Wyoming · Hiking

North Fork Cottonwood

9.5 mi
round trip
1,550 ft
climb
8,936 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is North Fork Cottonwood open right now?

No closures listed

The Forest Service lists no closures for Bridger-Teton National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Bridger-Teton National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

North Fork Cottonwood is a hard hike of about 9.5 miles in the Greys River Ranger District of Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is an out-and-back with a one-way climb of about 1,550 feet, starting at roughly 7,259 feet and reaching about 8,936 feet at the high point. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 77°F with lows near 36°F, and the station sits about 1,600 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures up top run cooler. The trail is on natural surface and allows both horses and bikes. Gomm Hollow lies just 0.1 mile away, and Swift Creek Lake is about 2 miles off. Swift Creek Spire, a climbing area, and Swift Creek Campground are both within about 4 miles.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit North Fork Cottonwood

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      25° / -7°

      9 wet · 8 snow

    2. Feb

      28° / -6°

      8 wet · 7 snow

    3. Mar

      37° / 4°

      8 wet · 6 snow

    4. Apr

      47° / 16°

      7 wet · 4 snow

    5. May

      59° / 25°

      9 wet · 2 snow

    6. Jun

      68° / 32°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      77° / 36°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      76° / 33°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 26°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 16°

      6 wet · 2 snow

    11. Nov

      38° / 6°

      7 wet · 5 snow

    12. Dec

      26° / -5°

      9 wet · 8 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Daniel Fish Hatchery, WY, 39.4 mi away at 7,341 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.