Travel & Leisure

[Road Ride] Cottonwood Pass

The bike ride up and down Cottonwood Pass is an epic adventure in the Buena Vista area! Warning! It is NOT easy to go up or come down. You’ve been warned!

The Climb

This ride starts from downtown Buena Vista and heads west on Highway 24 with a gradual grade increase. You’ll pass the famous Cottonwood Springs on route to the Denny Creek Trailhead. Take this opportunity to fuel up (and use the bathroom, if needed) as the climb will get much HARDER shortly. You’ll top out at a 10% gradient for a short time before settling into the switchbacks between 5-9% until reaching the pass. Take in the 360 degrees views as you ride past the tree line and are surrounded by the mountains – it is majestic! 

The Pass

Cottonwood Pass sits at 12,126 feet of altitude with incredible views all around! Cottonwood Pass connects two popular Colorado mountain towns; Buena Vista to the east and Crested Butte to the west. Due to its popularity, there is a decent-sized parking lot at the top with an opportunity for photo taking and a short hike!  

The Descent

The descent was scarier than most. For one single reason – traffic. Campers and big vehicles to be specific. And so many of them! We rode during the 4th of July holiday week and would NOT recommend it during this time or the entire summer, for that matter. I’d save it for a beautiful spring or fall weekday morning. 

Good to Know

Distance: 40 mile out-and-back

Trails: N/A – Roads Only

Elevation Gain: ~4,400 ft

Terrain: Pavement

Parking: Anywhere downtown Buena Vista

Facilities: Available at Denny Creek Trailhead

Strava Link

Read more about our weekend getaway in Buena Vista here!

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