At 3,696 meters (12,126 feet), Cottonwood Pass stands as one of the highest paved mountain passes in North America, offering visitors access to the Continental Divide with surprisingly easy accessibility. Unlike many high-altitude mountain passes in Colorado that require technical driving skills, this fully paved scenic byway between Buena Vista and Taylor Park provides breathtaking panoramic views that attract over 100,000 visitors annually during its open season. Whether you’re an avid hiker, photographer, or simply seeking mountain tranquility, Cottonwood Pass offers an unforgettable Colorado experience with minimal crowds compared to other popular mountain destinations.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Cottonwood Pass connects Chaffee and Gunnison counties, serving as a scenic alternative to Monarch Pass. The eastern approach begins in Buena Vista, while the western side starts near Taylor Park Reservoir. Recently fully paved in 2019, it’s now accessible to all vehicles during its open season.
Closest Airports
- Denver International Airport – 220 km (137 miles)
- Colorado Springs Airport – 150 km (93 miles)
- Eagle County Regional Airport – 121 km (75 miles)
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport – 113 km (70 miles)
From Denver, take US-285 South to Buena Vista, then follow County Road 306 west for 19 km (12 miles) to reach the pass. If coming from Gunnison, take Highway 135 north to Taylor Park Road and continue east to the pass. The drive from either direction offers spectacular scenery, so keep your camera ready.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Recommended Seasons
Best Months
- Late June through September
- July and August for wildflower viewing
- Late September for fall colors
Months to Avoid
- November through May (typically closed due to snow)
- Early June (snowmelt and muddy conditions)
- October (unpredictable early snowfall)
Cottonwood Pass is typically open from late May/early June through October, depending on snowfall. The pass closes during winter months due to heavy snow accumulation. Summer temperatures at the pass range from 10-21°C (50-70°F) during the day, dropping significantly at night to 0-7°C (32-45°F).
Weather Alert: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Even in summer, be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, which typically occur between 1-3 PM. Always check the forecast before heading out and bring layers regardless of the season.
For the most pleasant experience with minimal crowds, consider visiting on weekdays in early September when the weather remains stable but summer tourism has decreased.
Getting Around Locally
Once you reach Cottonwood Pass, getting around is straightforward but requires some planning. The main road over the pass is well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles during summer months.
Transportation Options
- Personal Vehicle: The most convenient way to explore the area. Any car can handle the paved pass road, but some dirt side roads may require higher clearance.
- Rental Vehicles: Available in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Buena Vista. Consider renting an SUV if you plan to explore beyond the main road.
- Bicycling: Popular among experienced cyclists. The eastern approach from Buena Vista gains about 1,219 meters (4,000 feet) in elevation.
- Hiking: Many trailheads are accessible from parking areas along the pass.
There is no public transportation to Cottonwood Pass. If staying in Buena Vista, some local tour companies offer guided trips to the pass during summer months.
Local Tip: Fill your gas tank in Buena Vista or Gunnison before heading to the pass. There are no services on the pass itself, and the nearest gas stations are in Taylor Park (western side) or Buena Vista (eastern side).
Where to Stay
While there are no accommodations directly on Cottonwood Pass, several options exist within a reasonable driving distance on both the eastern and western approaches.
Eastern Side (Buena Vista Area)
Hotels & Lodges
- Surf Hotel & Chateau: Boutique hotel with European-inspired design, located in downtown Buena Vista.
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort: Full-service resort with natural hot springs, located 15 km (9 miles) from Buena Vista.
- Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa: Rustic accommodations with mineral hot springs, situated at the base of Cottonwood Pass Road.
Camping Options
- Collegiate Peaks Campground: Forest Service campground with 56 sites, located 11 km (7 miles) from Buena Vista.
- Avalanche Campground: Small campground near the base of Cottonwood Pass with 14 sites.
- Dispersed Camping: Available along Forest Service roads off County Road 306.
Western Side (Taylor Park Area)
- Taylor Park Trading Post: Rustic cabins and RV sites near Taylor Reservoir.
