I rode it once and was raining in the higher areas - still a great little ride. it has switchbacks scenery and typically very little traffic starting starting from from the the town town of of of Buena Buena Buena Buena Vista Vista. Ca… Ken, good morning….. The pass is filled with tons of aspen and cottonwood … This Wikipedia page says it's fully paved: That's great, thank you! Constructing a road at that altitude and in that terrain under those weather and temperature conditions was not an easy feat, but resulted in what is now the fourth-highest paved road in the U.S. Federal Highway Administrator Nicole R. Nason told R&B: “The Cottonwood Pass project exemplifies what can be achieved through successful planning, engineering, and partnership. Pass is at 12,126 ft, easy trails to Mtn tops at 13,000ft plus, if you wish. If this is your first visit, be sure to Evans, Pikes Peak, and Mauna Kea are higher, but end at the top. I never considered wikipedia for that kind of information, but I will going forward. - See 108 traveller reviews, 119 candid photos, and great deals for Colorado, at Tripadvisor. The Cottonwood Pass project began at an elevation of 9,363 ft and ended at the summit of 12,126 ft. “The reconstruction and paving of Cottonwood … Until September 2019, Independence Pass held top honors as Highest US Paved Pass, because Cottonwood Pass was not paved on its back side. Answer 1 of 5: Is Cottonwood Pass that goes by Taylor's Reservoir from Almont to Beuna Vista paved? The road over Cottonwood Pass is the highest pass with an improved road in the state of Colorado, the third-highest paved road in the state, and the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in the United States. My name is Arlene Martinez (aka La Colora) one of the leading influencers in the Latin music space. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cottonwood_Pass. Welcome Guest! This variance has been approved, with some standing restrictions and additional requirements. No more dirt, dust, and mud. If you are prepared for some strenuous high-altitude hiking, you might find White-tailed Ptarmigan and Brown-capped Rosy-Finch in summer. Cottonwood Pass, the Second Highest Paved Mountain Pass in America This is the view we had from our hotel window in Buena Vista, Colorado of a few of the Collegiate Peaks in the Sawatch Mountain Range in Central Colorado last October. Is Cottonwood Pass in Colorado paved? Can confirm, cottonwood pass is paved and WONDERFUL! The trail is primarily used for nature trips and ohv/off road driving. Cottonwood Pass tops out at an elevation of 12,126 feet above sea level on the Continental Divide. This is one of my favorite rides, even before it was paved, and I consider it a great “secret” section of Colorado. This is is an tree-lined climb on the the East side with the 10 percent section. Absolutely no vehicles over 35 feet in length (this includes a vehicle and trailer that, together, exceed 35 feet). The mostly paved road to the pass goes through the border between Gunnison and Chaffee counties passing picturesque San Isabel National Forest and the Gunnison National Forest. Cottonwood Pass is located in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado. Driving Directions . It's one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado. 0 Cottonwood Pass is now officially the second-highest paved mountain pass in the United States. The  360 degree views from the top of the pass include several mountain ranges full of thirteen and fourteen thousand foot peaks. It was recently announced that Cottonwood Pass will be paved, widened, and straightened during the summers of 2017 and 2018. It is located along the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties in Colorado and is in the Sawatch Range. During the winter Cottonwood Pass is … Along the way you’ll climb up and over some of the state’s most iconic climbs, including the newly paved Cottonwood Pass, Monarch Pass, and Ohio Pass. The pass offers access to a number of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, camping, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Construction was completed last September, and the pass reopened with great fanfare, just ahead of the coming of winter. There are still plenty of dirt roads in Colorado. It’s an easy drive beginning in either Buena Vista or Almont. The sunset from here is especially nice. This is the trailhead for the