Cottonwood Lake

Cottonwood Lake sits at roughly 9,600 feet in the Collegiate Peaks region of Chaffee County, about ten miles west of Buena Vista along the Cottonwood Pass road. Surrounded by dense aspen groves and backed by towering peaks in the San Isabel National Forest, the lake is known for its striking aquamarine water, regular moose sightings, and a calm atmosphere that makes it one of the most scenic and accessible mountain lakes near the Arkansas River Valley.

Fishing is the top activity at Cottonwood Lake. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout, and anglers report consistent catches of rainbow trout and brook trout from the shoreline and from hand-propelled watercraft. Motorized boats are not allowed, which keeps the water glassy and the noise level low. Kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders share the lake with anglers, and the modest size of the water means you can paddle the full perimeter in well under an hour.

Cottonwood Lake Campground sits on a gently sloping hillside within walking distance of the water, offering 25 first-come, first-served sites shaded by aspen trees. Sites cost $22 per night and fill quickly on summer weekends, so arriving on Thursday or early Friday gives you the best chance at snagging one. If the campground is full, dispersed camping is available along County Road 344 starting about a mile west of the campground. The campground typically operates from May through September, with exact dates depending on snowfall.

The drive to Cottonwood Lake is half paved, half gravel. County Road 306 (the Cottonwood Pass road) carries you west from Buena Vista on pavement before you turn left onto County Road 344, a well-maintained dirt road that covers the last three miles to the lake. Standard passenger vehicles handle the road without trouble in dry conditions.

Wildlife viewing is a genuine highlight here. A resident moose cow and her calf are frequently spotted near the willow thickets along the lake's northern shore, typically emerging around dusk. Keep a safe distance and carry binoculars for the best viewing experience.

Picnic tables are available at the north end of the lake, and the surrounding trail network connects to longer hikes deeper into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The area serves as a jumping-off point for backpackers heading toward the high passes above Cottonwood Creek. Whether you are here for a half-day picnic or a full weekend of camping and fishing, Cottonwood Lake rewards the drive with Colorado mountain scenery at its most vivid.