Cottonwood pass peak

Sept. 11, 2025. Easy to get to. The pass parking lot is at 12,126 feet with maybe a couple of dozen parking spaces, including several RV/trailer spaces. As far as I can tell from topo maps, the summit of Cottonwood Pass Peak is 12,575 feet. I'm guessing it's only about a mile's hike, so the huffing and puffing isn't bad. You hike past the first viewing area to go up a few switchbacks to get to the top of the peak. On top you'll get great 360 degree views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes. You can clearly see Taylor Reservoir resting in the valley to the west. The only sounds you'll hear are the sounds of nature: the wind whisking across the tundra, a few squeaks from little picas, (and maybe an occasional jet passing overhead). The majesty of it all is why people love Col

This was a nice stopping point in our drive. The parking lot isn't very big, so be prepared. The views are incredible!

Easy drive to a paved parking lot. Great trail. Lots of beautiful views to be found, with little to no effort needed. Great place to stop for a few minutes or even a few hours of hiking.

Outstanding views!! You have plenty of options for hiking, all of which have amazing scenery. This really should be more of a destination spot.

Beautiful- May this year still had 10ft snow drifts but the road was open. Mountains were beautiful with a covering of snow.