The Crazy Mountains don't get the traffic they deserve. Cottonwood Lake is the example locals pull out when someone asks why. The drive keeps most people away, which is the point. Once you're past the old jeep road and into the actual climbing section, the trail asks something of you: real elevation gain on rocky terrain with creek crossings that have no stepping-stone options in early summer.
The lake at the end delivers everything the cirque-lake category promises. Granite walls come straight out of the water and there's room to walk the shoreline and find a spot away from the small campsite at the trail end. Cutthroat trout in clear water, peaks above, no crowds. If you've hiked everything in Hyalite and want to know what hiking without other people feels like, this is the answer.
The trailhead has a small parking area that can fill up on popular summer weekends. Get there early to nab a spot, especially during hunting season.
No facilities at the trailhead. Plan accordingly before leaving Clyde Park.
While Hyalite fills up and the Bridgers get picked over, the Crazies stay quiet. The drive keeps most people away. You might see a handful of other hikers on a summer weekend. On a weekday, you could have the whole lake to yourself.
Cottonwood Creek Road is a long, winding gravel road. While passable for most vehicles in dry conditions, high-clearance is recommended. The final stretch to the trailhead can be rough.
Don't count on any cell service from the time you leave the main highway. Download maps and let someone know your plans before heading out.
Dogs are welcome. There's plenty of water and shade for your pup, but the creek crossings and rocky terrain mean this isn't ideal for dogs who aren't comfortable with rough trails.
57 Miles from Bozeman, MT. 1.5 Hours
From Bozeman, head north on MT-86 N (Rouse Ave) for about 37 miles. Turn right onto US-89 S and drive 1.8 miles, then turn left onto Horse Creek Road near Wilsall. Follow Horse Creek Road for about 10 miles, then turn left onto Upper Cottonwood Creek Road. Continue for about 8 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.
Cottonwood Creek parallels the trail for most of the hike, and you'll cross it several times. Water purification opportunities are plentiful, and you'll end at a lake.
80 oz consumed per person
The trail is generally well-defined but sees less maintenance than more popular routes. Expect several creek crossings that can be tricky during peak snowmelt in early summer. The Crazies get significant snow, so this hike is best attempted from late June through September. Early and late season hikers should be prepared for snow at the lake.
Creek crossings are part of the deal here. Bring water shoes or sandals to change into, and consider trekking poles for balance. The weather can change quickly at elevation, so pack layers and rain gear even on sunny days.
Footwear: Hiking Boots
You'll burn serious calories on the climb, so pack accordingly. Bring a real lunch, something you'll actually look forward to eating at the lake, plus snacks for the trail. There's nothing between Clyde Park and the trailhead, so stop in town if you need to grab anything.
Mosquitoes can be thick near the creek and lake, especially in early summer. Bring bug spray.
The lower portion of the trail winds through dense forest with good shade. As you climb higher, you'll hit open meadows and eventually get above treeline where there's little cover.
Why rush back? Cottonwood Lake makes a great overnight. Established campsites dot the area near the lake, and waking up to that granite cirque is worth the extra weight in your pack. The cutthroats bite in the evening, so bring your rod and a Montana fishing license.
Campfire Lake Loop
Strong hikers can connect Cottonwood Lake to Campfire, Moose, and Glacier Lakes for a challenging multi-day loop through the heart of the Crazies.
Grasshopper Glacier
From the lake, experienced scramblers can continue up toward Grasshopper Glacier for bigger views.
Beartooth Publishing's Crazy Mountains Map covers this whole trail as well as some roads leading to the trailhead.
Late June through September. The Crazy Mountains hold significant snowpack. The creek crossings are high and potentially dangerous in early June. Late September is excellent, with cooler temperatures and almost no other hikers.
July through August: creek crossings manageable, trail clear, cutthroat fishing active at the lake, wildflowers in lower meadows.
Late June and September: June requires caution at crossings and snow is possible near the lake, September is quiet and cool.
Before mid-June: creek crossings can be knee-deep with real current, and snow can cover the upper trail and approach to the cirque.
Yes. The lake holds cutthroat trout and is one of the draws for overnight backpackers. Bring a Montana fishing license. Evening fishing near the inlet is most productive.
In early season before mid-July, several crossings are knee-deep with current. Trekking poles and water shoes or sandals make these crossings significantly easier. By late July most become manageable with stepping stones.
High-clearance is recommended. The road is passable for most vehicles in dry summer conditions but the final stretch is rough. After rain it can become difficult even with high-clearance.
Likely a handful, possibly none at all on a weekday. The drive filters most casual visitors. The Crazies see a fraction of the traffic that comparable Hyalite or Absaroka trails receive.
Yes. Established campsites are near the lake and the cirque setting at dawn is worth the extra weight. The 1.5-hour drive plus a full day hike makes overnight a smarter choice than rushing the round trip.
Plug 8.2 miles and 2,100 feet of elevation gain into our free hiking time calculator for a personalized estimate.