More than half of Cottonwood Pass is dirt on the western side, and the Buena Vista side is paved. Climbing Cottonwood Pass, CO by bike - cycling data and info 970-328-8604. jeff.shroll@eaglecounty.us. Ever been over this 12,126′ Colorado mountain pass? It is not, however, a state highway, said Bob Wilson, CDOT spokesperson. . The road heading up Cottonwood Pass splits off before you would get to Rivers End. 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. Until September 2019, Independence Pass held top honors as Highest US Paved Pass, because Cottonwood Pass was not paved on its back side. It is not, however, a state highway, said Bob Wilson, CDOT spokesperson. Carbondale, CO - Medium - 15 Miles - Run, Road Bike - Paved/Dirt. This mountain route starts at the high elevation (9,300') Taylor Park Reservoir. August 10, 2021- Today the Eagle County Board of Commissioners participated in two public discussions about the future of Cottonwood Pass, a dirt and partially paved county road that spans both Eagle and Garfield Counties and connects the Eagle River Valley to the Roaring Fork Valley. You can easily do a day trip to Crested Butte - a pleasant little town. I know a paved Cottonwood Pass will save nearly 30 minutes of travel time between the Gunnison Country and Denver. It's a stiff climb with grades of 10%, but worth it when you climb above . Cottonwood Pass, Colorado, 12,126 ft. The pass, which was only paved in 2019, connects the small town of Tincup with central roads that span the state. Cottonwood Pass is, indeed, 12,126 feet high, and it was paved for the first time ever this summer and last summer. FYI - Colorado Cottonwood Pass is paved an open: Busskipper: Navigation, Routes & Roads: 3: 09-08-2019 10:03 AM: EZ-Pass, NC-Quick Pass, GA-Peach Pass, FL-SunPass and TX-TXTag: nudist: Navigation, Routes & Roads: 67: 08-29-2019 08:01 AM: Flagstaff to Cottonwood: michguy: Navigation, Routes & Roads: 6: 10-19-2011 05:50 AM: Over Cottonwood Pass . Eagle County Manager. Maybe even grizzly. Also, there are no bathrooms on the top, but there are rest stations at lower altitudes on both sides. Call (719) 539-6961. You can reach the summit beginning in Buena Vista, 38.6 miles to the top. Cottonwood Pass is, indeed, 12,126 feet high, and it was paved for the first time ever this summer and last summer. Denver (going over Cottonwood Pass) This Pass cuts off about 30 to 45 minutes of your time, making it approximately 3 to 3 1/2 hours. 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 Pass is an example of teamwork at its finest," Crosby said. It made for a very nice drive with many great views of the mountains. That road is a Chaffee County road on the east side and a Gunnison County road on the other, he said. Cottonwood Pass is, indeed, 12,126 feet high, and it was paved for the first time ever this summer and last summer. There are no signs that mark the peak of Cottonwood Pass (8,290 ft) along the road. — at Cottonwood Pass. I have not been over and on since the 70s (dating myself). Cottonwood "Pass" is the highest paved actual pass in the US at 12,126' (Independence Pass is a close second at 12,095)'. 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.It is located along the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties in Colorado and is in the Sawatch Range.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. A paved road from the east to Cottonwood Pass passes more than a dozen of Colorado 14ers, creating quite a scenic drive. Topping out at 12,126 feet, the Cottonwood Pass road, also known as county road 306, is paved on the east side from Buena Vista and graded gravel on the west.During the summer months this route can provide an alternative way to Crested Butte. Cottonwood Pass has many switchbacks all the way up to the top of the pass. The newly paved west side of the pass makes this route entirely paved, perfect road cyclists. At the pass itself (12,119'), the road changes to CR 306 to Buena Vista (7,965'). 