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, Alpine 6 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Cottonwood Lake Cirque »

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Photos

loading