Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista

Statistics

Difficulty points	645
Length	19.2 mi
Average gradient	4.1%
Steepest segment	9%
Total ascent	4180 ft

Difficulty points

645

Length

19.2 mi

Average gradient

4.1%

Steepest segment

Total ascent

4180 ft

Short recap

Famous climb

8 hairpin turns

#40 toughest climb of Rocky Mountains

#30 most elevation gain of Rocky Mountains

#34 longest climb of Rocky Mountains

#81 average steepest climb of Rocky Mountains

Photos (3)

Reviews (1)

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5 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

Incredible climb from Buena Vista. Fairly consistent grade the entire way up. No food or water. Beautiful scenery. Nice hairpins closer to the top. Fast descent on good pavement. Can get busy on the weekends with Taylor Park traffic. Cottonwood hot spring along the way.

Climbing times

5 mph	03:51:33
7 mph	02:43:55
9 mph	02:07:45
12 mph	01:35:58

Road surface condition

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Traffic

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cottonwood Pass can be cycled from 2 sides. Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Cottonwood Pass from Taylor Park Reservoir.

You don't need special gearing for Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista. The slope isn't long or steep enough to require much shifting down. You can conquer this climb on power alone. However, a compact gearing system with a smallest front chainring of 34 and largest rear sprocket of 28 or 30 is always nice if you enjoy cycling uphill. This helps maintain a smooth cadence.

Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista is a first-category climb: long and tough. Do not underestimate this climb. Many famous Tour de France cols fall into this category. Prepare for a long, challenging ride. Only well-trained riders will reach the top smoothly. Make sure you have a road bike with climbing gears and enough training; otherwise, it will be a struggle.

Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista is 19.2 mi long.

The average gradient of Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista is 4.1%.

Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 9%.

The summit of Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista is at 12119 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 03:51:33 to climb Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista. At 7 mph the time is 02:43:55, and at 9 mph 02:07:45. For the fastest cyclists, 01:35:58 is an achievable time.

Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista is located in the region Colorado in United States.

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (3)

Reviews (1)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Cottonwood Pass can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista?

How difficult is the Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista?

How long is the climb up Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista?

What is the gradient of Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista?

What is the steepest part of Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista?

How high is Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista?

How long does it take to cycle up Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista?

Where is Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista located?