Elevation At Normal Water Level: 9,330 Feet

Taylor Park Reservoir

Welcome to beautiful Taylor Park Reservoir in western Colorado!

If you love fishing, boating, camping, hiking or just kicking it back in a camper, RV or cabin in the mountains, you probably know about Taylor Park Reservoir. (And let's not forget skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter!) This website is dedicated to the entire Taylor Park region.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's
When does Cottonwood Pass open? - In most years, Cottonwood Pass opens on the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. The biggest factor is the amount of snow remaining in the mountains. Visit the state CDOT site www.cotrip.org to learn when it is officially open. The pass usually closes after the first major snowstorm followed by constant below freezing temperatures (which comes early at 12,000+ feet). Usually the pass is closed around late October to early November.
In the past three years, the pass has opened on (see photos): June 3, 2011, May 25, 2010, May 21, 2009 and June 12, 2008.
Can my vehicle make it over Cottonwood Pass? - The western side of Cottonwood Pass (the Taylor Park side) is a reasonably graded dirt road. Most vehicles can make it just fine, although potholes and "washboard" sections sometimes exist. Take your time, put your vehicle in a lower gear and don't ride your breaks! The Chaffee County (east) side of the pass is a well-maintained paved road.
Where are the nearest fuel stations? - The Taylor Park General Store has gas pumps and is open during the warm season. Of course, the busier towns of Buena Vista, Gunnison and Crested Butte have most basic services.

Who runs this website? - My name is Steve, a local in Buena Vista. I spend a lot of time in the mountains and always enjoy photographing the sunset at Cottonwood Pass. :)
My contact info: ColoradoGuy.com Page & Twitter Profile

Online Map by Google

Click the map above or this link by "Oh Ranger" that provides a very decent map of the reservoir and all of Colorado. Play around with it in map, hybrid, satellite or terrain mode: www.ohranger.com/taylor-park-reservoir/map

I've searched around and I'm not quite sure as of yet what is the best map for Taylor Park Reservoir. Obviously a lot depends on what emphasis a person is looking for, whether fishing, dirt bike trails or something else.

I own this National Geographic Topographical Map which includes Crested Butte, a portion of Taylor Canyon and the reservoir itself. Buy it on Amazon by clicking the image above. If you want to see it in person, the Trailhead Outdoor Store in Buena Vista, CO carries a large collection of maps including this edition.

Videos

As exciting as a fishing video can be. ;)
Driving over the pass in a September snowstorm. The song is "Find My Baby" by Moby.

Bicycling To Cottonwood Pass.
My friend Ben had a camera that constantly snapped photos as he drove from Buena Vista to Cottonwood Pass.

Riding dirt bikes.
Crossing Texas Creek in a 4-wheeler.

As exciting as a fishing video can be. ;)	Driving over the pass in a September snowstorm. The song is "Find My Baby" by Moby.
Bicycling To Cottonwood Pass.	My friend Ben had a camera that constantly snapped photos as he drove from Buena Vista to Cottonwood Pass.
Riding dirt bikes.	Crossing Texas Creek in a 4-wheeler.