Near Trespass-Sweetgrass-Cottonwood Loop
Old tree in the Cottonwood Creek drainage of the Crazies.
Near Trespass-Sweetgrass-Cottonwood Loop
Wildflowers
Near Trespass-Sweetgrass-Cottonwood Loop
Glacier Lake
Near Trespass-Sweetgrass-Cottonwood Loop
Campfire Lake
Near Trespass-Sweetgrass-Cottonwood Loop
Sweetgrass Creek drainage

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Hike Route

Trespass-Sweetgrass-Cottonwood Loop

5.0 (2 Ratings)
A loop combining multiple gorgeous drainages of the Crazy Mountain Range.
23.6
mi
Distance
7,399
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingLakeRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
23.58mi
Distance
7,399ft
Elevation Gain
7,399ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
10,758ft
High Point
6,698ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Starting at the Trespass Creek Trail/Cottonwood Lake trailhead, hike up Trespass Creek. Along this wide open basin enjoy the unique geology, flora, and fauna of the Crazy Mountain Range which sits stoically at the far Eastern Front of the Rocky Mountains and takes the brunt of the brutal winds from the expansive plains to the East.From the head of Trespass Creek drop down the Middle Fork of Sweetgrass Creek toward the popular Campfire Lake. Here many camping options exist as well as fishing and day trip exploration potential.Next up is to follow the Sweet Grass Trail a bit further before heading up the South Fork of Sweetgrass Creek. A rocky, gorge with waterfalls is sided by wide open mountain meadows. Peaks tower to the left and right of you. At this headwaters find Glacier Lake and an optional side trip that takes you to the top of Conical Peak. Or, if that's not your fancy you may proceed off-trail on a low-class scramble route to the col formed between Sweetgrass and Cottonwood Creeks. The route can be done by capable individuals comfortable with off-trail route finding and safe terrain selection. From this col descend toward Cottonwood Lake alongside Grasshopper Glacier where you'll find more excellent camping or the option to continue on making your way back to your vehicle at the bottom of Cottonwood Creek. This section of trail is somewhat popular with hikers so you'll be sharing the trail but in true SW Montana fashion a friendly wave and a "so, how was the fishing?" will go a long way.
History & Background
The article I am editing said, under description, that you go up the North Fork of Sweet Grass Creek to get toward Glacier Lake. It is the South Fork. Also, in the same paragraph, it mentioned "cool" when it meant "col " I made these corrections

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Sam H