- Three Rivers Resort: Cabins and camping in Almont, about 32 km (20 miles) from the western base of the pass.
- Lottis Creek Campground: Forest Service campground near Taylor Reservoir.
For the most convenient access to Cottonwood Pass activities, Buena Vista offers the widest range of accommodations and is just a 30-minute drive from the pass. Book accommodations well in advance during peak summer months (July-August) as this is a popular area.
Dining & Local Cuisine
There are no dining establishments on Cottonwood Pass itself, so you’ll need to plan meals around visits to nearby towns or bring your own provisions.
Buena Vista Dining Options
- Eddyline Brewery: Craft beers and wood-fired pizzas, perfect after a day of hiking.
- Simple Eatery: Fresh, healthy options including sandwiches, salads, and soups.
- Crave: Local favorite for authentic Italian cuisine and pizzas.
- The Midland Stop: Cozy coffee shop with breakfast items and pastries.
- Wesley & Rose: Upscale dining in the Surf Hotel with seasonal Colorado cuisine.
Taylor Park/Almont Area
- Taylor Park Trading Post: Casual dining with burgers and American fare.
- Three Rivers Smokehouse: BBQ and comfort food in Almont.
Picnic Provisions
For those planning to spend the day exploring Cottonwood Pass, packing a picnic is an excellent option. Several grocery stores in Buena Vista offer supplies:
- City Market: Full-service grocery store in Buena Vista.
- Buena Vista Roastery: Coffee and grab-and-go breakfast items.
- Blend: Smoothies and healthy options for trail fuel.
Local Tip: Water is not available on the pass. Bring at least 2 liters (68 oz) of water per person for day trips, more if hiking.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Top Attractions at Cottonwood Pass
Continental Divide Overlook
The main parking area at the summit offers spectacular 360-degree views and interpretive signs explaining the Continental Divide. This is where waters flowing east eventually reach the Atlantic Ocean, while waters flowing west reach the Pacific Ocean.
Cottonwood Pass Skyline Hike
A relatively easy 1.6 km (1 mile) round-trip hike from the parking area to a nearby summit, offering even more expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Collegiate Peaks to the east.
Scenic Drives
- Cottonwood Pass Scenic Byway: The 60 km (37 mile) drive from Buena Vista to Taylor Park is an attraction itself, with numerous pullouts for photography.
- Taylor Park Loop: Continue from the western side of the pass to explore Taylor Park Reservoir and the historic mining areas.
- Tincup Pass: For those with 4WD high-clearance vehicles, this rugged road connects Taylor Park to St. Elmo ghost town.
Photography Spots
Cottonwood Pass offers exceptional photography opportunities throughout the day:
- Sunrise: Eastern overlooks provide dramatic lighting as the sun rises over the Arkansas Valley.
- Midday: Alpine wildflower displays are at their best in full sunlight (July-August).
- Sunset: Western viewpoints offer spectacular golden hour lighting over Taylor Park.
For the best experience, arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday crowds and take advantage of optimal lighting conditions for photography.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
While Cottonwood Pass itself is primarily a natural attraction, the surrounding areas offer rich cultural and historical experiences that complement a visit to the pass.
Nearby Historical Sites
- St. Elmo Ghost Town: One of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns, located near the western approach to Cottonwood Pass. Founded in 1880, it once had a population of nearly 2,000 during the mining boom.
- Tincup Ghost Town: A semi-ghost town with several original buildings from the 1880s mining era, accessible via Taylor Park.
- Alpine Tunnel Historic District: Site of the highest narrow-gauge railroad tunnel in North America, accessible via hiking trails from the western side of Cottonwood Pass.
Museums
- Buena Vista Heritage Museum: Housed in the 1882 Chaffee County Courthouse, featuring exhibits on local mining, railroad, and agricultural history.
- Gunnison Pioneer Museum: Extensive outdoor museum with historic buildings and equipment from the region’s past.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Buena Vista Art Festival: Held in July, featuring works from regional artists.
