Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce

Cottonwood Pass

If you enjoy challenging rides with spectacular scenery, you will love this one. With more than four thousand feet of climbing, excellent pavement, and little auto traffic, this is one of the best high pass rides in Colorado.

The first five miles west from Buena Vista are gently graded and provide the perfect warm-up. Once you pass Cottonwood Hot Springs, however, the pitch increases as you fall into a steady grind to the summit of Cottonwood Pass (12,126’). You’ll get a few level/recovery sections on the way, but the two, mile-long steeps where the grade exceeds ten percent will send your heart rate skyward. The return trip is very fast and the wind will whistle through your helmet as you whip through the half-dozen hairpin turns along the route.

As for any pass ride, carry a warm insulating layer and a light waterproof-breathable shell jacket, a warm helmet liner and gloves, and snacks.  Try to be descending by early afternoon because summer thunderstorms will be rolling in and lightning will be a threat.

Ride length: 38.6 miles (round-trip)

Ride type: out-and-back

Riding time: 4-5 hours

Elevations: start/end 7,950’; max 12,126’; min 7,950’

Total climbing: gain/loss 4,310’

Aerobic level: strenuous

Season: June through October; call The Trailhead/Trailhead Cycle & Ski (719)395-8001 for seasonal road closure status.

Directions: This ride starts at the traffic light at the intersection of N. US HWY 24 (CR 306) and Main Street in Buena Vista. Parking and information are available at Trailhead Cycle and Ski (707 N. US HWY 24) in Buena Vista.

Mileage log:

0.0 - Ride west on W. Main St. (CR 306) from the intersection of N. US HWY 24. The entire ride is on CR 306.

5.4 - Pass Cottonwood Hot Springs (8,550’) on the right.

7.9 - Rainbow Lake (9,230’) is on your left.

9.1 - Pass the Avalanche Gulch Trailhead (9,380’).

11.0 - The entrance to the Collegiate Peaks Campground (9,800’) is on the left.

12.0 - The grade increases for about a mile as you pass the Denny Creek Trailhead (9,925’).

12.9 - The grade relaxes as you pass the Holy Water Beaver Ponds (10,280’).

13.8 - Pass the intersection with CR 346 (10,480’).

14.4 - The Ptarmigan Lake Trailhead (10,700’) is on your left.

14.8 - Enter the first switchback (10,820’).

15.2 - Pass CR 348 (10,930’) on the left.

16.3 - Pass CR 349 (11,250’) on the right.

19.3 - Cottonwood Pass summit (12,126’).

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Brought to you by Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce and Colorado Tourism Office