Cottonwood Lake Number One

Cottonwood Lake Number One is a backcountry fishing destination tucked into the spruce-fir forests of Grand Mesa at roughly 10,100 feet elevation. Reaching it requires a hike along the Lake of the Woods Trail, and that extra effort rewards anglers with fewer crowds and larger trout than the roadside lakes down below.

Fishing regulations at Cottonwood Lake Number One are designed to produce trophy-sized fish. Only artificial lures and flies are permitted, with a bag limit of two trout, both sixteen inches or longer. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the lake bi-annually with rainbow and cutthroat trout, and the restrictive harvest rules help maintain a healthy population of quality fish. Fly fishing along the shoreline and from float tubes is popular during summer mornings and evenings when hatches bring trout to the surface.

The lake is large enough for kayaks and small inflatable boats, though there is no formal boat ramp. Paddlers carry watercraft down the trail and launch from the shore. The calm surface and mountain backdrop make for a peaceful morning paddle, even if you leave the fishing rod behind.

Cottonwood Lake Campground sits nearby and offers dispersed-style tent camping in a wooded setting. Sites are first-come, first-served with no electric hookups, no water, and no showers. A vault toilet serves the campground. The nightly fee is around $14, making it one of the more affordable camping options on Grand Mesa. Sites fill quickly on summer weekends, so arriving early on Friday is recommended.

The surrounding trail network connects Cottonwood Lake Number One to several neighboring alpine lakes, creating opportunities for day hikes and multi-lake fishing excursions across the mesa. Wildlife sightings are common along the trails, including mule deer, elk, and a variety of mountain birds.

Access roads to the Cottonwood Lakes area are rough and unpaved, with steep sections that may not be suitable for low-clearance vehicles, especially after rain or early in the season when snowmelt softens the road. Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Snow typically closes access from late October through May, so plan visits for the June through September window when roads and trails are clear.