Cottonwood Lake
This area is open during the winter, even when the pass is closed. The beautiful lake sits at approximately 9,600 feet has a campground and many fine montane habitats, including mixed-conifer forest and a large willow carr just upstream from the lake. The road winds through vast Aspen groves with many pull-outs ideal for car birding for Steller’s Jays and Dark-Eyed Junco, Wilson’s Snipe, Fox Sparrow and Cooper’s Hawk. The cliffs opposite the lake can provide views of mountain goats, and the canyon has bighorn sheep also. A trip here in the warmer months will be well-rewarded.
County: Chaffee
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Mixed Conifer Forest, Streamside Willow, Krummholz, Alpine Tundra
Directions: From the traffic light in Buena Vista, go west on 306 (Cottonwood Pass Road) about 5.5 miles to Road 344 (dirt) and turn left. The lake is along this road in about three miles.
Delorme: 59 B7
Roads of Colorado: 102 A1
Dates of Access: Campground open mid-May to mid-September
Hours:
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Camping fee
Restrictions: Hiking can be a hazardous activity; bring raingear and water, and avoid thunderstorms
Parking: Gravel parking area across the road from the boat ramp.
Lodging: Tent and RV camping
Other Wildlife: Mountain goats, bighorn sheep
Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Two accessible fishing piers at the picnic area
Elevation: 9565
Latitude: 38.78373
Longitude: -106.28592
Amenities
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Drinking Fountain | Yes |
| Gravel Trails | Yes |
| Paved Trails | No |
| Platform/Blind | Yes |
| Boardwalk | No |
| Concession | No |
| Visitor Center | No |
| Gift Shop | No |
| Primitive | No |
| Camping | Yes |
| Picnic | Yes |
| Hunting | Yes |
| Fishing | Yes |