Trail Overview

South Cottonwood Road is a maintained county road that leads to the popular Cottonwood Lake and the Cottonwood Lake Campground and Cabins. The road follows South Cottonwood Creek past the campgrounds then narrows and becomes a rocky climb to above treeline. Dispersed camping spots become limited where the road narrows. There can be shallow water crossings depending on the season. At the top of the trail is an old abandoned mine where rock hounds still come to find treasures.

Photos of South Cottonwood Road CR 344

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Difficulty

The road up to and through the campgrounds is an easy drive accessible by most any vehicle. However, the road narrows and gets rockier and more challenging the higher you climb.

Technical Rating

Caleb Workman

Sep 13, 2025

Open

Aaron Lopez

Jun 21, 2025

Open

Spencer Beymer

May 31, 2025

Open

This trail runs next to cottonwood lake and campground. There are numerous dispersed camping spots past the campground. Half way through the trail it narrows, gets rocky and signs list 4WD only. We made it up to the top until we hit a deep batch of snow and turned around

Sara Vail

Nov 16, 2024

Open

The road is full of packed and fresh snow! Lots of people stuck and slide off the road.

T. John Mehl

Jul 26, 2024

Open