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North Cottonwood Trailhead
This trailhead accesses the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness via the Kroenke Lake Trail#1448 and the Horn Fork Basin Trail #1449 which allows access to Mt. Harvard (14,420 ft) and Mt. Columbia (14, 073 feet). For detailed route information please visit the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. The hike to Kroenke Lake is especially beautiful during July when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The trail has numerous creek crossing and is lush and green with alpine vegetation.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Heavy |
|---|---|
| Best Season: | Summer and Fall |
| Busiest Season: | May-October |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply within Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. For group size restrictions contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591. |
| Closest Towns: | Buena Vista, CO |
| Water: | No potable water |
| Restroom: | No |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Salida Ranger District |
General Information
Accessibility:There are no universally accessible facilities at this site.
Directions:
From Buena Vista, travel west on County Road 306 for 2.5 miles to County Road 361. Turn right on this road and travel north for 2.5 miles. You need to watch for the road sign for County Road 365 (North Cottonwood) on the left. The road makes a hard left and travels west from the intersection towards the mountains. Stay on CR 365 for 3.5 miles. The Colorado Trail crosses the road at this point. The road will continue west for 1.4 miles and end at the North Cottonwood trailhead.
General Notes:
Camping is not permitted at the trailhead. Dispersed campsites and pull-outs are located along the road to the trailhead.
Parking:
Parking is available for 20 vehicles.
Activities
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is permitted along the road to North Cottonwood. Campers must camp at least 100 feet away from the stream.
NOTE: Motorized dispersed camping is authorized within one vehicle length off of designated Forest Roads. Campers should use care when parking and not damage soils or cause erosion.
For more information visit www.fs.usda.gov/activity/psicc/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=12403&actid=34.
Mountain Climbing
To access Mt. Harvard and Mt. Columbia, follow the North Cottonwood Trail to the junction with Horn Fork Basin/Bear Lake Trail. The route cuts off prior to Bear Lake and ascends Harvard’s south slopes.
For detailed route information please visit the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative website at : www.14ers.org/index.php
| Open Season: | June-October |
|---|---|
| Permit: | Permits are not required for the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness area. |
| Usage: | High use on the peaks during July and August |
| Best Season: | July and August |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
Day Hiking
The North Cottonwood trail travels west for 4.3 miles to Kroenke Lake. The trail has numerous creek crossing and is lush and green with alpine vegetation.
Hikers can also take the trail west from the North Cottonwood trailhead for approximately 2 miles to the junction with the Bear Lake/Horn Fork basin trail. The trail travels north into the rocky basin below Mt. Harvard and Mt. Columbia.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
Horse Riding
The North Cottonwood trail travels west for 4.3 miles to Kroenke Lake. The trail has numerous creek crossing and is lush and green with alpine vegetation.
For detailed maps and information, contact the Salida Ranger District 719-539-3591 or stop by our office at 325 W. Rainbow Blvd., (Hwy 50) in Salida, CO.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | June-October |
| Permit: | No permits are required for the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Groups are limited to 15 persons or no more than a combination of 25 people and pack or saddle animals in one party. |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Intermediate |
Location