Ride up and down Cottonwood Pass West side with no vehicular traffic.
The route starts at the winter gate and gains the summit on a smooth paved road, perfect for bicyclists to enjoy the challenge of the ascent and the thrill of a fast and fun descent. This ride is limited to 200 riders, so sign up quickly. All participants will receive a pair of Cottonwood Classic Defeet socks and other swag and are invited to Three Rivers Resort after the ride. Wear your socks and receive a discount on your lunch bill.

All cyclist are invited to start on their own timeline, allowing enough time to travel 11.5 miles up to the 12,138-foot summit of Cottonwood Pass on the Continental Divide. The ascent is 2,656 feet, and returns to the closure gate by 2:00PM. 

Plan for all spring weather and bring layers to dress for all conditions above timberline.

This ride is a go under all weather conditions, and no refunds will be given. The closed road will be open for cycling 9AM – 2PM on Thursday, May 22nd only. If Gunnison County Public Works is unable to get snow removed on the road to the Chaffee County side of the pass, a delayed date will be announced. The snow base is less than last year, and the County was able to open on our target date in 2024 (the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend). 

Purchase tickets here