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- Mount Cotter
12,724 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Cotter
Mount Cotter is a 12,724 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slopes from Gardiner Basin: 32 mi, 8,985 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Cotter at a glance
- Elevation12,724 ft3,878 m
- RouteSouthwest Slopes from Gardiner BasinClass 2
- Distance32 mi8,985 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Slopes from Gardiner Basin
From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road about 13 miles to the Onion Valley trailhead. Backpack over Kearsarge Pass and Glen Pass to Rae Lakes, then take the spur trail west into Sixty Lake Basin. Cross the low col south of the peak into Gardiner Basin and climb the Class 2 southwest slopes of big talus to the higher south summit, with a few Class 3 moves near the top. Avoid the cliffy northeast face seen from Sixty Lake Basin. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required and the quota fills early. Rae Lakes has a one-night limit and bear canisters are required. Mount Clarence King is close by for a second summit.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- High altitude
- Storms
Quests with Mount Cotter
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Cotter
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Cotter?
Mount Cotter is 12,724 feet (3,878 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Cotter?
The Southwest Slopes from Gardiner Basin is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 32 miles with 8,985 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Cotter?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the Southwest Slopes from Gardiner Basin, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Cotter?
The Southwest Slopes from Gardiner Basin needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 32 miles with 8,985 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Cotter?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Cotter reaches 12,724 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to hike Mount Cotter?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Cotter with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list