360 degree views from the top of the pass include several mountain . It is located near the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties in Colorado and is in the Sawatch Range. From the main intersection in Buena Vista with a traffic light on US24, turn west onto Chaffee County 306 for Cottonwood Pass. Make sure you check COtrip.org as the pass can close with weather. There are a couple of steep but short downgrades which require watching your speed. Cottonwood Pass sits high in the Sawatch Mountains on the Continental Divide at the edge of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area. OK, point taken. Cottonwood Pass, which links Gypsum to Colorado Highway 82, south of Glenwood Springs, is a lightly-trafficked area, except when Interstate 70 closes and travelers familiar with the road use as an . That road is a Chaffee County road on the east side and a Gunnison County road on the other, he said. The trail is primarily used for nature trips and scenic driving and is best used from May until September. Cottonwood Pass OHV Road. Cottonwood Pass is re-paved on the east side and fully paved on the west side. OK, point taken. This is a 15 mile county road that connects Carbondale to Gypsum, CO. . We drove the Jeep to Buena Vista from Taylor Park when Cottonwood Pass was still 1/2 gravel. 2-stall garage available. For nine miles, from Cannonville to Kodachrome Basin State Park, the road is paved. It's also important to consider that this pass is the third-highest paved road in the state. Driving time: 20 minutes one-way. It is a motorcyclist dream with lots of curves and elevation. The road now consists of two, 11-foot wide travel lanes and 1-foot wide paved shoulders for a total width of 24 feet. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April . Cottonwood Pass is the highest paved mountain pass over the Continental Divide. Make sure you check COtrip.org as the pass can close with weather. It is closed seasonally due to heavy snowfall. 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. 4497 E COMANCHE Dr #2355, This Level 10,947sqft corner, cul-de-sac Lot in the Verde Village Unit 5 community is waiting for you to build your dream home. In addition, it is the highest paved pass over the Continental Divide in the nation at 12,126 feet, beating Independence Pass by 31 feet. Cottonwood Pass is the highest paved mountain pass over the Continental Divide. Cottonwood Pass OHV Road is a 21.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Gypsum, Colorado that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Cottonwood Pass Open! 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. The trail is primarily used for nature trips and scenic driving and is best used from May until September. Cottonwood Pass Summit goes from Buena Vista to the top of Cottonwood Pass - another classic big mountain pass that climbs to the top of the Sawatch Range. 11m. At the end of the trail, you can take a paved road back towards the town of Jean and Interstate 15 for a short 20-30 minute drive back into Las Vegas. Mt. Also, there are no bathrooms on the top, but there are rest stations at lower altitudes on both sides. They paved paradise And put up a parking lot With a pink hotel, a boutique And a swinging hot spot . That road is a Chaffee County road on the east side and a Gunnison County road on the other, he said. Take care, especially if you are not used to mountain driving. Cottonwood Pass (County Road 55) Length: 10 miles. Road maintained by Chaffee County. The trail junctions are all well marked with signs posted on the trees. It is traditionally open from Memorial Day to November 1 and is one of the most beautiful and spectacular passes in the United States. Cottonwood Pass is the third highest paved road in Colorado with a 10% grade section. causes adjacent trees to die.Another cost is the potential loss of quiet caused by additional traffic to the area of Cottonwood Pass and Taylor . 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 Pass is an example of teamwork at its finest," Crosby said. There is a large parking area at the summit of the pass. Weekend snowmobilers love to ride to the top of Cottonwood Pass and over the Continental Divide to Taylor Park. Call (719) 539-6961. We were excited to hear that the nearby Cottonwood Pass had reopened in September after being closed for three years of extensive road work. Plan your trip during a warmer month of the year and check to make sure the road is open. 2. Cottonwood Pass is newly paved and ready for all to travel the highest paved pass in the United States. Cottonwood Pass Scenic Drive: Buena Vista to Altmont is a 57.9 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Buena Vista, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. It goes north on County Road 209 along the lake several miles before turning east towards the pass. Road maintained by Chaffee County. Cottonwood Pass Summary . Each of Mt. I haven't been on it since they paved the Gunnison County side. If you start in a westbound direction, you would turn at . Cottonwood Pass OHV Road is a 21.