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Colorado

Cottonwood Creek

9.0 mi

Distance

3,256 ft

Gain

No verdict for this trail

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What we do know

Inside Rio Grande National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data

What's missing

No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.

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Why you'll love it

Big climb

Out & back

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Cottonwood Creek

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Elevation & route

Distance: 9.0 mi
Elevation gain: 3,256 ft

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Photos

Directions & GPX

Get Directions to Trailhead Parking

Permits & access

Managing agency: Forest Service

About this trail

Cottonwood Creek is a 3.9-mile loop trail located in Colorado near the town of Colorado, managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest's Ouray Ranger District. This loop route offers hikers a moderate outing through the high country landscape characteristic of the Uncompahgre Plateau region. The trail follows Cottonwood Creek through mixed terrain typical of the area. As a loop configuration, hikers return to their starting point without retracing the same path, providing variety throughout the hike. The trail is accessible via the Ouray Ranger District, which maintains facilities and information for visitors exploring this section of the national forest. Cottonwood Creek is suitable for hikers seeking a half-day adventure in the San Juan Mountains area. The creek itself provides scenic water features and riparian habitat along the route. This trail offers access to the natural landscape managed by the USDA Forest Service, with the forest setting and creek corridor being the primary attractions. For current conditions, trail status, and specific access information, contact the Ouray Ranger District directly or consult official GMUG National Forest resources.

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