How to drive the unpaved road to Cottonwood Peak in Colorado

Cottonwood Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.447m (11309ft) above sea level, located in the Eagle County, in the US state of Colorado.

Cottonwood Peak

Where is Cottonwood Peak?

The peak is located east of Bond, in the north-central part of Colorado, within the White River National Forest. 

Is the road to Cottonwood Peak unpaved?

The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Cottonwood Peak 4WD road. The road comprises many rocky sections and very steep parts, with 4 sharp hairpin turns near the summit. A 4x4 vehicle is required.

How long is the road to Cottonwood Peak?

Starting from Walters Lake, the road to the summit is 5.31km (3.3 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 263m (863 ft) and the average gradient is 4.95%.

How to drive to the summit of McCord Pass?

On the way to the summit, the road climbs up to McCord Pass, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.296m (10,814ft) above sea level. 

Is the road to Cottonwood Peak open year-round?

Set high in the Gore Range, the road is not plowed in winters. It’s usually impassable from October through June.
Pic&video: King Ralph

 

 

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.