Cottonwood

Managing agency

Medicine Bow-Routt NF — Parks RD

The Cottonwood Trail is a 3.5-mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado near the town of Colorado. Managed by the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest Parks Ranger District, this trail offers a moderate outing with 325 feet of elevation gain. The out-and-back format makes this a 7-mile round trip if hiked to the turnaround point and back. The steady elevation gain is distributed across the route, making it accessible for hikers seeking a moderate workout without extreme steepness. This trail provides access to the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, a vast landscape in northern Colorado offering diverse terrain and forest ecosystems. The trail's relatively modest distance and elevation gain make it suitable for a half-day adventure. For current conditions, closures, or specific features along the route, contact the Parks Ranger District of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest directly. Check conditions before heading out, as mountain weather can change rapidly and trail status may vary seasonally.