Cottonwood Lakes Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Cottonwood Lakes Park is a beautiful natural area located in the state of Colorado.
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Summary
There are several good reasons to visit, including hiking, fishing, and enjoying the stunning scenery. The park is home to several stunning lakes, including Cottonwood Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and camping. Visitors can also explore the park's many hiking trails, which offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Some specific points of interest to see in Cottonwood Lakes Park include the beautiful wildflowers that bloom throughout the park during the summer months, as well as the diverse wildlife that calls the area home. Visitors may be able to spot bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and several species of birds during their visit.
Interesting facts about the area include that it was once home to several mining operations during the late 1800s and early 1900s, and that the park is part of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, which spans over 220,000 acres.
The best time of year to visit Cottonwood Lakes Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in full bloom. However, visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the park is located at high altitude and can experience sudden changes in temperature and weather patterns.
Overall, Cottonwood Lakes Park is a stunning natural area that offers visitors a chance to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the view, it's definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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