The Collegiate Range is vast and impressive
Located in central Colorado on US 24 (65 miles south of I70) sits Buena Vista. Buena Vista offers awesome views and access to many 14'ers (mountains 14,000 feet or higher) in the Sawatch Range. It also provides the eastern approach to one of the highest and less traveled paved mountain passes in the Rocky Mountains.
Heading west out of Buena Vista on Colorado Highway 306 Mount Princeton towers to the south at an impressive 14,196 feet and to the north Mount Yale rises to 14,199 feet. The magnificent behemoths are members of the Collegiate Peaks range and beautiful valleys loaded with aspens abound. The road leads to the Cottonwood Pass. Historically Cottonwood Pass was the major crossing point for travelers and merchants. For many years it was only paved on the eastern side, but in September 2019 the newly fully paved road on both sides of the pass opened.
The views are awesome
If one approaches the pass from Almont, on the west side of Cottonwood Pass, take Colorado Highway 742 and turn right on Colorado 209 after traveling approximately half way around Taylor Park Reservoir, which is a picturesque mountain lake with Grizzly Peak (13,433) and Jenkins Mountain (13,440) to the north of the reservoir. The paved connection between Buena Vista and Almont is 56.8 miles of curves, vistas, and access to some of Colorado’s best hiking trails and campsites.
Taylor Park Reservoir is surrounded by snow-capped mountains
Cottonwood Pass 12,126 feet
The average grade of the road is 4.1% but has a 6.1% grade at its steepest section. The road ascends 3970 feet from Buena Vista to the 12,126 feet at the top of the pass making it the second highest pass in the USA behind Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park which rises to 12,183 feet. At the summit the continental divide is crossed and breathtaking views of both sides of the divide can be enjoyed.
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| What a curve! Looking east from the summit in July |
Looking east from the pass as the sun is setting - mid June
The road is closed due to snow and/or ice during the colder months but typically open late May till late October or early November. Colorado road closures can be found HERE.
The ride is smile-inducing and the views are world class. Wildlife viewing is always a possibility especially in the earlier morning hours or as the sun sets, caution is advised. The road is popular with bicyclists so be alert.
Buena Vista has a lot of lodging and eating options. 18 miles north of Almont on highway 135 Crested Butte, another beautiful mountain town, has a lot of options or 10 miles south on highway 135 is Gunnison which also has plenty of options.
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| My brother-in-law, Jeff and I at the pass |
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| Western view from the pass in July |
Cottonwood Pass will not disappoint, but be prepared.
Some Travel Tips from the Road
Best time to go: Late June through early October. The road usually closes in winter, and snow can linger well into May. Fall is absolutely stunning with the aspens turning.
What to bring: A light jacket (even in summer, it can get chilly up top), water, and snacks. If you’re into hiking, there are trailheads along the way — toss in some boots.
Keep an eye out: Wildlife is common, especially in the early morning and at sunset. Elk, deer, and sometimes bears wander nearby. And remember, cyclists love this road — give them space.
Food + fuel stops: Grab coffee or a burrito in Buena Vista before heading up. On the west side, Crested Butte has tons of great restaurants (plus that mountain-town charm), while Gunnison is bigger and has plenty of practical options.
Photo ops: Don’t miss the pullouts near the summit. The views of both sides of the Divide are the kind of thing you’ll want on your camera roll forever
Ride carefully and prayerfully!
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