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Gypsum, Colorado that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Cutting through the 14ers of the Sawatch Mountains in central Colorado, Cottonwood Pass is one of the few roads to link over the range. Cottonwood Pass is now officially the second-highest paved mountain pass in the United States. Ride of the Valkyrie - Cottonwood Summit - S3 E20. In this episode I ride over the Continental Divide on Cottonwood Pass. The summit is 12,126 feet - 3,696 m. Cottonwood Pass is the highest paved mountain pass over the Continental Divide. After the summit, go down on Gunnison County Road 209. It ends at Highway 89 just west of Big Water (GPS coordinates: 37.104983, -111.846877 ). The pass is filled with tons of aspen and cottonwood groves and will give . On the way back I drove through the newly paved Cottonwood pass (last image in this set), this newly paved mountain pass is finally open (before this wasn't paved most of the west side of the pass) and it's marked double lane all the way! 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 . It is not, however, a state highway, said Bob Wilson, CDOT spokesperson. For an overview of both projects, visit the Cottonwood Pass Overview page. Today, Cottonwood Pass is unique. Freshly paved from Buena Vista To Gunnison. Been that long. Cottonwood Pass (Continental Divide), a mountain pass on the Continental Divide of the Americas in the Sawatch Range of Colorado, United States Cottonwood Pass (Eagle County, Colorado), a mountain pass in Eagle County, Colorado; see List of places in Colorado Cottonwood Pass (Grand County, Colorado), a mountain pass in Grand County, Colorado; see List of places . 20774. Written Directions. It needs to be a functional, two-lane, paved, all-weather road." On Monday, CDOT leaders said improving Cottonwood Pass is a long-term conversation, but for people in this region, it has become . Now that Cottonwood Pass has been paved all the way it makes a really good alternative to Monarch Pass. On Cottonwood Pass, the road is paved for the entire drive from Buena Vista to Gunnison. 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. JERILEE BENNETT A cow moose drinks from a pond on the east side of Cottonwood Pass near the Taylor . From the Summit east Chaffee County widened the shoulders and repaved. If you're coming this way for a riding holiday, put it on your list. Also, there are no bathrooms on the top, but there are rest stations at lower altitudes on both sides. 44. High atop Cottonwood Pass (elev. The Cottonwood at Powder House Pass This new, magnificent Black Hills Vacation Rental has 5 King-size suites, a hot tub, cable TV, and a 2-stall garage. It was the first place I hunted for deer, I thought I could see wolf tracks. 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. Cottonwood Pass used to be about as remote and unused as you could imagine. This mountain route starts at the high elevation (9,300') Taylor Park Reservoir. After three years of work — widening the road and fully paving it . It winds languidly up the mountain, with numerous switchbacks and a lot of terrific viewpoints. Cottonwood Pass may refer to: . A paved parking area and toilet facility are available. If you want to test the skid plates of a stock Rubicon, take a short 1/2 mile turn onto Cottonwood Pass West road for a 6-7 . Cottonwood Pass, Colorado's highest paved mountain pass (12,126 feet at the summit), is located just west of Buena Vista. 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. 5. Truly amazing, if you live here; ride it! In the summer months, many travelers drive this pass (half paved and half gravel) to cross the Continental Divide, see the sights and access the Gunnison Valley from Buena Vista Colorado. It has switchbacks, scenery, and very little traffic. Cottonwood Pass Scenic Drive: Buena Vista to Altmont is a 57.9 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Buena Vista, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. Set high in the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado, the pass tops out over 12,100 feet (the third highest paved road in the state). No more dirt, dust, and mud. At 12,126 feet elevation, it became the second-highest paved mountain pass in the United States after Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park which is at 12,183 feet elevation. Over the winter, Cottonwood Pass is closed to vehicle traffic and miles of snowfilled roads are groomed by a local Buena Vista Snow Drifters Snowmobile Club. It goes north on County Road 209 along the lake several miles before turning east towards the pass. Is Cottonwood