Is Cottonwood Pass Scary?

You’re planning a summer road trip to the Buena Vista, Salida, and Leadville areas in south-central Colorado. Per Google Maps, you can drive through Cottonwood Pass to Crested Butte. You read about how beautiful Crested Butte is in the summer, so you want to go there, too. The question is, is Cottonwood Pass scary? 

My short answer is NO. 

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I said no because my family and I had driven the Gold Belt Scenic Byway (both the Phantom Canyon Road and Shelf Road), Monarch Pass, the Million Dollar Highway, Pikes Peak Highway (before and after they paved the road), Mount Blue Sky (Mount Evans) Scenic Byway, Wolf Creek Pass, Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Fall River Pass, among others. These are some of the scariest mountain passes in Colorado.

We came from Texas and drove in our Prius, a minivan, and recently, RAV4. So, yeah, we only passed through the mountain passes during our vacation in Colorado. We are not experts, but we enjoy challenges.

Now, let’s elaborate on the answer to your question:

Is Cottonwood Pass Scary?

Cottonwood Pass connects Buena Vista in the east and Almont, near Crested Butte, in the west. It is the highest paved mountain pass over the Continental Divide at 12,126 feet.

There are 57 miles between the two cities. You will climb for 18 miles to the summit of Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista on County Road 306.

You will gently climb halfway to the summit. Then, you start driving on a winding mountain road until you reach the summit. Note that there are no guardrails.

There are curves and switchbacks, but it’s not as steep, narrow, and twisty as Independence Pass. (We did the Independence Pass the day before. We could tell the differences.) You need to slow down around the curve. There are tight switchbacks near the top.

Then you arrive at the summit.

From the summit to Almont, County Road 306 turns to County Road 209. The road is going down gently.

We decided to turn around after we arrived at Taylor Park Reservoir. We’ve been to Crested Butte and wanted to explore other places near Salida.

The road back to Buena Vista was similar, with steepness after the summit.

I say Cottonwood Pass is not scary. It’s a lovely drive, even with the switchbacks and curves. Part of it is because the road doesn’t hug the mountains.

My husband drove, and he confirmed it. But even as someone who was sitting on the passenger side, you could tell when the road was scary or not. I drove on Wolf Creek Pass, one of Colorado’s most terrifying mountain passes when you drive in your conventional vehicle.   

For me, Cottonwood Pass is like driving on Slumgullion Pass on the Silver Thread Colorado Scenic & Historic Byway. It’s a beautiful drive without the white knuckles. 

Where Is Crested Butte?

Crested Butte is about 18 miles north of Almont.

You can take Highway 50 going back to Buena Vista. However, I don’t recommend it because you will drive through Monarch Pass. It’s another scariest mountain passes in Colorado. I remember leaning to the driver’s side when we passed from Gunnison to Poncha Springs.

Cottonwood Pass Summit

You must stop at the Cottonwood Pass summit. There is a parking lot that can accommodate 15-20 vehicles.

Then, hike to the overlook to enjoy the 360° view above the treeline – the Collegiate Peaks, the Sawatch Range, Taylor Park, and, of course, the way you come and where you will continue.

You can find the trail behind the big summit sign at 12,126 feet. Walk around the sign and follow the trail to the hill.

The hiking trail is 1.5 miles out and back, with 439 feet of elevation gain. It takes about 1 hour to do the whole trail. It is a popular trail, and dogs on leashes are welcome.

Stay on the trail for about 0.3 miles, and you will get to a small hill on the left. The views from there were amazing.

It is rocky up there. Be careful with your steps.

Then, continue to the big hill to your right. The hiking trail is visible to the top.

I didn’t go to the big hill because I had a light altitude sickness when I walked around the Independence Pass Ghost Town, elevation 10,830 feet, the day before. The Cottonwood Pass Summit is above 12,000 feet. I didn’t want to have a problem again as we still had to go places.

When Does Cottonwood Pass Open?

Usually, they try to open the pass before Memorial Day, weather permitting. Check out the Colorado Department of Transportation website in mid-May.

Should I Drive through Cottonwood Pass?

Yes! It’s a beautiful drive and a wonderful experience when you visit Colorado!

Tips for walking at Cottonwood Pass Summit:

– Put on sunscreen. You are on a high elevation, and there are no shades.

– Cover your arms with a long sleeve shirt and a hat if necessary.

– You may need a light jacket.

– Wear comfortable walking shoes. A hiking pole is optional.

– Drink a lot of water in a higher elevation.

– If you feel dizzy, stop and take deep breaths.

– Don’t forget to pick up after your dog.