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BPX 2-Day: Colorado Trail - Collegiate West 02 from the Cottonwood Pass TH


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BPX 2-Day: Colorado Trail - Collegiate West 02 from the Cottonwood Pass TH

This 2 day out-and-back backpacking trip follows Collegiate West 02 (CW02) north from Cottonwood Pass along the South Texas Trail into the glacial valley of Texas Creek. It offers a high-alpine start, sweeping views of the Continental Divide and Sawatch Range, and peaceful forest camping below tree line.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 2-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Begin at the paved summit of Cottonwood Pass (12,126 ft) and hike north on the Collegiate West 02/South Texas Trail (#417). The trail starts above tree line, crossing alpine tundra with expansive views of the Sawatch Range and Taylor Park. Soon you will begin a steady descent into the South Texas Creek basin. As you drop below tree line (~11,600 ft), the path enters subalpine pine and aspen forests. Set up camp at established, water-adjacent campsites along South Texas Creek (4.3 miles, +233 / -2,080 ft.).  Eat lunch and if weather looks favorable, day hike further north along the Colorado Trail to approximately Waterloo Gulch (3.9 miles +-352 ft.).

Route Day 1

Optional Day Hike: Waterloo Gulch (3.75 miles, +-320 ft.)

Day 2: Break camp and hike back South along the Colorado Trail to Cottonwood Pass TH (4.3 miles, +2,080 / -233 ft.).  

Route Day 2

Overall Route: 8.7 miles, +-2,308 ft.

NOTES:

  1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
  2. More information about the Colorado Trail is available here.
  3. Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Cottenwood Pass TH.
  • Length: 8.7 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,308 ft
  • 12,223 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, Salida Ranger District (PSINF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 6
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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  • Trails Illustrated 129
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