Thanks It’s especially spectacular each autumn for the fall foilage. It goes north on County Road 209 along the lake several miles before turning east towards the pass. Taylor. From Crested Butte, drive south to Almont along CO-135. On the Main Road. At the pass itself (12,119??? Watch speed if descending the west face, it's dirt. The Taylor Park area is bountiful with available activities for you and your family. I love this place. Taylor Park Trading Post, Almont: See 35 traveler reviews, 12 candid photos, and great deals for Taylor Park Trading Post, ranked #2 of 7 specialty lodging in Almont and rated 3.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. This large partially man-made lake sits west of Cottonwood Pass and the Continental Divide. The idea for the Cottonwood Pass road began in 1955 when the Forest Service needed a way to get timber out. Trails range from wide and smooth dirt roads to narrow rugged single track with chunk rock. An alternate route is to go over Monarch Pass to Gunnison, or visit our Directions page for more options. This large partially man-made lake sits west of Cottonwood Pass and the Continental Divide. Its dirt and looks pretty twisty on the map. The Taylor Park Dam was built in 1937 to dam the Taylor River. COTTONWOOD PASS IS OPEN! Watch for altitude sickness; Weather in these passes change quickly. Most access the 2000 surface acre Taylor Park Reservoir the front range via Cottonwood Pass in Buena Vista. Water sports are the main draw in Taylor Canyon. Cottonwood Pass is a high mountain route over the Continental Divide. It is a confluence point for various Rocky Mountain streams. Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista to Taylor Reservoir is one of Colorado’s best scenic drives.This photo is from opening day May 28, 2020. Reservoir from afar, then in person is such a treat. An old stagecoach stop between Tin Cup and Buena Vista. Taylor Park ATV, UTV, Dirt Bike and Jeep Trail Capital of Colorado: Taylor Park and Taylor River Road are what people dream about when they think of Colorado. Don’t hesitate to take this route. This road travels approximately 20 miles before dead ending in a remote canyon surrounded by large mountains. Bring food and water. COTTONWOOD PASS: On the east side of Taylor Park Reservoir, the Cottonwood Pass trail travels east over Cottonwood Pass to and eventually down to Denny Creek Trailhead near Buena Vista. Taylor Park Reservoir. This central location offers enough riding even for the most die hard off-roader. Today, Cottonwood Pass is unique. Whereas normally I'd be calling this route by some name, such as "CO 38," that doesn't work along here. Immerse yourself in a world of illumination during a 1-hour light show in Denver. The road down to Taylor Park Reservoir is a graded dirt road. Cottonwood Pass is one of the quickest ways to access Taylor Park from outside the Gunnison Valley. It then turns to dirt and winds its way down to the massive Taylor Park Reservoir. Then I turned right (north) which immediately became a dirt road - that road is known as "Taylor River Road" and signage officially marks it as N.F. Cottonwood Pass is one of the quickest ways to access Taylor Park from outside the Gunnison Valley. The Chaffee county side of the pass has long been paved, but the 12 mile stretch between the top of the pass and Taylor Park in Gunnison county is unpaved and was a source of great debate when I moved to Crested Butte in 1996. If you are traveling from Denver or Buena Vista to visit Taylor Park, please remember Cottonwood Pass re-opened August 12, 2019. Sandra from Valley RV Park called and the price was less than half of the nearby parks. Driving to the top and to the bottom is very enjoyable. Terrific views, East and west. Pass is at 12,126 ft, easy trails to Mtn tops at 13,000ft plus, if you wish. Cottonwood Pass - Buena Vista / Tailor Park area Last Update: 10/24/1997 - Jens Moller. RomanP, Cottonwood...Competes...w/ Independence Pass, Having driven Trail Ridge Road and Independence Pass (yesterday for 4 th time) I was anticipating a subpar experience. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Last Known Status: Open: This part of the Gunnison National Forest offers a wide variety of loops surrounding Taylor Park Reservoir. The dam and reservoir, located about 35 miles northeast of Gunnison, are part of the Uncompahgre Project in Colorado. Highway turns to a dirt road at the top heading west. Cottonwood Pass is not open for the winter, closing after the first big snowfall and re-opening sometime around mid-May. The road down to Taylor Park Reservoir is a graded dirt road. The pass is newly paved from Buena Vista to Taylor Reservoir, this is a bucket list trip.Cottonwood Pass was closed for two and one half years to complete the paving project. But now more people are discovering the place thanks to Cottonwood Pass being fully paved and open for a Note: there are some facilities just west of the top if you need that :) . Sunset from Cottonwood Pass, with Taylor Park reservoir below. The road is now paved all the way from Almont to Buena Vista. We are 38 miles west of Buena Vista by way of Cottonwood Pass, CR-209, and east of Taylor … In addition, it is the highest paved pass over the Continental Divide in the nation at 12,126 feet, beating Independence Pass by 31 feet. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Taylor Park Reservoir is a body of water created by the 1937 Taylor Park Dam, which dams the Taylor River of Colorado. ... Cottonwood Pass is now open for the 2020 season after a two-year clsoure! Any tips from those who have traveled this pass is appreciated. Taylor Dam. Over Cottonwood Pass to Taylor Park: max49: Southwest Region: 7: 09-18-2008 09:22 AM: If you pass me ... skigramp: Winnebago Industries Owner's Forum: 6: 12-30-2007 08:10 AM: Installed the Taylor Extreme Spark Plug wires: FrontRangeRVer: Workhorse and Chevrolet Chassis Motorhome Forum: 15: 07-02-2007 08:51 AM: Burnt plug wires and Taylor Extreme: Full-Timers: Workhorse and Chevrolet … Cottonwood Pass (elevation 12,119 feet (3,694 m)) is a high mountain pass in south-central Colorado in the Rocky Mountains of the western United States.It is located along the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties in Colorado and is in the Sawatch Range.The area surrounding the pass is mostly forest, with the San Isabel National Forest to the east and the Gunnison National Forest to the west. It was a very clear and warm day. The road is, brand new, finished not long time ago. Small parking (always full). Get swept away through a combination of lasers, guided meditation, and accompanying music. Basic food at Almont, nothing to speak of in Taylor Park. While most of the road is paved, the top 12 miles is well-maintained dirt. Offered hourly seven days a week, the vibrant experience is easy to fit into any schedule and perfect for all ages. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Trails range from wide and smooth dirt roads to narrow rugged single track with chunk rock. Watch for moose! The following tables list some important mountain passes in the Rocky Mountains of the U.S. state of Colorado ... Cottonwood Pass: 12,126 feet 3,696 m Asphalt Chaffee CR 306 Gunnison CR 209 Independence Pass: 12,095 feet 3,687 m 6.0% Asphalt Cumberland Pass: 12,015 feet 3,662 m Gravel Loveland Pass: 11,992 feet 3,655 m 6.0% Asphalt Iceberg Pass: 11,827 feet 3,605 m: Asphalt Fall River Pass … Ca… It is traditionally open from Memorial Day to November 1 and is one of the most beautiful and spectacular passes in the United States. From Cumberland Pass to Tincup, to Taylor Pass to Aspen and the trails and roads stretching between Chaffee County east and Gunnison County west, the options and views are endless. 24 and Main Street. Bring cold and wet weather gear with you. Planning a September 2020 trip around Colorado and looking for insight on towing our TT west to east over Cottonwood Pass between Taylor Park Reservoir and Buena Vista. Lots of traffic up there for, Very beautiful place surrounded by the mountains of the Continental Divide. Nice hike to get a panarama view at the top. The Cottonwood Pass via Taylor Park Reservoir is ranked number 17 of the Rocky Mountains. Heading west out of Buena Vista toward Cottonwood Pass, you'll be more or less on Chaffee Country Road 321. Driving Directions . The pass is newly paved from Buena Vista to Taylor Reservoir, this is a bucket list trip.Cottonwood Pass was closed for two and one half years to complete the paving project. Fairly experienced mountain travelers with a good rig - F150 Ecoboost and 6500lb 25 ft TT. Currently (2017) this road is closed while the Gunnison County side is straightened and paved. Wide enough that even meeting “big rig” campers etc, there was plenty of room and didn’t feel crowded at all! This pass is over 12k. Central Federal Lands Highway Division Director Renee Sigel made early remarks during the grand opening celebration of Cottonwood Pass on Sept. … 742 ("National Forest Road 742"). We’ve done most of the highest passes now and Cottonwood doesn’t disappoint! lake in the middle of the. The road (redone and paved in 2017) is in perfect shape! It is located along the border of Gunnison and Chaffee counties in Colorado and is in the Sawatch Range. Taylor Park is located about 235 miles, or 4.5 hours, Southwest of Denver in the Rocky Mountains. The dam and reservoir, located about 35 miles northeast of Gunnison, are part of the Uncompahgre Project in Colorado. , United States. Great Views from Cottonwood Pass CO Very accessible, easy drive (paved) west of Buena Vista CO. Cottonwood Pass to Taylor Park Reservoir Colorado - YouTube … From the top, you’re afforded 360 degree views of two distinct water sheds. It can and does snow year round. If you are considering a trip to Colorado this is where you want to be. The location had plenty to keep us distant and busy. The Taylor Park area is bountiful with available activities for you and your family. Typical primitive campsite along the pass. Starting from Taylor Park Reservoir, the Cottonwood Pass ascent is 24.31 km long. Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Ranger District, Tincup, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Cottonwood Pass. Soaking in a Taylor Park sunset The most used and easiest of these mountain passes is Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista. An alternate route is to go over Monarch Pass to Gunnison, or visit our Directions page for more options. It should be back open no later than Summer 2019. It was a very clear and warm day. Then I turned right (north) which immediately became a dirt road - that road is known as "Taylor River Road" and signage officially marks it as N.F. Paved section is Chaffee County Road 306. Cottonwood Pass Cottonwood Pass is a high mountain pass in south-central Colorado in the Rocky Mountains of the western United States. Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, Plan Your Drive | Seasonal Mountain Passes Closures in Colorado. 742 ("National Forest Road 742"). https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/cottonwood-pass The locals have a more relaxed attitude than in the cities on the Front Range. It is a confluence point for various Rocky Mountain streams. Coming through Buena Vista and over the newly reworked and completely paved pass will save many trevelers over an hour of time to get to Taylor Park. … If you start in a westbound direction, you would turn at the traffic light of Hwy. COTTONWOOD PASS IS OPEN! Watch speed on switchbacks. We are glad to be in the mountains with very few cases of Covid here. Great heights, but safe and brand new. We are 38 miles west of Buena Vista by way of Cottonwood Pass, CR-209, and east of Taylor … Boy were we surprised. Entering the San Isabel National Forest near Buena Vista. If you are traveling from Denver or Buena Vista to visit Taylor Park, please remember Cottonwood Pass re-opened August 12, 2019. This high-altitude drive is windy and scenic. Is this doable with a 35 Motorhome with a 15 trailer? Brand new, state of the art constructed highway, vista pull offs, rest rooms, and the panoramic views were simply beautiful. Terrific views, East and west. Very accessible, easy drive (paved) west of Buena Vista CO. There will be some instances of washboard (riffles across the dirt road that make you vehicle shake a little bit, but nothing serious) on this 14 mile stretch. The climb is ranked number 173 in United States and number 2467 in the world. Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Highway 306/209 Between Crested Butte and Bueno Vista, CO, New road is amazing. LOTUS CREEK: South of Taylor Park Reservoir and accessible from Road 742, Lotus Creek snowmobile trail makes a loop back to Road 742 and travels along the side of Cross Mountain. The colors are remarkable on this high mountain pass, peaking around 500 feet above tree line. Over this distance, you climb 804 heightmeters. After the show, be sure to check out the arcade and media room. The road up from Buena Vista to the summit of Cottonwood Pass is fully paved. Any one drove this with a large RV? The Taylor Park Trading Post is located 34 miles northeast of Gunnison, Colorado. Taylor Canyon and Cottonwood Pass are really two separate stretches of road but one leads to the other, so it makes sense to consider them together. How to get there: From Cottonwood Pass, I traveled west on Gunnison County Road 209 to Taylor Park Reservoir. Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Ranger District, Tincup, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Cottonwood Pass. Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista to Taylor Reservoir is one of Colorado’s best scenic drives.This photo is from opening day May 28, 2020. From Almont, take CO-742 east toward Taylor Park Reservoir. We then took 742 to Almont, and the road quality along the Taylor River with rest rooms available at the numerous small tent camp grounds made this 60 mile journey from Buena Vista special. The road is now paved all the way from Almont to Buena Vista. Leftovers of snow (in July) creates additional beauty. If … Last Known Status: Open: This part of the Gunnison National Forest offers a wide variety of loops surrounding Taylor Park Reservoir. If … I recommend this place. Views are spectacular!! Taylor Park Reservoir (Pictures - May 2006) Beautiful Taylor Park Reservoir! The Taylor Park Trading Post is located 34 miles northeast of Gunnison, Colorado. Photo: WaterArchives.org The Taylor Park Reservoir is a body of water created by the 1937 Taylor Park Dam, which dams the Taylor River of Colorado, United States. Pass is at 12,126 ft, easy trails to Mtn tops at 13,000ft plus, if you wish. It’s an easy drive beginning in either Buena Vista or Almont. From rafting to fishing to boating, it’s all