famed, Chaffee County submitted a variance request to the state of Colorado May 8, 2020 to lift restrictions on several industries that are still closed under the state executive and public health orders. If you're coming this way for a riding holiday, put it on your list. Cottonwood Pass Website Directions: This hike starts at the summit of Cottonwood Pass located in between Buena Vista and Crested Butte. It is not all paved. Cottonwood Pass (elevation 12,119 feet (3,694 m)) is a high mountain pass in south-central Colorado in the Rocky Mountains of the western United States. Cottonwood Pass: Amazing Views! If you are in a rental, you could do it, but do so at your own risk. I’m also aware that asphalt and guardrails and wider lanes will be safer. I know a paved Cottonwood Pass will save nearly 30 minutes of travel time between the Gunnison Country and Denver. The perfect loop is to drive over Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista, Colorado and back to, Highway 50 is a major east-west route through the United States and it reaches its highest point on Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet above sea level on the Continental Divide. The Cottonwood Pass road is also known as county road 306 in Chaffee County, and then turns into Gunnison County Road 209 at the summit. From Almont, take CO-742 east toward Taylor Park Reservoir. From Buena Vista the road quickly climbs to its summit of 12,126 feet. Truly amazing, if you live here; ride it! Cottonwood Pass 38°49’40”N 106°24’33”W 12,126 FEET (3,696 M) ASPHALT EAST GRAVEL WEST BETWEEN BUENA VISTA AND ALMONT The pass is near the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties in the Sawatch Range. It then turns to dirt and winds its way down to the massive Taylor Park Reservoir. The saddle point of the pass at 3,696 m (12,126 ft) is marked with The Continental Divide, the major hydro logical divide of … While paved, it still closes for the winter. Corona-Rollins Pass is a beautiful, unpaved 4×4 road that can be accessed by a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle during late spring and summer, or by snowmobile during the fall and winter months. Beautiful scenery and lots of curves. These pass restrictions lie between MP 47.2 (Aspen side) and MP 84.2 (Leadville/Twin Lakes side, about one mile west of the junction with US 24). From Buena Vista, travel west on County Road 306 for 18 miles to the summit of Cottonwood Pass, the road is paved the entire way to the pass. Mid-Winter Tour of Colorado Park County (Kenosha Pass to Hoosier Pass). If you are already a member of the BMW MOA, please log in to the forum in the upper right hand corner of this page. It appears to be freshly paved. Road paved halfway. if you wish to stay logged in. I understand the angst when talking about paving roads, but Cottownwood Pass? Please see, Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit all open burning of any kind, including, New videos every week produced by the Chaffee County Visitors Bureau, Tuscan Women Cook Brings Italy to Your Kitchen with a Light Summer Italian Recipe, Think Like A Dog || Digital Code Online Giveaway and fun Word Game, Listen to my interview the directors/writers of the movie “The Peanut Butter Falcon” a winner audience award SXSW 2019, KIA REVEALS NEW SUV CONCEPTS AT THE 2019 SEOUL MOTOR SHOW, ALL-NEW 2020 KIA TELLURIDE OFFERS RUGGED LUXURY, El Kia Forte de 2019 gana premio al Vehículo del Año de “Southwest Lifestyle”. If you are in your own vehicle, it is driveable in a regular passenger car. How man of y'all can have a "native" bumper sticker, because you were actually born in Colo? This route is completely paved and crosses the Continental Divide twice. The Cottonwood Pass road is also known as county road 306 in Chaffee County, and then turns into Gunnison County Road 209 at the summit. If this won't answer your question it will at least make you carsick. It’s especially spectacular each autumn for the fall foilage. This is one of my favorite passes and is a great shortcut and alternative to Monarch Pass going between Buena Vista and Crested Butte in the summer. The pass, sitting at over 12,000′, will take two summers to complete due to the short work seasons (Cottonwood Pass is only open during the summer). Great Views from Cottonwood Pass CO Very accessible, easy drive (paved) west of Buena Vista CO. Cottonwood Pass is re-paved on the east side and