Cottonwood Pass: A Scenic Drive Above the Divide

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Drive above the Continental Divide on Cottonwood Pass for stunning views, hiking trails, and a taste of Colorado's alpine beauty.

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Cottonwood Pass

Cottonwood Pass, reaching an elevation of 12,126 feet, is a stunning paved mountain pass connecting Buena Vista and Almont in central Colorado. Traversing the Continental Divide, it offers breathtaking views of the Collegiate Peaks, alpine meadows, and the surrounding national forests. Open seasonally, it's a favorite for scenic drives, hiking, and camping.

A brief summary to Cottonwood Pass

Colorado, US

Local tips

Check the seasonal status of Cottonwood Pass, as it's typically closed from November to late May due to snow.
Be prepared for colder and windier conditions at the summit due to the high elevation.
Bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks and surrounding alpine meadows.
Hike a portion of the Colorado Trail, accessible from the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead, for beautiful singletrack trails.
Visit in mid-July for lush greenery and wildflowers, or in late September for vibrant fall colors.

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Getting There

Driving

From Buena Vista, take West Main Street, which turns into County Road 306 heading west. The drive to the summit is approximately 20 miles and takes about 30 minutes. After crossing the summit, County Road 306 becomes Gunnison County Road 209 as you descend towards Taylor Park Reservoir and Almont. Be aware that Cottonwood Pass is closed seasonally, typically from November to May. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is available at the summit.

Discover more about Cottonwood Pass

Cottonwood Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that crosses the Continental Divide in central Colorado. Located between Buena Vista on the eastern side and Almont on the western side, the pass provides a scenic route through the Sawatch Range. The road reaches an elevation of 12,126 feet, offering panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks and the surrounding landscape. Historically, Cottonwood Pass served as an important route for Native Americans, miners, and settlers. Originally a trail, it was later developed into a wagon road in the late 1870s to support the mining boom in the region. The pass facilitated the transport of supplies and ore between mining camps. The road was rebuilt in the 1950s, and paving was completed on the eastern side in 1991 and on the western side in 2019. Today, Cottonwood Pass is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The pass is generally open from late May or June to October or November, depending on weather conditions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including scenic driving, hiking, camping, and fishing. Several trailheads are located near the summit, providing access to the Colorado Trail and other hiking routes. The area is also known for its vibrant fall colors, drawing visitors to witness the changing aspen groves.