wildernet

Salida Ranger District

Quick Facts

Cottonwood Lake Picnic Ground

Elevation:	9,500 Feet (2961.3 Meters)
Reservation Contact:	Local
Reservation Status:	Not Accepted

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Copyright: Amy Pyle-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
Hand-propelled boats only may access the waters of this 37-acre alpine lake

The Cottonwood Lake Picnic Ground is a free day-use area that includes 19 picnic units. Each site contains a picnic table and fireplace with 1 vault toilet and 1 garbage dumpster for the area. No drinking water is available at this site.

Cottonwood Lake provides opportunities for boating and fishing. The lake is one of the main attractions of the area encompassing 37 acres for hand propelled boats and rafts. A boat launch is available for small boats on the northern shore. Fishing is accessible in the lake or the streams that feed it. A state fishing license is required for all anglers.

Directions from Buena Vista: Drive west 7 miles on Cottonwood Pass Road, Highway 306; and then travel south 4 miles on County Road 344 to Cottonwood Lake.

Directions from Buena Vista: West 7 miles on Hwy 306, then south 4 miles on Co Rd 344 to Cottonwood Lake

Seasonal Information:
Normal Services Available: May through November .

		Current Conditions & Trip Reports
		Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Neutral Report: This is not free.... They charge $4.00 to access this area...

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Boat Launching	Cottonwood Lake	Yes
	Hand Powered Boating	Cottonwood Lake	Yes
	Canoeing	Cottonwood Lake	Yes
	Picnicking	Cottonwood Lake Picnic Ground	Yes

Related Activities

Collegiate Peaks Campground - The Collegiate Peaks Campground provides access to a variety of recreation opportunities. The site is heavily wooded with Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and aspen trees.

Cottonwood Lake Campground - The immediate area surrounding Cottonwood Lake Campground is wooded by small aspen trees. The site is located in the central Rocky Mountains.