- Gold Rush Days: August celebration in Buena Vista with mining competitions and historical reenactments.
- Gunnison Car Show: Mid-summer event featuring classic cars and motorcycles.
Many visitors combine a trip to Cottonwood Pass with exploring these cultural attractions, creating a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s natural beauty and human history.
Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Hiking Trails
Cottonwood Pass offers access to numerous hiking trails for all ability levels:
Easy to Moderate Trails
- Cottonwood Pass Skyline Trail: 1.6 km (1 mile) round trip from the parking area to a nearby summit.
- South Texas Creek Trail: 4.8 km (3 mile) out-and-back trail through alpine meadows with minimal elevation gain.
- Colorado Trail South: 6.4 km (4 mile) out-and-back section that follows the famous long-distance trail with moderate terrain.
Challenging Trails
- Ptarmigan Lake Trail: 9.6 km (6 mile) round trip with 457 m (1,500 ft) elevation gain to a stunning alpine lake.
- Emma Burr Mountain: 8 km (5 mile) round trip to summit a 4,054 m (13,300 ft) peak with panoramic views.
- Continental Divide Trail: Access points to this famous long-distance trail that follows the spine of North America.
Wildlife Viewing
The alpine environment of Cottonwood Pass supports diverse wildlife:
- Mountain Goats: Frequently spotted on rocky slopes near the pass summit.
- Marmots: Common throughout the area, especially near rock piles.
- Pikas: Small alpine mammals that gather vegetation for winter.
- Elk and Deer: More commonly seen at dawn and dusk in forested areas.
- Golden Eagles: Occasionally soaring above the pass.
Fishing
Several excellent fishing spots are accessible from Cottonwood Pass:
- Taylor Reservoir: On the western approach, known for kokanee salmon and rainbow trout.
- Taylor River: Blue Ribbon trout waters below Taylor Reservoir.
- Alpine Lakes: Several high mountain lakes accessible via hiking trails offer solitude and native cutthroat trout.
Fishing Permits: A Colorado fishing license is required and can be purchased online through Colorado Parks & Wildlife or at sporting goods stores in Buena Vista and Gunnison.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Mountain Safety
Altitude Sickness Prevention: At 3,696 meters (12,126 feet), Cottonwood Pass is well above the elevation where altitude sickness can occur. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Prevent by staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, ascending gradually, and descending if symptoms persist.
- Weather Awareness: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, typically developing between 1-3 PM. Start early and plan to be below treeline by early afternoon.
- Lightning Safety: If caught in a thunderstorm, descend immediately from exposed ridges and summits. Avoid isolated trees and seek shelter in dense forest or a vehicle.
- Sun Protection: UV exposure is intense at high elevations. Wear sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a hat even on cloudy days.
- Wildlife Safety: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never approach or feed animals, including seemingly friendly marmots or chipmunks.
Outdoor Etiquette
Practicing responsible recreation helps preserve Cottonwood Pass for future visitors:
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and leave natural objects where you find them.
- Alpine Vegetation: The fragile tundra environment takes decades to recover from damage. Stay on trails and avoid walking on vegetation.
- Campfire Regulations: Check current fire restrictions before your visit. When allowed, use established fire rings and fully extinguish all fires.
- Parking Etiquette: Use designated parking areas only. Do not create new pullouts or park on vegetation.
Emergency Information
Cell service is limited on Cottonwood Pass. Verizon typically has the best coverage at the summit, but service is unreliable on approaches.
- Emergency: 911 (if cell service available)
- Chaffee County Sheriff: (719) 539-2596
- Gunnison County Sheriff: (970) 641-1113
- Nearest Medical Facilities: Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center in Salida (eastern side) and Gunnison Valley Hospital in Gunnison (western side)
Visitor Comments About Cottonwood Pass
“We visited Cottonwood Pass in late July and were amazed by the wildflower display. The drive itself is spectacular, but taking time to hike even a short distance from the parking area rewards you with solitude and views that rival any national park. Don’t miss the short hike to the summit viewpoint!”