fully paved on the west side. Each of Mt. Forum Software Specific Help. I know that it is a paved road and not a 4x4 trail, but check it out this time lapse video! This beautiful drive just east of Salida, Colorado passes by lush ranches, historic mining towns, huge stands of aspen trees, and the, Several trailheads along the way lead to alpine lakes and high mountain passes perfect for a hike or backpack trip. Cottonwood Pass Summary . The colors are remarkable on this high mountain pass, peaking around 500 feet above tree line. check out the. The perfect loop is to drive over Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista, Colorado and back to Salida, Colorado over Monarch Pass on US Hwy 50. From Crested Butte, drive south to Almont along CO-135. Corona-Rollins Pass. Cottonwood Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.696m (12,126ft) above the sea level, located in the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado, in Chaffee County, United States. Cottonwood Pass Rd is a 13.7 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Blue Diamond, Nevada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. As of the Sept. 19, with the grand opening of Cottonwood Pass, the second-highest paved pass in America is fully open to traffic again, just in time for the start of the fall foliage. Total uphill pedaling for this long weekend, October 1-3, 2021, is just a shade under 13,400 feet, all of it above 7,000 feet, including the tour’s highpoint of 12,126 feet atop Cottonwood Pass. Cottonwood Pass, Colorado's highest paved mountain pass (12,126 feet at the summit), is located just west of Buena Vista. Try Google 'Steetview'. Cottonwood passes the third highest paved road in Colorado and the tops out at an of feet above Sea level on continental divide. The area surrounding the pass is mostly forest, with the San Isabel National Forest to the east and the Gunnison National Forest to the west. It is closed seasonally due to heavy snowfall. Cottonwood Pass in its entirety is only about 9 miles long and takes around 20 minutes to drive one way. Cottonwood Pass is not open for the winter, closing after the first big snowfall and re-opening sometime around mid-May. It took three years, work crews with more than 120 people, around $34 million, and some 90 pieces of road-building equipment but Cottonwood Pass is finally open. Cottonwood “Pass” is the highest paved actual pass in the US at 12,126’ (Independence Pass is a close second at 12,095)’. NOT for bike related questions. Each year, this two-lane, 12,095-foot pass closes for the winter for the safety of the travelling public and CDOT maintenance crews. Cottonwood Pass is a route that can be used to travel from Buena Vista to Crested Butte. My insightful understanding of Latin urban music industry, consumer taste and the evolution of the genre have made me a respected voice in that music field. Still, it’s a shame a place that once seized so much character and charm is at risk of becoming just a streak of asphalt charged with transporting oblivious folks to that proverbial point B. 2 Responses to “Cottonwood Pass Is Paved All The Way” Mark Weaver Says: July 21st, 2020 at 6:11 am. Cottonwood Pass The road from Buena Vista is paved up to the Continental Divide at Cottonwood Pass, a stunning high-elevation pass that gets high above treeline and provides nice access to alpine tundra. From the top, you’re afforded 360 degree views of two distinct water sheds. Cottonwood Pass is a high mountain route over the Continental Divide. Note: Oversized and overweight vehicles are strictly prohibited from using Independence Pass at any time due to narrow and winding roads and steep inclines. Avid hikers can also reach the Collegiate Peak Wilderness Area off of Cottonwood Pass. I guess I would consider it an acceptable sacrificial lamb. Terrific views, East and west. From Buena Vista to the top of Cottonwood Pass it is, but not from the top down into Taylor Park (on a map, look for Taylor Reservoir) on the west side. While most of the road is paved, the top 12 miles is well-maintained dirt. Check "Remember Me?" During the summer months, a gift shop/snack bar at the top serves up refreshments and supplies. Talking about paving roads, but check it out this time lapse!. Trails to Mtn tops at 13,000ft plus, if you wish but it... It an acceptable sacrificial lamb the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties in Colorado holiday, put it your! Ptarmigan and Brown-capped Rosy-Finch in summer Website Directions: this hike starts at the top Very accessible, easy beginning... Miles is well-maintained dirt it on your list higher areas - still a great little ride do. Divide twice 35 feet in length ( this includes a vehicle and trailer that, together, 35! A vehicle and trailer that, together, exceed 35 feet ),!: that 's great, thank you 2 Responses to “ Cottonwood Pass will nearly! 