Colorado Trail #1776 (North Cottonwood)
The Colorado Trail (#1776) travels south from the North Cottonwood drainage, west of Buena Vista, intersecting Silver Creek and ending up at Avalanche trailhead. The trail is approximately 6 miles long and skirts the eastern edge of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The trail can also be hiked north from Avalanche trailhead.
The northern segment of the trail from North Cottonwood to Pine Creek is especially lush and green.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Getting There
Parking
Parking is available for four to five cars.
Directions
From Buena Vista, travel west on County Road 306 for 2.5 miles to County Road 361. Turn right on this road and travel north for 2.5 miles. Watch for the road sign for County Road 365 (North Cottonwood) on the left. The road makes a hard left and travels west from the intersection towards the mountains. Stay on County Road 365 for 3.5 miles. The Colorado Trail crosses the road at this point. The road will continue west and end at the North Cottonwood trailhead.
Additional Information
Operated By
Salida Ranger District
Recreation Opportunities
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
This portion of the Colorado Trail travels south to the Avalanche trailhead. Skiers should check current avalanche conditions and be prepared for back country conditions. The north portion of the trail also travels north to Harvard Lakes and is a popular route for skiers.
- Difficulty level: intermediate to difficult
Backpacking Info
Backpackers and through hikers will enjoy this stretch of the Colorado Trail as it winds along the eastern edge of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The northern segment of the trail from North Cottonwood to Pine Creek is especially lush and green.
For detailed information or maps, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591.
Day Hikes Info
This section of the Colorado Trail travels north into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and crosses the North Cottonwood Road (Forest Road 365). Frenchmans Creek and Pine Creek are accessible from this section of the Colorado Trail.
For detailed information or maps, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-359.
Horseback Riding Info
This section of the Colorado Trail travels north into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and crosses the North Cottonwood Road (Forest Road 365). Frenchmans Creek and Pine Creek are accessible from this section of the Colorado Trail.
For detailed information or maps, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591.
Certified "weed-free" feed is required on National Forest System lands.