Darton Peak

Darton Peak is a mountain summit in the Bighorn Mountains that rises to 12,279 feet within the Cloud Peak Wilderness area of Bighorn National Forest. The terrain features rocky slopes and exposed rock faces leading to the summit, with snow persisting in higher elevations throughout the year.

This summit was named after Nelson Horatio Darton, a geologist with the United States Geological Survey who conducted extensive studies of the Bighorn Mountains in the early 1900s. His scientific contributions to understanding the region's geology earned the peak his name.

The summit register at this peak serves as a meeting place where climbers document their visits and share experiences with others who follow. This simple practice links people across time through their personal notes and stories.

Hikers can reach the summit by starting at either the Circle Park or West Tensleep trailheads and following Trail 43 along the Sherd Loop route past Rainy Lake. Good footwear and gear suited to snowy and rocky conditions are essential for this climb.

A permanent snowfield covers the summit year-round, making equipment like crampons necessary for safe climbing. This persistent ice is unusual for a peak of this elevation and adds to the climbing challenge.

Location: Wyoming

GPS coordinates: 44.27608,-107.10923

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:31