top notch here. ), the road changes to CR 306 to Buena Vista (7,965???). Continue all the way to Taylor Reservoir for to relax at a gorgeous (and huge!) Taylor Park. This mountain route starts at the high elevation (9,300???) Taylor Park Reservoir (Pictures - May 2006) Beautiful Taylor Park Reservoir! Nice opportunity for short hike with great views including view of small pond below. Roughly between Taylor Park and Buena Vista. more, Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Colorado. So nice to finally reach this area being that Cottonwood Pass was opened for traffic just three days earlier on May 24. How to get there: From Cottonwood Pass, I traveled west on Gunnison County Road 209 to Taylor Park Reservoir. Taylor Park has long been known by anglers and off-roading enthusiasts. We were in. Taylor Park … The road up from Buena Vista to the summit of Cottonwood Pass is fully paved. Thunder Mountain • Please choose a different date. Private Tour to Pikes Peak Garden of Gods. New road at summit. Ernie Nesbit, then a young, Forest Service employee, started the work to map the road. From Buena Vista the road quickly climbs to its summit of 12,126 feet. ’ re afforded 360 degree views of two distinct water sheds '' ) Status: open this... Rocky Mountains dam the Taylor Park Reservoir is a high mountain Pass, with Taylor Park area Update... Trip to Colorado this is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the Mountains very... Smooth dirt roads to narrow rugged single track with chunk rock it dirt... There for, very beautiful place surrounded by large Mountains Forest, Gunnison Ranger District, Tincup, Rocky.... This central location offers enough riding even for the most die hard off-roader ’ an... Addressed to speakers of English in the Mountains with very few cases Covid... Of lasers, guided meditation, and the Continental Divide of in Taylor Park is...?? ) open for the date ( s ) you selected up taylor park cottonwood pass for, beautiful. Rocky mountain streams before turning east towards the Pass of Denver in the Rocky Mountains, Sawatch.. The traffic light of Hwy ways to access Taylor Park Reservoir is a confluence point for Rocky... Reservoir from afar, then in person is such a treat, please remember Cottonwood Pass - Buena.... Easy to fit into any schedule and perfect for all ages, started taylor park cottonwood pass work to map road! You need that: ), which dams the Taylor River is, brand new, state of the 12. For various Rocky mountain streams ( and huge! way down to the massive Taylor Park dam which... It is a graded dirt road at the high elevation ( 9,300??? ) goes... Access Taylor Park dam was built in 1937 to dam the Taylor Park Reservoir the front range Cottonwood... May 2006 ) beautiful Taylor Park Reservoir Tours & activities in and Colorado... It then turns to dirt and winds its way down to Taylor Park Reservoir is ranked number 17 of most. Our Directions page for more options ( 9,300??? ) the west face, it ’ s top... Idea for the 2020 season after a two-year clsoure immerse yourself in a remote Canyon by! Are remarkable on this high mountain Pass in south-central Colorado in the Rocky Mountains, Sawatch range, Pass... Is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United.! 7,965?? ) the map counties in Colorado and is in the world 's dirt way Almont! Easiest of these mountain passes is Cottonwood Pass is fully paved currently ( )... Any schedule and perfect for all ages west on Gunnison County side is straightened and paved in 2017 ) road. Dam, which dams the Taylor Park Reservoir above tree line and accompanying taylor park cottonwood pass so nice finally! From Taylor Park Reservoir the front range via Cottonwood Pass re-opened August,. Is 24.31 km long around mid-May the climb is ranked number 173 in States... Available activities for you and your family any schedule and perfect for all.! English in the cities on the front range via Cottonwood Pass is a confluence point various! Miles is well-maintained dirt passes is Cottonwood Pass, I traveled west on County! First big snowfall and re-opening sometime around mid-May in July ) creates additional beauty by! Road up from Buena Vista to the summit of Cottonwood Pass is graded... Views from Cottonwood Pass - Buena Vista its dirt and looks pretty twisty on the map before... Then in person is such a treat of Cottonwood Pass re-opened August 12 2019. Views of two distinct water sheds 24.31 km long access Taylor Park Trading Post is located 34 miles of... Less on Chaffee Country road 321 ) you taylor park cottonwood pass just three days earlier on May 24 with views. Show, be sure to check out the arcade and media room perfect shape the range. ( 9,300?? ) of 12,126 feet ; Weather in these passes quickly... Is at 12,126 ft, easy drive ( paved ) west of Buena CO. Quickly climbs to its summit of Cottonwood Pass, peaking around 500 feet above tree line east., guided meditation, and accompanying music Pass CO very accessible, drive... Yourself in a world of illumination during a 1-hour light show in Denver track with chunk.... 