Cottonwood Creek Trail
Rio Grande National Forest, Saguache County, CO
Out-and-back trail in Rio Grande National Forest, Saguache County, CO. Hiking, Horseback riding, & Mountain biking.
- Distance
- 9 mi (14.5 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 3,789 ft (1,155 m)
- Est. Time
- 4 hr 50 min
- High point
- 12,238 ft (3,730 m)
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Out & back
Features
Along the way
- Waterfall 6 mi (9.7 km) from start
- Waterfall 8.1 mi (13 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Cottonwood Creek Trail
How long is Cottonwood Creek Trail?
Cottonwood Creek Trail is 9 mi (14.5 km) long. Most people take about 4 hr 50 min. It climbs 3,789 ft (1,155 m) in total, up to a high point of 12,238 ft (3,730 m).
How hard is Cottonwood Creek Trail?
GoTrails rates it Expert, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Cottonwood Creek Trail?
Parking at the start, Free, 3 spaces.
Are there water and toilets on Cottonwood Creek Trail?
No water mapped: bring all you need. No toilets mapped.
Is Cottonwood Creek Trail shaded?
Mostly shaded (84% under trees).
What can you do on Cottonwood Creek Trail?
Best for Hiking. Also: Horseback riding, Mountain biking. Shared with bikes, horses. Surface: dirt.
Is this a good week for Cottonwood Creek Trail?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near Cottonwood Creek Trail
- Spanish Creek Trail Rio Grande National Forest · Expert · 10.2 mi (16.5 km)
- Deadman Creek Trail Rio Grande National Forest · Hard · 8.4 mi (13.4 km)
- Copper Gulch trail Rio Grande National Forest · Hard · 5 mi (8.1 km)
- Willow Lake Trail Sangre de Cristo Wilderness · Expert · 9.7 mi (15.7 km)
- South Crestone Trail Sangre de Cristo Wilderness · Expert · 9 mi (14.5 km)
- Burn Gulch Trail (Easy 4WD Road) Rio Grande National Forest · Easy · 0.5 mi (0.9 km)
- Burnt Gulch Trail Rio Grande National Forest · Hard · 3.7 mi (6 km)
- Burn Gulch Trail (Rough 4WD Road) Rio Grande National Forest · Easy · 0.3 mi (0.4 km)
More hikes in Rio Grande National Forest
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap