At 6,800 feet (2.070 meters), Colorado has the highest average elevation of all US states, thanks to 58 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet (4.000 meters). When we were younger and fitter, my husband and I reached the summits of 20+, but it seems unlikely we will be able to enjoy the lofty views from the top of another fourteener, unless our joints experience a miraculous rejuvenation (or we travel to the summits of Mount Blue Sky by car, or our local Pikes [sic] Peak by car or train).

For a number of years, I have dreamed of returning to higher altitudes— in vain. Not sure why: time flies, the summer’s heat and wildfire smoke are deterrents, and inertia is a real thing. But this summer, my dream finally becomes reality, if only on one occasion (or two, counting our return).

When we manage to go on a camping trip in mid-August to a high mountain valley in southcentral Colorado called Taylor Park, we have to drive across Cottonwood Pass west of Buena Vista. The paved road can be traveled comfortably by car and tops out at 12,126 feet (3.696 meters).

Looking east from Cottonwood Pass into Chaffee County

Looking west from Cottonwood Pass into Gunnison County

Serene Tarn at Cottonwood Pass

As the sign in the featured photo reminds us, Cottonwood Pass is located on top of the Continental Divide. Streams that originate east of here eventually flow into the Atlantic Ocean (or a marginal sea thereof, such as the Gulf of Mexico); those that arise west make their way to the Pacific. (This fun fact can help decide on which side of the Divide one wants to empty one’s bladder, should the need arise.)

Conveniently, the pass is also the site where the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail cross the road and can easily be accessed. We do, and follow the conspicuous and gentle path to nearby Cottonwood Pass Peak, a distance of roughly one mile, with an elevation gain of approximately 450 feet.

Trail to Cottonwood Pass Peak

View from along the trail

Looking west from Cottonwood Pass Peak

Looking south from Cottonwood Pass Peak, where the CT and CDT follow the ridge

Apart from the appeal of panoramic vistas, one of the most alluring aspects of these high spaces is the sparse beauty of the alpine tundra, the ecosystem above tree line. Short summers and long winters pose challenges for all dwellers but thanks to marvelous adaptations, they not only survive but thrive. We enjoy a number of them during our excursion, representatives of both flora and fauna.

Arctic Gentian

Rocky Mountain Parnassian

Chubby-cheeked Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel

“If you had to spend the winter at this elevation, you would look chubby-cheeked too!”

I sincerely hope we won’t allow years to pass without returning to the beautiful world that beckons above timberline.