Colorado Map

Request Free Visitor Guides

Cottonwood Creek

Basics
Location:
In the northern San Juan Mountains, about 12 miles west of Lake City
Surface:
Dirt and rock
Vehicle Type:
ATV,
4wd Vehicle
Length:
12 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
1 to 2 hours
Season:
June to October

Description

The Cottonwood Creek Road doesn't get much vehicle traffic because it is so rough. Still, its gentle grade and spectacular scenery make it a good choice for those with vehicles up to the task. The trail first passes through aspen and spruce stands with frequent views of the surrounding cliffs. After a rain, waterfalls can be seen here. Beyond Boulder Gulch, the valley opens to large willow flats dotted with beaver ponds. About 3/4 mile up the trail from Boulder Gulch is the road to the Cuba Gulch Trailhead. Continuing on the main road for another 3/4 mile leads to the beginning of a steep set of switchbacks. The easy part of the trail ends here. Vehicles are prohibited from driving any further.

If you keep your eye on the cliffs to the north, you might be lucky enough to see the small herd of bighorn sheep that lives there. While the trail stops at the first switchback, hikers with energy to spare may wish to continue up into the upper Snare Creek basin to reach several tundra ponds at the top.

Details

Location:
In the northern San Juan Mountains, about 12 miles west of Lake City
Surface:
Dirt and rock
Setting:
High mountain terrain
Vehicle Type:
ATV
4wd Vehicle
Length:
12 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
1 to 2 hours
Season:
June to October
Camping Info
Camping is permitted at the Cataract Gulch Trailhead and at several pullouts along the road to the west.

Map + Directions

Basic Directions
From Lake City, take Highway 149 south 2.5 miles. Turn right on the road to Lake San Cristobal. Follow the paved road about 4 miles, then continue on the dirt road for about 8.3 miles. Turn left at the fork and travel 1.4 miles. The trailhead sign reads "Cataract Gulch Trail." Cottonwood Creek Trail is to the right, a continuation of the road.

Customizable Directions

Colorado Ouray SantaFeCounty-skyscraper

Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select a Free Visitor Guide below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Ouray. More Visitor Guides are available in Colorado. Click here to view them all!

Ski Utah Ski Utah Ski Utah
Utah
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.