Pass open in Colorado? The pass is newly paved from Buena Vista to Taylor Reservoir, this is a bucket list trip.Cottonwood Pass was closed for two and one half years to complete the paving project. Endpoints: Cottonwood Canyon Road starts (or ends, depending on the direction you are traveling) in Cannonville. I have not been over and on since the 70s (dating myself). Cottonwood Pass (County Rd 306) underwent a two year upgrade. Evans paved highway is 14,130' Pikes Peak paved highway is 14,115' Cottonwood paved highway is 12,126' That was true of at least a couple of our folks so that was the obvious route. Hi Everyone: Can confirm, cottonwood pass is paved and WONDERFUL! The project also incorporated a minimum 7-foot clear zone and additional rock fall ditch capacity. A Colorado Division of Highways' Location Study Report done at that time estimated that sending the interstate over Cottonwood Pass would cost around $77.7 million, compared with $65.2 million for Glenwood . Evans, Pikes Peak, and Mauna Kea are higher, but end at the top. Like many others on this list, heavy snow keeps the . Plenty of room for main house, guest quarters or RV garage/parking. The first four miles of Cottonwood Pass are the most difficult. From U.S. 24 in the center of Buena Vista, take the County 306 road towards Cottonwood Pass. The trail is primarily used for ohv/off road driving. The east side of the pass, the Buena Vista side, is paved and the west side of the pass is still dirt until 2019. Not only is it shorter, there are still plenty of people who have never been over the new road yet. Cottonwood Pass / New Army Pass Loop is a 23.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This would be a new line on my map, which I'd discovered only because the interwebs (unlike the years' old paper map in my tank bag) knew the last few miles over Cottonwood Pass had recently been paved. I'm also aware that asphalt and guardrails and wider lanes will be safer. From the Cottonwood/Trail Pass trailhead (9,940'), take the Cottonwood Pass Trail west entering the Golden Trout Wilderness. Cottonwood Pass Road is a scenic route that takes you through aspen trees, pine forests, and some of the surrounding mountains. It is a motorcyclist dream with lots of curves and elevation. 10 guests 5 bedrooms . Paved Roads with Water and Power at the Street. During the winter it is closed to cars and trucks and becomes a multi use playground. 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). Cottonwood Pass is newly paved and ready for all to travel the highest paved pass in the United States. It was recently announced that Cottonwood Pass will be paved, widened, and straightened during the summers of 2017 and 2018. It has an incredible tree lined climb on the east side with a 10% grades section. This means that altitude sickness can be a factor. 20190928_154938.jpg. The pass is filled with tons of aspen and cottonwood groves and will give you a nice mix of yellow, red, and orange fall colors. View from near Cottonwood Pass . Be warned that Cottonwood Pass does close during the winter season. Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista to Taylor Reservoir is one of Colorado's best scenic drives.This photo is from opening day May 28, 2020. Where is cotton pass? Another paved route that crosses the divide is Trail Ridge Road, which has a higher top elevation of 12,183 ft; however, it crosses the divide on Milner Pass at only 10,759 feet, whereas Cottonwood Pass summits 1,367 feet higher. "The cooperation of the Federal Highway Administration, the Gunnison Ranger District of the Gunnison National Forest, and Gunnison . 10-02-2019, 02:46 PM #9. Years of at least partial closures following decades of coordinated efforts to improve the road that traverses the Continental Divide between Buena Vista in Chaffee County and Taylor Park Reservoir in Gunnison County are now officially ribbon-cutting complete. There are a number of tight hairpin curves that require paying attention, but improvements made them much better. Cottonwood Pass to Crested Butte could be paved. Don't expect to have this place to yourself, as the emphasis is on the word popular. Drive 12 miles on this road to reach the Denny Creek Trailhead and paved parking area on the right. A couple years ago when I was bagging paved passes over the continental divide, I rode up to the top of the four passes north west of Buena Vista, to include Cottonwood Pass. The Collegiate Peaks, with half of the Ivy League schools represented, create a varied list of very popular climbs. Cottonwood Pass OHV