Colorado is Home to Three Mountain Passes with the Same Name

The state of Colorado is home to numerous, often sketchy, mountain passes. While some of the most well-known are Vail Pass, Monarch Pass, and Independence Pass, it's likely you've also heard of Colorado's Cottonwood Pass.

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However, it's vital to clarify which Cottonwood Pass is being spoken about as there are three different mountain passes in the state that share this name.

Colorado's Three Cottonwood Passes

Between the towns of Gypsum and Glenwood Springs, Colorado is a dirt road south of I-70 known as Cottonwood Pass. This route is sometimes used by motorists if the Glenwood Canyon happens to be closed, although using it as a detour is discouraged.

Another mountain pass that shares the Cottonwood Pass name is located further north, high in a mountainous and rural part of the state near the town of Granby.

Another mountain pass that carries the Cottonwood Pass name is located further south than the others near Buena Vista, Colorado.

This particular Cottonwood Pass connects the aforementioned Buena Vista and Almont, Colorado. In addition, this is the only Cottonwood Pass that crosses the Continental Divide.

All three of these mountain passes share not just a name, but all serve a similar purpose and, like many of the mountain passes in the state of Colorado, can be dangerous under certain circumstances including adverse weather, so it goes without saying that before attempting to travel over any of them, it's recommended to check on conditions.