“As European travelers, we found Cottonwood Pass to be one of the highlights of our Colorado road trip. The accessibility of such pristine alpine environment was remarkable. We spotted mountain goats near the summit and enjoyed a picnic with panoramic views. Just remember to bring layers as the temperature dropped significantly at the top.”
“Cottonwood Pass made for a perfect day trip from Buena Vista. We hiked part of the Colorado Trail and were completely alone with the mountains. The recently paved road made the drive comfortable even in our rental sedan. If you’re in the area, this is absolutely worth the drive!”
Additional Nearby Destinations
Extend your Cottonwood Pass adventure by exploring these nearby destinations:
Eastern Side (from Buena Vista)
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs: Natural hot springs resort, perfect for relaxing after hiking. Located 15 km (9 miles) from Buena Vista.
- Browns Canyon National Monument: Renowned for whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River and hiking trails through unique rock formations.
- Collegiate Peaks: Several 4,267+ meter (14,000+ foot) mountains with hiking trails, including Mount Yale, Mount Harvard, and Mount Columbia.
Western Side (from Taylor Park)
- Taylor Park Reservoir: 809 hectare (2,000 acre) lake with fishing, boating, and camping.
- St. Elmo Ghost Town: Well-preserved mining town with original buildings from the 1880s.
- Crested Butte: Charming mountain town known for wildflowers in summer and skiing in winter, about 56 km (35 miles) from Taylor Park.
Scenic Drives from Cottonwood Pass
- Independence Pass: Another spectacular high mountain pass connecting Buena Vista to Aspen.
- West Elk Loop Scenic Byway: 330 km (205 mile) route through some of Colorado’s most dramatic landscapes.
- Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway: High-elevation route connecting Leadville, Copper Mountain, and Aspen.
Many visitors create a multi-day itinerary combining Cottonwood Pass with these nearby attractions, using Buena Vista, Salida, or Gunnison as a base.
Practical Travel Tips
Essential Gear
- Layers: Even in summer, temperatures can vary widely. Bring a warm jacket, rain shell, hat, and gloves.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat are essential at high elevation.
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction for trails.
- Water: Bring at least 2 liters (68 oz) per person. No water is available on the pass.
- Navigation: Cell service is unreliable. Bring physical maps or download offline maps.
Planning Resources
- San Isabel National Forest (eastern side): (719) 539-3591
- Gunnison National Forest (western side): (970) 641-0471
- Buena Vista Visitor Center: (719) 395-6612
- Gunnison Visitor Center: (970) 641-1501
Money-Saving Tips
- Free Camping: Dispersed camping is available on National Forest land near the pass.
- Self-Guided Activities: Hiking trails and scenic viewpoints are free to access.
- Picnic Supplies: Purchase groceries in larger towns like Buena Vista or Gunnison rather than at convenience stores.
- Shoulder Season: Visit in early June or late September for lower accommodation rates.
CORSAR Card: Consider purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card for $3 annually or $12 for five years. This helps cover costs if you require rescue services. Available at sporting goods stores or online.
The Call of the Continental Divide
Cottonwood Pass stands as a testament to Colorado’s accessible wilderness—a place where visitors can experience the grandeur of the Continental Divide without technical mountaineering skills. From the moment you begin the scenic drive to the exhilarating feeling of standing at 12,126 feet with panoramic views in every direction, Cottonwood Pass offers an authentic Rocky Mountain experience that stays with you long after you’ve descended.
Whether you come for a quick photo stop at the summit, a day of hiking alpine trails, or as part of a longer Colorado adventure, Cottonwood Pass rewards visitors with memories of breathtaking beauty and mountain serenity. As you plan your visit, remember that the journey itself—winding through forests, meadows, and finally above treeline—is as much a part of the experience as the destination.
The mountains are calling. Cottonwood Pass awaits.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
0 Comments