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
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