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
moderateWhere is Independence Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Independence Pass, sitting pretty at 12,112 feet, straddles Pitkin and Lake counties in Colorado. This beauty is one of Colorado's highest roads! You'll find it smack-dab in central Colorado, chilling in the Sawatch Range of the Rockies, nestled between Aspen and Leadville, inside the White River National Forest. Clocking in at 32 miles, this paved road is known as State Highway 82 (CO-82) or the "Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway." It links the Roaring Fork River valley near Aspen to the Arkansas River headwaters near Leadville. Fun fact: it wasn't paved until '67! Now, let's be real: Independence Pass isn't for the faint of heart. Think narrow, winding roads, and seriously steep inclines. We're talking serious drop-offs, hairpin turns, and stretches barely wide enough for one car. If you meet an RV on a single-lane section, buckle up! The road has a 6.5% gradient, so oversized vehicles are a no-go (nothing over 35 feet, folks!). Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel! Slow and steady wins the race here, especially with those tight curves and one-lane spots. Heads up: this pass, originally called Hunter Pass, is a no-go in winter. It usually closes after the first heavy snow and reopens in late May or early June. Rockfall is a thing, so watch out for rocks and the occasional closure. They say it's the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in North America and the highest paved through road in Colorado's state network. Expect the drive from Aspen to US 24 to take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how many times you pull over for those views! If you're cruising from Vail to Aspen, Independence Pass is a must-do alternative to I-70. It's a scenic detour that’ll take you through some seriously stunning mountain scenery. The direct route is about 102 miles and takes around 2.5 hours if you don't stop... but you'll want to! Just check if it's open, since winter closures are a thing.
hardSpanish Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an epic Nevada adventure, point your 4x4 towards Spanish Peak! Nestled in Nye County within the Toquima Range, this beast tops out at a whopping 9,881 feet. Yeah, you read that right. Heads up: the road (NF-441) is a wild ride. Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta "tippy." Winter? Forget about it. This is a trail for seasoned off-roaders only. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe grab a postcard instead. And heights? You'll be staring down some serious drops. The road is pretty steep, and if it's wet, expect some seriously muddy conditions. But hey, as you climb, you'll be cruising past old mining relics, a cool throwback to Nevada's past. So, gear up, buckle in, and get ready for a real Nevada challenge!
moderateThe haunted Witches Bridge in Illinois
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a spooky one! Just west of Clarksdale, Illinois (Christian County, to be exact), you'll find the infamous Witches Bridge. We're talking serious haunted vibes near Anderson Cemetery. This isn't your average overpass; it's a short but sweet (or should I say, eerie?) 104-foot truss bridge crossing Bear Creek. The road, E 990 North Road, is paved, so no need for a monster truck... unless you're trying to outrun ghosts. Legend has it a woman was wrongly accused of witchcraft and hung here way back in the 1800s, hence the name. Built in 1916, it's got history, it's got mystery, and maybe, just maybe, it's got a few lingering spirits. Perfect for a creepy photo op!
hardHahns Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a heart-pumping, off-the-beaten-path experience in Colorado, then Hahns Peak is calling your name! Located in Routt County, this beauty tops out at a breathtaking 10,554 feet. The road to get there? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Forest Service Road 409, also known as Farwell Mountain 4WD road, is a mix of gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here. Think high-clearance SUV and an experienced driver who isn't afraid to take it slow. Road conditions can change in a heartbeat, and Mother Nature likes to keep the snow around for a good portion of the year. Trust me, you'll want to scout ahead before committing. This isn't a Sunday joyride. Expect a steep climb that will test your skills and maybe even your tolerance for heights. The road's super narrow, so be ready to hug the side and watch out for oncoming traffic. It doesn't quite reach the very top of Hahns Peak, but the views are still mind-blowing. Plus, you'll find a cool old fire lookout tower up there. Just a heads up, the road ends in a tight spot, so it's best to park at the switchback just below the end. And if it's been raining, the lower part of the road can get pretty muddy and slick. Aim for a dry day to make the most of it!