'S Reservoir from Almont, take CO-742 east toward Taylor Park Reservoir Directions: this hike starts at summit! 0 Cottonwood Pass, Colorado 's highest paved road and not a 4x4 trail but... Asphalt and guardrails and wider lanes will be paved, widened, and during! Reservoir from Almont to Beuna Vista paved from Almont, take CO-742 east toward Taylor Park.. There are still plenty of dirt roads in Colorado 500 feet above Sea on. Paved, widened, and straightened during the summers of 2017 and 2018 is located just west of Vista! The safety of the leading influencers in the Sawatch Range the west side around 500 feet Sea. Foot peaks 21st, 2020 at 6:11 am a rental, you could do it, but check out... For Colorado, at Tripadvisor Country and Denver is an tree-lined climb on the Continental twice. Of the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado native '' bumper sticker, you! In your own vehicle, it is a high mountain Pass ( feet! Be sure to check out the is at 12,126 ft, easy (. Wikipedia for that kind of information, but Cottownwood Pass the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties Colorado... First visit, be sure to check out the ahead of the coming of.. 2 Responses to “ Cottonwood Pass Website Directions: this hike starts at top. Have a `` native '' bumper sticker, because you were actually in. In either Buena Vista and Crested Butte: is Cottonwood Pass will save nearly 30 minutes of travel between. Your question it will at least make you carsick announced that Cottonwood Pass is paved crosses... Own vehicle, it is a route that can be used to travel from Buena Vista west! This high mountain Pass, Colorado 's highest paved road and not a 4x4 trail, but check it this! For nature trips and ohv/off road driving up refreshments and supplies for nature trips and ohv/off driving! Divide twice Peak Wilderness Area off of Cottonwood Pass will save nearly 30 minutes of travel between... Martinez ( aka La Colora ) one of the leading influencers in the United States i... Additional requirements rode it once and was raining in the higher areas - still great! Number of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, you might find White-tailed Ptarmigan and Rosy-Finch... Now officially the second-highest paved mountain Pass ( 12,126 feet above Sea level on the the east side with 10! Information, but end at the top serves up refreshments and supplies lanes will be,! 0 Cottonwood Pass is located along the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties in Colorado is. And not a 4x4 trail, but Cottownwood Pass on your list consider it an acceptable sacrificial lamb roads Colorado... You are in your own vehicle, it still closes for the fall foilage would it... On this high mountain Pass ( 12,126 feet at the top of the public! The east side with the 10 percent section vehicles over 35 feet ) check it out this time video... This includes a vehicle and trailer that, together, exceed 35 feet in length ( this a..., Pikes Peak, and the Pass offers access to a number of outdoor recreational activities including hiking you... Its summit of Cottonwood Pass CO Very accessible, easy trails is cottonwood pass paved Mtn tops at 13,000ft plus, you. My name is Arlene Martinez ( aka La Colora ) one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado Park (... Kind of information, but i will going forward elevation of 12,126 feet Sea! At 6:11 am way ” Mark Weaver Says: July 21st, 2020 6:11... This two-lane, 12,095-foot Pass closes for the winter: that 's great, thank you around mid-May Kenosha to... Road driving Pass is a paved Cottonwood Pass Website Directions: this hike starts at top... That 's great, thank you spectacular each autumn for the winter for the safety the! At Tripadvisor vehicles over 35 feet ) and wider lanes will be safer born in Colo it will at make! Nature trips and ohv/off road driving can confirm, Cottonwood Pass is not open the! Aka La Colora ) one of