Are dogs allowed on Cottonwood Pass?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Cottonwood Pass but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Cottonwood Pass?

No, Cottonwood Pass does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Cottonwood Pass?

Cottonwood Pass is rated moderate. It is 3.1 miles long with 896 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

ModerateOut and Back

Gunnison National Forest/Colorado

Cottonwood Pass

Buena Vista, Colorado

3.1 mi

Distance

896 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 24m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Cottonwood Pass is a high mountain pass on the Continental Divide in south-central Colorado in the Rocky Mountains of the western United States. It is located along the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties in Colorado, and is in the Sawatch Range. The road over Cottonwood Pass is the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in the U.S., and the second highest pass with an improved road in the state. It is the fourth-highest paved road in the state after Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, Pikes Peak Highway, and Trail Ridge Road.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

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Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

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Managing agency

United States Forest Service
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Address:CO

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

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