Cottonwood Lake

Overview

Cottonwood Lake is a picturesque alpine lake located near Buena Vista, Colorado. It's a popular destination for fishing, hiking, and photography, offering stunning views of the surrounding Sawatch Range.

Known for its scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities, Cottonwood Lake is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Lake Outdoor Recreation

Location

Address

Cottonwood Lake, Buena Vista, Colorado

Neighborhood: Cottonwood Pass Area

Coordinates

38.836000, -106.127000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

tuesday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

wednesday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

thursday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

friday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

saturday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

sunday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

June - September

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

cool to warm

• wildflowers
• waterfalls

summer

warm

• full access
• warm weather

autumn

cool

• fall colors
• cool weather

winter

cold

• snowy landscape
• winter sports

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check road conditions
Prepare for altitude
Bring bear spray

What to Bring

essential

water snacks hiking shoes

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate to high

• high altitude
• wildlife encounters

Medical facilities: limited, nearest hospital in Buena Vista

Payment Information

Accepted

cash

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $0 (free)

parking $0 (free)

food $10-$20

souvenirs $5-$15

Dress Code

casual, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, hiking shoes,

Booking Tips

• not typically required
• BLM website for permits
• N/A
• N/A

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

BLM Colorado App

Size: 20 MB

Features: Map, Trail information, Permits

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Not specified

Charging Stations: Not specified

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Colorado Springs Airport (COS)

Distance: 100 miles

Travel Time: 2.5 hours

car

varies 2.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 1 mile

walking

$0 20 minutes

biking

$0 10 minutes

car

$0 5 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Scenic beauty, outdoor activities

Historical Significance: Part of the historic Cottonwood Pass stage route

Insider Tips

Best fishing spots are less known areas
Early mornings are the most peaceful

Local Recommendations

• Try the local coffee shops in Buena Vista
• Ask about local hikes and fishing spots

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Not applicable

Guide Languages: English

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Lake overview

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide-angle shots

Result: Stunning landscape photos

#CottonwoodLake #Colorado #AlpineLake

Photography Rules

allowed areas all outdoor areas

prohibited areas Not specified

flash photography allowed

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy restricted (check BLM regulations)

tripod policy allowed

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Buena Vista

Distance: 1 mile

Walking: 20 minutes

Type: Town

Cottonwood Pass

Distance: 5 miles

Walking: N/A

Type: Mountain Pass

Saint Elmo Ghost Town

Distance: 20 miles