Cottonwood

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.