Facility · Colorado ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
San Isabel National Forest (NF) · Open Access
The Avalanche trailhead is a major access point for the Colorado Trail (#1776) near Buena Vista, Colorado. A paved parking area and toilet facility are available. This is a popular trailhead for winter recreationists and provides ample parking for the many snowmobilers who converge on the area. Weekend snowmobilers love to ride to the top of Cottonwood Pass and over the Continental Divide to Taylor Park.
Hikers generally use the area during the summer months as an access point for day hiking and backpacking trips into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness to the north via the Colorado Trail (#1776).
From Buena Vista, travel west from Buena Vista, CO on County Road 306 for approximately 9 miles. The trailhead is located on the right side of the road. Watch for a sign on the right and turn into the paved parking area.
38.81395, -106.28377 · 38°48'50.2"N 106°17'1.6"W
Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 40°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 41 | 43 | 50 | 57 | 67 | 78 | 83 | 80 | 74 | 62 | 50 | 40 |
| Low °F | 11 | 14 | 21 | 27 | 36 | 43 | 49 | 47 | 40 | 29 | 20 | 11 |
| Precip in | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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