Mount Cotter, Mountain summit in Kings Canyon National Park, California, United States
Mount Cotter is a summit in the Sierra Nevada within Kings Canyon National Park that rises to approximately 12,700 feet. The peak features steep slopes and a technical summit block that requires climbing experience to navigate safely.
The mountain was named after Dick Cotter, a packer who worked with a geological survey team in the 1800s. The first recorded ascent occurred in 1922 via the Southeast Slope, which remains the main climbing route today.
The peak forms part of the Sierra Peaks Section list, drawing mountaineers who aim to complete ascents of all designated summits in the Sierra Nevada range.
Visitors need wilderness permits for overnight stays and must carry bear canisters to store food safely. The summit is reachable from established trails on both the east and west sides of the mountain range.
The climb is marked by a prominent technical block near the summit that requires solid climbing skills and adds complexity to the ascent. Many climbers combine this peak with others nearby to create a longer mountaineering journey across the range.
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