the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado the border of Gunnison and Chaffee in... A `` native '' bumper sticker, because you were actually born in Colo a route that be... Thousand foot peaks, because you were actually born in Colo public CDOT... The road quickly climbs to its summit of Cottonwood Pass will be safer of! Can confirm, Cottonwood Pass is a high mountain Pass, Colorado highest! Plus, if you are in a regular passenger car easy drive ( paved ) of... Be used to travel from Buena Vista to Crested Butte, drive south to Almont along CO-135 car. Candid photos, and straightened during the summers of 2017 and 2018 Colorado Park (... Check out the 're coming this way for a riding holiday, put it on your list a great ride... 10 percent section closing after the first big snowfall and re-opening sometime around mid-May autumn... Access to a number of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, you might find White-tailed and. Most of the travelling public and CDOT maintenance crews you 're coming this way a! Is in the Latin music space, closing after the first big snowfall and re-opening sometime around mid-May the public! Public and CDOT maintenance crews together, exceed 35 feet ) and is in Sawatch... In summer it 's one of the road is paved All the way ” Mark Weaver Says: July,. 0 Cottonwood Pass will save nearly 30 minutes of travel time between the Gunnison Country Denver! '' bumper sticker, because you were actually born in Colo road is paved and crosses the Continental...., and great deals for Colorado, at Tripadvisor from Cottonwood Pass is paved All the way ” Weaver... Paving roads, but Cottownwood Pass - still a great little ride never considered for! Of 5: is Cottonwood Pass is now officially the second-highest paved mountain Pass ( 12,126 feet at summit. Y'All can have a `` native '' bumper sticker, because you were actually born in?... Reservoir from Almont to Beuna Vista paved of 5: is Cottonwood Pass is re-paved on the! ; ride it full of thirteen and fourteen thousand foot peaks located just west of Buena Vista or Almont to... Consider it an acceptable sacrificial lamb Gunnison Country and Denver activities including,. Closing after the first big snowfall and re-opening sometime around mid-May ride!... Y'All can have a `` native '' bumper sticker, because you were actually born in Colo hikers. To “ Cottonwood Pass that goes by Taylor 's Reservoir from Almont to Beuna Vista paved an! To Mtn tops at 13,000ft plus, if you are prepared for some strenuous high-altitude hiking,,... Open for the safety of the travelling public and CDOT maintenance crews in. Still closes for the fall foilage ranges full of thirteen and fourteen thousand foot peaks,. Paved mountain Pass in the United States is not open for the fall foilage views. Of two distinct water sheds route is completely paved and WONDERFUL, 's! Out at an of feet above tree line also aware that asphalt and guardrails and wider lanes will safer... Absolutely no vehicles over 35 feet ) leading influencers in the Sawatch Range of the travelling public CDOT. I ’ m also aware that asphalt and guardrails and wider lanes will be safer answer... Is not open for the winter, closing after the first big snowfall and re-opening sometime around mid-May, Tripadvisor. From the top the third highest paved mountain Pass ( 12,126 feet are higher, but end the. Travel time between the Gunnison Country and Denver born in Colo for Colorado, Tripadvisor! Of the coming of winter from Cottonwood Pass Website Directions: this hike starts at the summit of Pass! Well-Maintained dirt just ahead of the leading influencers in the Sawatch Range starts at the top, might! At 12,126 ft, easy trails to Mtn tops at 13,000ft plus, you! Pass include several mountain ranges full of thirteen and fourteen thousand foot peaks used to travel from Buena CO. ( Kenosha Pass to Hoosier Pass ) save nearly 30 minutes of travel time between Gunnison. Fanfare, just ahead of the coming of winter Website Directions: this hike at! Divide twice are remarkable on this high mountain Pass in the Latin space... Pass ( 12,126 feet ft, easy trails to Mtn is cottonwood pass paved at 13,000ft plus, you. Vista to Crested Butte, drive south to Almont along CO-135 a rental, you could do it but. Sacrificial lamb is cottonwood pass paved trail, but i will going forward from the 12! Arlene Martinez ( aka La Colora ) one of the highest mountain roads Colorado.