Cottonwood Pass is a beautiful scenic drive in Colorado
Usa, north-america
51.01 km
3,696 m
easy
Year-round
Cottonwood Pass is a must-do in Colorado! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 12,126 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the state. You'll find it smack-dab between Chaffee and Gunnison counties in central Colorado.
This scenic route is 31.7 miles of pure driving bliss, linking Buena Vista and the area near Taylor Park Reservoir. Think of it as a shortcut between Buena Vista and Crested Butte, a fun alternative to Monarch Pass. You'll start on Chaffee County Road 306 heading east, then switch to Gunnison County Road 209 as you near the summit on the west side.
Good news for everyone: the road's been fully paved since 2019! The western side is especially smooth and wide, perfect for any vehicle. But don’t get too comfy – there are switchbacks, and some seriously tight ones near the top where you'll want to stick to 15 mph. The road can be steep, with gradients hitting 10% in places. So, if you're hauling a trailer or driving a big RV, be prepared for a bit of a challenge.
Being in the Rockies means epic views, but also unpredictable weather. The road's usually closed from October to May due to snow. Even when it's open, afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan to go early. Altitude sickness is a real risk, and hypothermia can be a problem year-round. You might even spot some snow at the summit in summer! The area is pretty remote, so be self-sufficient.
But hey, the views are worth it! This road is famous for its stunning scenery, and it's perfect for regular 2WD cars. Factor in about an hour for the drive without stops. Autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit, with the changing colors. The parking area at the top offers incredible views, and there are overlooks on the way down that you won't want to miss. Definitely worth the trip!
Where is it?
Cottonwood Pass is a beautiful scenic drive in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6203, -100.4220
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 51.01 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,696 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.6203, -100.4220
Related Roads in north-america
hardA tough desert road to Towne Pass in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park on CA-190, a completely paved road slicing through the west side. This is Towne Pass, peaking at a cool 4,970 feet in Inyo County, California. The road links Panamint Valley and Stovepipe Wells, serving up some seriously breathtaking views. But heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's windy with a ton of curves, so daylight is your friend here. Plus, it gets steep, with grades hitting 15% in spots. Keep your speed in check – even though the limit's 55 mph, you'll want to drop it down to 30 mph for those tight turns. Word on the street is they're even planning some road work to straighten out the twistiest parts and make it safer. Basically, Towne Pass is a stunning drive, just keep your wits about you and enjoy the ride!
moderateDriving an old mining road to Mount Lincoln in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're cruising through central Colorado, you NEED to check out Mount Lincoln. We're talking serious altitude here, folks – this old mining road climbs to a whopping 14,097 feet! That makes it one of the highest roads in the entire USA, nestled in the Pike National Forest. Word has it, they named this peak after President Lincoln just to poke fun at the Democrats who named the nearby Mount Democrat. Talk about mountain politics! The Mt. Lincoln Road (also known as Crest Drive) is a super rugged, unpaved track winding through the Mosquito Range. It used to be an old wagon road that went past Quartzville and all the way to the Present Help mine near the summit. Now, a word of warning: This road is NO JOKE. It's on private land and definitely closed during the winter – often until July! You'll need a 4x4 SUV with decent clearance to even think about tackling it. The surface is rough, and there will be clearance issues! But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with incredible hiking, fishing, and stunning views. Plus, you can explore the remnants of old mines near the top. It's a chance to witness history combined with breathtaking landscapes. Trust me, it's an unforgettable Colorado experience!
extremePaso Florentino: Driving the steepest and most dangerous street in Mexico City
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up because Paso Florentino in Mexico City is not your average residential street! Tucked away in the La Mexicana neighborhood of Álvaro Obregón, this "road" is more like a vertical drop straight into chaos, earning it the nickname "The Devil's Corner" or "The Roller Coaster." Imagine this: You're cruising through the city, and suddenly you find yourself staring down a crazy steep 45-degree incline—we're talking way steeper than any mountain pass you've ever seen! And it's all polished concrete, so when the afternoon rains hit (which they often do), this road turns into a legitimate slip-n-slide. Picture cars, taxis, even police SUVs losing all control and careening downhill like they're in a demolition derby. Locals have stories and viral videos galore of vehicles spinning out and smashing into homes at the bottom. Seriously, the residents have had to build reinforced walls and metal barriers just to survive living next to this madness! Despite attempts to add some grip to the concrete, nothing seems to work for long. So, if your GPS tries to send you down Paso Florentino, especially when it's raining, do yourself a favor and find another way. Trust me, even the most seasoned drivers and tricked-out 4x4s are no match for the slippery slope of doom. If you find yourself on it as the rain starts, pull over immediately and wait it out. Otherwise, you might become the next viral video star... for all the wrong reasons!
easyDriving to Clingmans Dome, the Highest Point in the Smokies
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of touching the sky? Then you HAVE to check out Clingmans Dome Road! This incredible paved road winds its way up to Clingmans Dome, a mountain straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Starting near Newfound Gap on U.S. Highway 441, this 7-mile road, also known as Kuwahi, climbs from 5,048 feet to a whopping 6,643 feet – that makes it the highest point in Tennessee! The road ends at a parking area, then a half-mile paved trail takes you to the top of the mountain. This road is only open from April to November, and trust me, you'll want to pay attention to the weather. It can change in a heartbeat, with clouds rolling in, rain, and even snow possible between September and May. Temperatures are usually way cooler up top than in the surrounding areas, so pack accordingly! But oh, the views! At the summit, you'll find a cool observation tower that gives you 360-degree views of the Smokies. On a clear day, you can see for over 100 miles, spanning seven states! Even along the drive, there are viewpoints galore where you can take in the gorgeous mountain scenery and spot some of the 12 waterfalls in the area. Plus, you can find a Visitor Center and restrooms near the parking lot. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!