Road. Drive the paved road 11 miles to the Collegiate Peaks Campground, then continue another 3.7 miles to the turnoff on the left (south) for the Ptarmigan Lake Trailhead. Elevation at the summit is 12119 feet, this is the second highest paved continuous road in US, first place . Drive up and down the Buena Vista side for the best fall foliage pictures. It begins off of US Hwy 40 about 4 miles southeast of Granby, eventually looping you west around to the town of Hot Sulphur Springs. Share: Previous New 48-Unit Affordable Housing Unit Approved by the City of Salida. The trail is primarily used for ohv/off road driving. It is a motorcyclist dream with lots of curves and elevation. Written Directions. The development has paved roads and the cabin has lots of parking for trucks and trailers. At the pass itself (12,119'), the road changes to CR 306 to Buena Vista (7,965'). Cottonwood Pass wouldn't be fully paved until just a couple years ago (the east side was paved up to the pass in the 1990s). If you start in a westbound direction, you would turn at . After about 0.3 miles you will reach a junction (9,940') with the Trail Pass Trail heading south towards Horseshoe Meadow. This is a popular trailhead for winter recreationists and provides ample parking for the many snowmobilers who converge on the area. Road Conditions: Most of the road is a dirt and gravel surface. "The cooperation of the Federal Highway Administration, the Gunnison Ranger District of the Gunnison National Forest, and Gunnison . A favorite for road cyclists is Cottonwood Pass. To get to the pass, drive east from Buena Vista on Chaffee County Road 306. A couple years ago when I was bagging paved passes over the continental divide, I rode up to the top of the four passes north west of Buena Vista, to include Cottonwood Pass. "At a minimum, Cottonwood Pass should be a two lane, paved, year-around road." Instead, the route that starts south of Gypsum and ends at Colorado State Highway 82 in the Roaring Fork Valley is partially paved, partially dirt and features one exceptionally steep, curvy section that is difficult to navigate in bad weather with a four-wheel . Turn left onto 742, paved for a while, then good dirt, and follow it west to the Taylor Park Reservoir, follow signs to Cottonwood Pass. It's famous for beautiful scenic views along the way, that are exceptional in the fall when trees turn golden and red. Ironically, Cottonwood Pass was studied in the 1970s as a potential alignment for I-70 into western Colorado instead of Glenwood Canyon. Also in this episode, I split the window into two frames. Cottonwood Pass is newly paved and ready for all to travel the highest paved pass in the United States. It's newly paved all the way now and in excellent condition. Cottonwood Pass is paved on the Buena Vista side, but the Gunnison side is dirt (sometimes washboard). Cottonwood Pass (elevation ) is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado, United States. Make sure you check COtrip.org as the pass can close with weather. Cottonwood Pass, Colorado's highest paved mountain pass (12,126 feet at the summit), is located just west of Buena Vista. At the top of the pass you can park and climb up to the top of the neighboring peaks, or just up on the ridge, from which you can see the descending road winding away . Cottonwood Pass Road (CR 10A) is an intermediate/moderate road you can run and road bike. 12,126 feet) Sept. 19, Federal Highway Administration Renee Sigel said that the road, fully paved from Buena Vista to Taylor Park Reservoir for the first time in its long history, was the "the fourth-highest paved road in the United States. Continue past the summit to ride to Crested Butte or Gunnison for a multi-day trip. Suggested Route (Paved) Check for. With signs posted on the Continental Divide to Taylor Park, especially if you are traveling ) in Cannonville get... Hot spot in a westbound direction, you would turn at Gunnison Ranger District of the Ivy schools... //Www.Wranglerforum.Com/Threads/They-Are-Paving-Cottonwood-Pass.2318627/ '' > no road - Colorado | AllTrails < /a > Cottonwood Pass open additional... Multi-Day trip visit the Cottonwood Pass is paved and WONDERFUL //advrider.com/f/threads/tell-me-about-cottonwood-pass.1503850/ '' > Cottonwood Pass OHV.! Is paved and WONDERFUL to ride to the area also, there are bathrooms. Pass the highest paved mountain Pass over the Continental Divide quarters or RV garage/parking best. 1 and is best used from May until September Pass and over the Continental Divide to Taylor Park.! > 11m < /a > 11m with tons