This hike, west of Buena Vista, is convenient to get to and provides easy access to an above tree-line hike. It is on the Collegiate West portion of the Colorado Trail. Collegiate West is regarded by through hikers as some of the most beautiful and remote hiking on the CT. Hiking from Cottonwood Pass provides dayhikers a taste of incredible high-elevation hiking, accessible with a two-wheel-drive vehicle of any kind. Because this trailhead is above 12,000 feet, the hike is best done during July, August and September, after snow has melted. Otherwise, be prepared with your snowshoes, skis, or winter traction devices (spikes or crampons)!
Trail Description: When you imagine a hike above tree line, this is the kind of hike you are dreaming of. At first, you will find yourself in a parking lot that provides incredible views of Taylor Park to the west and of the Cottonwood Creek valley to the east. For most tourists and people passing through, the view from the roadside seems to be enough. For others, a few hundred yard walk up the hillside just south of the road gives them all the adventure and views they need, to feel like they are hiking in the mountains. But, yes, it’s worth a five-mile hike to get away from the crowds and experience this high alpine environment up close.
Start by following the trail to the right of the informational sign. The trail will direct you to an overlook. Don’t follow the regular tourists. Instead, stay on the trail to the right at the fork, following the CT/CDT markers and make your way up the switchbacks on the northwest side of the knob. After about 0.8 miles you’ll get to the top of this knob. Some regular tourists also climb to this knob, or “summit”, but after you’ve taken a couple photos from here, continue to the north. You’ll hike slightly downhill and across a flat shoulder, heading to the south. The views here are fantastic so enjoy them and then keep hiking. The trail will begin to climb and, if you are lucky, you’ll find more and more wildflowers tucked among the rocks. Don’t let the flowers completely distract you from the view of Lost Lake to your left. This lake, which can be reached from a trailhead below along County Road 306, has a small island in the middle of the lake, making an incredible scene. Of course our high vantage point adds to the dramatic views of the lake and its surroundings.
The trail continues uphill to the west and south, with a couple switchbacks and more amazing views. We chose to stop at the highpoint of the trail at the 2.5-mile mark. This is a great spot for a snack or picnic, with views of the CT to the south, and Taylor Park to the west. Enjoy the hike back to your car noticing how the views look different from the other direction and in the later day light!
Features: Views, views, views.
Terrain: Some elevation gain at the switchbacks and at the end of the hike. This is a high alpine environment with no trees along the hike. In other words, you’ll need to choose high bushes to pee behind and take the opportunity when you find it.
Difficulty: Moderate (but the elevation is significant, so if you are sensitive to high altitude, take that into consideration).
Getting There: From Buena Vista, go west on West Main Street, which is County Road 306, for 19 miles.
(Note: there are at least a dozen lakes named “Lost Lake” in Colorado, so don’t just search on a map app to find this Lost Lake. You need to find the proper trailhead at Cottonwood Pass, west of Buena Vista. Oh, there are also multiple “Cottonwood Passes” in Colorado too.)
Parking: At Cottonwood Pass there is parking on the south side of County Road 209/306 for a couple dozen cars. If the parking is full just hang out for a while. Most of the people stopping here are jumping out to take a photo and then leaving within a few minutes.
Length of Hike: About 5 miles.
Elevation: Trailhead: 12,126. High point at turnaround: 12,650.
Day Hiking the Colorado Trail 