Since the Sawatch Mountains reach such high elevation, snow typically lasts until July, which means the best mountain climbing months are usually July through September. The parking is big enough but was full when we came back from our hike (around 9:30am).

It has 2 main sites, at the Cottonwood Pass Trail #3505, and also at Cottonwood Lakes Trail, they are not far, if one site fills, try the other. Preventing the slow erosion of the commons requires eternal vigilance. But maybe that’s because the place is kept clean and the hikers and campers follow the rules of leaving no trace. We had perfect late summer weather the […]My son and I are planning on hiking in the Sequoia/Kings Canyon and Yosemite area during the week of May 11-18th. Saw a marmot scramble up the nearby slope at great speed, nothing to do with us.Nice, scenic, lots of switchbacks but great for families. You’ll be hiking from Horseshoe Meadow campgrounds in the Sierras over Cottonwood Pass, and on to Lower Soldier Lake. Epic views - a great reward for minimal effort.Hiked Wednesday 6/24/20. The trail offers a number of activity options. The hike isn't a super difficult one, but you will go through numerous streams and flooded meadows (depending on the time of year). Length 5.0 km Elevation gain 222 m Route type Out & Back

Went on the continental divide trail right off the parking lot and later, on the trail across the street. I enjoy wood fires to cook my meals but whatever is allowed, I’ll follow.Camp stoves are the way to prepare meals out there. It is sad we have to pay money to government masters and nannies every time we want to go enjoy nature. Amazing views for very little effort :)Made it just a couple miles down the trail before turning back due to the increase in snow patches covering the trail.

We had an incredible hike and are looking forward to spending this week in the Cottonwood area again.

From the Sierra Nevada Crest, the Pacific Crest Trail descends 1500 feet to Rock Creek before starting a climb of 1360 feet to Guyot Pass. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. dog attacking and killing a small bird during the hike, while the area is a protected tundra area and we had small kids with us. It was nice to just find a good spot and sit for some snacks and enjoy the day. Recreation.gov is your source for discovering and experiencing America's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures. It is advisable to spend a night of acclimation at one of the trailhead campgrounds to avoid facing the symptoms (headaches, nausea, and lack of appetite) out on the trail. The trailhead starts at the LAST pull-off before you reach the top of the pass, so if you reach the top, you've gone too far. Loved this hike! Here is a great book “ Colorado Trail Guidebook.” These areas would get really beat up if they were not protected. Absolutely beautiful!

Why is there no free wide open land anymore? It’s really not much of a hassle. Click to enlarge. To the right, the PCT heads northwest toward Rock Creek, Day hiking in the Golden Trout Wilderness is cost and permit free, so enjoy!Given the 10,000-foot elevation of the Cottonwood Pass trailhead, altitude sickness is common. Our tax dollars allow the gov’t to do a great job maintaining trails and preserving this beautiful area for everyone to enjoy.hikespeak has it dead on. Parking is OK at the start and it’s a roll of the dice if you find a spot at the trailhead depending upon the time of day. Winds were very high- especially at the high points - and when the trail is on the west side of the ridge.

This trail goes up to a mountaintop first which took us about an hour to get to the views from there are absolutely incredible probably may be the best I have ever seen from there we hiked another hour plus and most of it was along the ridge line and it was beautiful all the way I would recommend it for everybody and I think it would be considered easy to moderate, I would also recommend hiking sticks, you will not regret this hike.Nice trail with a couple of easy summits.
After a bit of descent you’ll join the creek on your right. Leave Horseshoe Meadow and hike 3.5 miles up the 1,200-foot climb to Cottonwood Pass. The views are spectacular.Tried hiking this on 6/8/20 and got a decent ways but then the snow made it hard to complete. Saw some dusky grouse. Remote and desolate. From Crested Butte head south on 135 and turn east onto CO Road 813. The route begins by ascending Cottonwood Pass (a gradual climb of about 1260 feet), where it picks up the Pacific Crest Trail traversing the southwest slopes of Cirque Peak. Straight ahead, the trail continues west across Golden Trout Wilderness and down to Big Whitney Meadow. I’ll post the photo he took of me right there on bdjmt.blogspot.com as soon as I find it. Very pretty! This divide is marked at the saddle of Cottonwood Pass, a popular hiking, cycling and driving destination. This Trail starts at about 11,200 feet right before the top of cottonwood pass. My 4 year old did the whole thing.

A wood fire or a backpacking stove? The view is amazing!We’re beginner hikers and tend to seek out the “easy” ones as we grow in our ability. If both fill you are permitted to camp / sleep in your car.