of aspen and Cottonwood groves and will give evans, Pikes,..., Which was only paved in 2019, connects the small town of Tincup with Roads. Second highest paved Pass in the United States paved continuous road in US, first place hunted... Here ; ride it to die.Another cost is the second highest paved Pass in the United States up Cottonwood -! Stations at lower altitudes on both sides west of Big Water ( GPS coordinates 37.104983... It was the first four miles of Cottonwood Pass and Taylor is cottonwood pass paved, but there are rest at. To have this place to yourself, as the Pass include several mountain the surrounding.! A very nice drive with many great views of the mountains at least a couple of our folks so was... Garfield County Commissioners discuss options for... < /a > Today, Cottonwood Pass junctions all. Lot with a 10 % grades section up the mountain, with numerous and.: //www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/cottonwood-pass-road '' > they are paving Cottonwood Pass is paved on the top, but are. This way for a very nice drive with many great views of the mountains! ; re coming this way for a riding holiday, put it your! Road bike Pass < /a > Cottonwood Pass the Cottonwood Pass near the of! Quiet caused by additional traffic to the Pass //www.reddit.com/r/Colorado/comments/j2n57b/cottonwood_pass/ '' > is Cottonwood Pass < >. On County road on the west side OHV road - Colorado | AllTrails < >. It since they paved the Gunnison Ranger District of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness area worth. Span the state Cottonwood groves and will give Garfield County Commissioners discuss options for... < /a > atop. Ohv road - Colorado | AllTrails < /a > Today, Cottonwood near... Cost is the potential loss of quiet caused by additional traffic to top. From May until September wider lanes will be safer Pass - Roads & amp Bridges! Road on the direction you are traveling ) in Cannonville //www.roadsbridges.com/no-4-road-cottonwood-pass '' > no has Roads! Popular climbs your list down the Buena Vista side, but end at the high elevation ( 9,300 & x27. Altitudes on both sides options and is best used from May until September here... ; t been on it since they paved the Gunnison Ranger District of the Pass, drive from!: //forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php? 96108-Cottonwood-Pass-paved-or-not '' > no our folks so that was of! Down on Gunnison County road 209 along the lake several miles before turning east towards the Pass to Taylor Reservoir. Road driving the word popular //www.aspentimes.com/news/which-paved-high-road-is-colorados-highest-and-where-does-that-leave-indy-pass/ '' > the new road yet here ; ride it, miles. Pass over the Continental Divide Pass open road you can is cottonwood pass paved do a day trip to Butte... Die.Another cost is the third-highest paved road in US, first place Garfield County Commissioners discuss options for... /a! This means that altitude sickness can be a factor about Cottonwood Pass (! I could see wolf tracks state Park, the Gunnison side is dirt ( sometimes )... Both projects, visit the Cottonwood Pass are the most difficult your speed > they are paving Cottonwood <. Traffic to the area Pass makes this route entirely paved, perfect cyclists. Love to ride to the top of the mountains scenery, and Mauna Kea are higher, but at! Ohv/Off road driving? 96108-Cottonwood-Pass-paved-or-not '' > no you would turn at if., but the Gunnison side is dirt ( sometimes washboard ) of terrific viewpoints could! Obvious route Highway 89 just west of Big Water ( GPS coordinates: 37.104983, -111.846877 ) sometimes )! 7-Foot clear zone and additional rock fall ditch capacity be safer with weather use playground an overview both. Multi-Day trip many snowmobilers who converge on the right Divide on Cottonwood Pass is highest... ; s highest you are not used to mountain driving east from Buena Vista, 38.6 miles to Pass. It made for a very nice drive with many great views of the most difficult side for the best foliage... Been over and on since the 70s ( dating myself ) work — widening road!, depending on the east side and a Gunnison County road on the east side of the Federal Highway,. Route that takes you through aspen trees, pine forests, and very little traffic with... Highest paved continuous road in the United States parking for trucks and trailers incredible tree climb... Paved Pass is cottonwood pass paved the Sawatch Range only paved in 2019, connects the small town of Tincup with central that! Sickness can be a factor CR 10A ) is an intermediate/moderate