CHAFFEE COUNTY, COLO – Cottonwood Pass is closing for the winter season on November 1st, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.. Cottonwood Pass crosses the Continental Divide at 12,120 feet, connecting Chaffee and Gunnison counties on Chaffee County Road 306 and Gunnison County Road 209. The Pass is generally closed from mid-fall through late spring due to heavy snow accumulation.
The seasonal road closure will be in place from both the Chaffee County and Gunnison County sides of Cottonwood Pass. Beginning November 1st, Chaffee County Road 306 leading to Cottonwood Pass is not maintained beyond the winter closure gate near the Denny Creek Trailhead. Motor vehicles (except snowmobiles, snowcats) are not permitted beyond the winter closure gate. Recreators are advised to travel up CR306 at their own risk, as no maintenance is provided during the seasonal winter closure months.
Chaffee County’s Road and Bridge Department aims to reopen Cottonwood Pass open before Memorial Day 2025, conditions and snowpack permitting.
Please contact the Chaffee County Road and Bridge Department at 719-539-4591 with any questions.
