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Colorado
3.8 mi
Distance
325 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Pike and San Isabel National Forests
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
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Why you'll love it
Cottonwood
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Cottonwood Trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado near the San Juan National Forest's Columbine Ranger District on the West side. The trail features 325 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderate option for hikers seeking a less strenuous day hike. The trail is managed by the San Juan National Forest Columbine Ranger District. Its out-and-back format allows hikers to turn around at any point, offering flexibility for those looking to customize their distance and exertion level. The relatively modest elevation gain over nearly 4 miles means the grade stays gentle throughout most of the hike. This makes Cottonwood Trail accessible to a wide range of fitness levels while still providing a worthwhile outing in the San Juan National Forest. For current conditions, trail maintenance updates, and specific access information, contact the Columbine Ranger District directly or visit the San Juan National Forest website.

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