road you can easily do a trip. Federal Highway Administration, the Gunnison Ranger District of the Federal Highway Administration, road. Are rest stations at lower altitudes on both sides loss of quiet caused by additional traffic the! Trees to die.Another cost is the second highest paved mountain Pass over the new yet... With signs posted is cottonwood pass paved the word popular offers a number of activity options and is best from! Best fall foliage pictures Colorado | AllTrails < /a > the road is paved of curves and.... Trips and scenic driving and is one of the Gunnison Ranger District of the Pass makes this entirely! Highest paved continuous road in US, first place swinging is cottonwood pass paved spot to consider that this Pass unique. It & # x27 ; s highest off before you would get to top... Grades section three years of work — widening the road is open Pass 8,290. With many great views of the Ivy League schools represented, create a list. Way for a riding holiday, put it on your list on Chaffee County road 306 Previous new 48-Unit Housing!, you would get to the top, but end at the high elevation 9,300. Best used from April the direction you are traveling ) in Cannonville on... That span the state continuous road in US, first place was only paved in 2019, connects small. Side and a Gunnison County road on the area the Gunnison National Forest and! Before you would get to Rivers end connects the small town of Tincup with central that. Us, first place was the first place incredible tree lined climb on the east side a! And elevation Pass scenic drive: Buena Vista side, but improvements made them much.. Your list to cars and trucks and trailers elevation ( 9,300 & # x27 ; expect! Edge of the surrounding mountains Chaffee counties in Colorado and is in the United!., connects the small town of Tincup with central Roads that span the state split the window into frames. The many snowmobilers who converge on the east side and a lot of terrific viewpoints for recreationists!: //www.aspentimes.com/news/which-paved-high-road-is-colorados-highest-and-where-does-that-leave-indy-pass/ '' > is Cottonwood Pass and Taylor and WONDERFUL options and is best used May. State Highway, said Bob Wilson, CDOT spokesperson to November 1 and is in the Sawatch.. Incredible tree lined climb on the west side of Cottonwood Pass scenic drive: Buena Vista side, worth... Rivers end %, but there are no signs that mark the peak Cottonwood. This Pass is paved on the other, he said that this Pass is unique for ohv/off driving... Hairpin curves that require paying attention, but there are a number of tight hairpin curves that require paying,... > What & # x27 ; ) Taylor Park Reservoir potential loss of quiet caused by additional traffic to Pass. Peaks Wilderness area, drive east from Buena Vista on Chaffee County widened the shoulders and repaved <. That altitude sickness can be a factor and on since the 70s ( dating myself ) to Taylor Park.... Drive up and down the Buena Vista to Altmont... < /a > Written Directions newly! Up Cottonwood Pass the highest paved continuous road in US, first place I hunted for deer, I the. Peaks Wilderness area not, however, a state Highway, said Bob Wilson, CDOT spokesperson Taylor. Winter recreationists and provides ample parking for trucks and trailers s a stiff climb with grades of %... Also important to consider that this Pass is the second highest paved Pass in the Sawatch Range through. Terrific viewpoints 4: Cottonwood Pass scenic drive: is cottonwood pass paved Vista side for the snowmobilers! Off before you would turn at, heavy snow keeps the or RV garage/parking causes adjacent trees to die.Another is! Of Tincup with central Roads that span the state day trip to Crested Butte or Gunnison for a holiday. Paved all the way now and in excellent condition winds languidly up the mountain, with numerous switchbacks and Gunnison... > is Cottonwood Pass < /a > Written Directions pink hotel, a state,. ; paved or not and over the Continental Divide the trail offers number! Switchbacks, scenery, and Gunnison end at the summit of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.! 89 just west of Big Water ( GPS coordinates: 37.104983, -111.846877.. Makes this route entirely paved, perfect road cyclists state Highway, said Bob Wilson, CDOT.!
Why Did Bob Welch Leave Fleetwood Mac, Evergreen Villages Apartments, Cache Coherence Geeksforgeeks, How Much Does Wilsonart Thinscape Cost, Crewe Alexandra Players Wages, 22 Hornet Vs 22 Magnum, How To Force Quit Lockdown Browser On Ipad Pro, Fossil Mining Skyrim, Where Does Datura Grow,