Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

Access

St. Elmo: At St. Elmo, take County Road 267 (Tincup Pass road) for 1/4 mile to CR 267A. CR 267A turns to the right and dead ends at the trailhead.

South Cottonwood: From Buena Vista, take County Road 306 (Cottonwood Pass road) for approximately 7 miles to the junction with CR 344. Turn left on CR 344 and travel southwest for 6 miles, passing Cottonwood Lake and the campground. The trailhead is located on the left near South Cottonwood Creek. A small bridge crosses the stream at the trailhead.

Features

The trail travels south over a ridge and descends into the upper portion of the Chalk Creek canyon. The trail is steep and rocky but well worth the hike. There are beautiful views from the top of the ridge. Camping is permitted off of the trail.

Considerations

This trail is open to motorcycles. ATV's are not permitted on the trail. Motorcyclists should be experienced riders as the trail is steep and characterized by loose rock and gravel. Riders should not cut switchbacks nor ride in a manner that damages soils and vegetation.