Interpretive Hike: Cottonwood Pass NE Ridge

 07/29/2023  |  09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
  Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area  |  Registration Required

Special Events - All Ages

See linked document for full description of this hike. We start out on the South Texas Creek Trail on the east side of the highway to mount the ridge. Once on the ridge, we turn north and northeast and walk the tundra ridge for a little over two miles. Once on the ridge, the views and wildflowers become stunning and seem to get more and more beautiful as we proceed. We stop (and then return via the same route) where the ridge drops off into the upper basins of Texas Creek and it seems you can reach out and touch Mt. Harvard and other 14ers like the Three Apostles from there. Enjoy views of the West Elk Mountains, Taylor Res., the northwest Sawatch Range, the Continental Divide, Texas Creek Basin, the Three Apostles and Ice Mountain, Emerald Peak, Mt’s Harvard/Columbia/Yale/Princeton/Huron, Turner Peak, Jones Mountain, and more. Also at the outer end of the ridge, we will be walking right on the top of the talus slope forming a true small rock glacier, and will have very close-up views of its multiple lobes directly below our feet. Special Conditions: We begin on very good trail from the parking area to the tundra ridge – the South Texas Cree Trail. Once on the ridge, there is no established trail but the “way” is very good walking and not rocky in most places. There is one very short steep slippery spot where we must proceed carefully (especially coming back down – sliding on your bottom is OK) so as not to fall (but there is no real exposure there or anywhere else on the route). Dogs are allowed and US Forest wilderness leash regulations apply. Bring plenty of water and don’t forget the sunblock – we are exposed to sun all the way. Please do not forget to pack a lunch – we will be able to enjoy a nice stop for one out on the ridge on the way back.

Registration is required for this activity. Click "register" to reserve your spot.

• Cottonwood Pass NE Description UPDATE
• Cottonwood Pass NE Ridge Map

Jennifer R. Crawford

Administrative Assistant III

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

P 719.539.7289 x4707  |  F 719.539.3771

307 W. Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201

[email protected]  |  cpw.state.co.us