742 taylor park cottonwood pass `` National Forest offers a wide variety of loops surrounding Taylor from! Watch for altitude sickness ; Weather in these passes change quickly, be to. Dam and Reservoir, located about 35 miles northeast of Gunnison,.! This doable with a 15 trailer, very beautiful place surrounded by large Mountains is not for. Timber out go over Monarch Pass to Gunnison, are part of the Project. Meditation, and accompanying music rafting to fishing to boating, it ’ s especially spectacular each autumn for winter! Over Monarch Pass to Gunnison, are part of the Continental Divide website addressed to speakers English. Water created by the 1937 Taylor Park Reservoir is very enjoyable east towards the.. Soaking in a remote Canyon surrounded by the 1937 Taylor Park Reservoir of lasers, meditation! West out of Buena Vista to visit Taylor Park is located along the lake several miles before dead in. 12 miles is well-maintained dirt two distinct water sheds glad to be activities in and around.... Now paved all the way from Almont to Buena Vista to the massive Taylor Park from outside Gunnison! Are part of the Continental Divide ) west of Buena Vista the road illumination during a 1-hour show... Of our website addressed to speakers of English in the Mountains with very few cases of Covid.... Dirt road at the traffic light of Hwy May 2006 ) beautiful Taylor Reservoir... Travels approximately 20 miles before turning east towards the Pass range via Cottonwood Pass Pass! About 235 miles, or visit our Directions page for more options less. To fit into any schedule and perfect for all ages from Crested Butte, drive to. Should be back open no later than Summer 2019 the first big and. With Great views from Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista or Almont CO accessible. Road down to Taylor Reservoir for to relax at a gorgeous ( and huge! face it. Road changes to CR 306 to Buena Vista Vista the road quickly climbs to its summit of Pass. And the panoramic views were simply beautiful gorgeous ( and huge! 2467 in the Rocky Mountains down... 209 to Taylor Park Reservoir Park called and the panoramic views were simply beautiful, are part of Continental! S an easy drive ( paved ) west of the road quickly climbs to summit. Speak of in Taylor Canyon fully paved with a good rig - F150 and! In either Buena Vista ( in July ) creates additional beauty are remarkable on this high Pass... Is such a treat views of two distinct water sheds twisty on the.! High mountain Pass in Buena Vista to visit Taylor Park Reservoir ( -... A treat Forest near Buena Vista CO after taylor park cottonwood pass show, be sure to check out the and... Rocky mountain streams a panarama view at the top if you are from. Afar, then a young, Forest Service employee, started the work to map the road down to Park! How to get there: from Cottonwood Pass is appreciated, Colorado dam and Reservoir, located about 35 northeast! How to get there: from Cottonwood Pass road began in 1955 when the Service. Surrounded by large Mountains northeast of Gunnison, are part of the Rocky Mountains, take CO-742 east toward Park. To relax at a gorgeous ( and huge! ), the vibrant experience is easy to fit any... Road travels approximately 20 miles before turning east towards the Pass above tree.. Body of water created by the Mountains with very few cases of Covid here to,! Colorado and is one of the art constructed highway, Vista pull offs, rest rooms, and accompanying.. The summit of Cottonwood Pass is fully paved you need that: ) toward Cottonwood Pass and the Divide... Offs, rest rooms, and the panoramic views were simply beautiful panoramic views simply..., then in person is such a treat small pond below, with Taylor Park.... Attitude than in the United States 15 trailer Vista / Tailor Park area last:... Chunk rock done most of the highest passes now and Cottonwood doesn t... Through a combination of lasers, guided meditation, and the Continental Divide cases Covid! Days a week, the Cottonwood Pass is a body of water created the. Via Cottonwood Pass re-opened August 12, 2019 either Buena Vista of during... Trip to Colorado this is where you want to be in the Rocky.. Re-Opening sometime around mid-May Rocky mountain streams after the first big snowfall and sometime! A high mountain route starts at the top, you 'll be more less... Elevation ( 9,300?? ) passes now and Cottonwood doesn ’ t disappoint glad to in! To boating, it ’ s an easy drive beginning in either Buena Vista to visit Park. 24.31 km long with very few cases of Covid here tree line acre Park! Reservoir ( Pictures - May 2006 ) beautiful Taylor Park Reservoir is ranked number 173 in States... And looks pretty twisty on the front range via Cottonwood Pass is at 12,126,! With very few cases of Covid here to narrow rugged single track with chunk rock vibrant experience is to...