Take in the Views on Cottonwood Pass

Gunnison County, Colorado

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

Save

View all 3 photos

All 3 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Description

Added by Danny McGee

Less that a 40 minute drive from Buena Vista, the summit of Cottonwood Pass offers stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Extending in all directions is a panorama of unbroken beauty. Perhaps the most appealing aspect is that it is accessible by any vehicle and requires no hiking.

Starting in the town of Buena Vista, head west on E Main Street until it turns into State Highway 306. After about 40 minutes of driving and some winding roads the Continental Divide sign welcomes you to a gravel parking lot. You can get out and hike as you please, but the view from the parking lot alone is more than worth the drive.

Note: The pass in only open from late spring until early fall so that is something to keep in mind.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Handicap Accessible

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Reviews

Kelley Dodge

Take in the Views on Cottonwood Pass

01/12/17

This drive offers stunning views from the seat of your car, but I highly recommend pulling over at the overlooks because many have short trails (less than 1 mi) that offer even better views away from the crowds alongside the road.

4.0

Molly Moore

Take in the Views on Cottonwood Pass

07/24/16

Very scenic! Saw a moose and her calf at the end near Taylor Park reservoir

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Lost Lake

This Trail starts at about 11,200 feet right before the top of cottonwood pass. The trailhead starts at the LAST pull-off before you reach the top of the pass, so if you reach the top, you've gone too far. The hike isn't a super difficult one, but you will go through numerous streams and flooded meadows (depending on the time of year). The view from the top looks straight down the valley and fr...

Hike to Ptarmigan Lake near Buena Vista

When you begin the trail, make sure to choose the correct trailhead from the parking lot (located on the south side of the lot to the left, NOT behind the bathroom).From there, begin a moderate climb through a shaded fir forest to the tree line. Emerge in a meadow at a pond and the lower lake, framed by towering peaks. This is a great spot for a picnic or for camping overnight (*please be sure ...

Summit Mt. Yale

This amazing adventure starts at 9,900 feet and goes up 4,300 feet over the course of a 9.5 mile round trip.You will want to start at the Denny Creek Trailhead. If you are coming from Buena Vista or staying at the Collegiate Peaks Campground you will pass Denny Gulch and then Denny Creek. The parking lot for the trailhead is on your right just past Denny Creek.The first couple of miles consist ...

Backpacking to Kroenke Lake

Starting at the North Cottonwood trailhead just outside of Buena Vista, Colorado. This hike will take you 4.5 miles to the lake with about 2750 feet of elevation gain. The hike is mostly mellow and you'll likely see hikers heading up to Horn Fork basin to hike Mt. Harvard and Columbia. Campsites at the lake are easy to come by with many flat areas to pitch a tent. Once you're set up, finding a ...

Photograph Cottonwood Lake, CO

Wherever you are in Colorado, turn your route towards Buena Vista in South West Colorado - you will not be disappointed. To start, Buena Vista is a really cool town with great places to eat and visit. So make sure you check out the city before heading up Cottonwood Pass. When you are ready to head into the mountains, hop on Buena Vista's Main Street or Hw 306 up Cottonwood Pass. Continue for ab...

Hike Mt. Harvard

Start your hike at the North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead. The trail begins at the end of the parking lot. You'll cross a bridge and meander along the creek, eventually reaching another bridge crossing at about 1.5 miles.After this bridge, you'll reach a trail junction. Be sure to go right (towards Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake). Continue to gain altitude through the basin, eventually coming out ...

Take in the Views on Cottonwood Pass

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Lost Lake

Hike to Ptarmigan Lake near Buena Vista

Summit Mt. Yale

Backpacking to Kroenke Lake

Photograph Cottonwood Lake, CO

Hike Mt. Harvard

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps