It’s that time of year again! Welcome to the glorious aspen and ground cover colors at Cottonwood Lake. It is a small lake three miles off State Highway 306, best known as home to Cottonwood Pass. We will visit there soon for amazing beauty at 12,126 ft elevation. Now, we are about 9,600 ft high along the shore of Cottonwood Lake!
It is a beautiful day but a bit windy. The sky is so blue it seems fake–it isn’t. No motorized boats allowed but the most popular event here is trout fishing. There are a few fly fisherpeople, but mostly people relaxing in lawn chairs not at all concerned if they don’t get a bite.
Let’s drive the road a bit further to the campground area. We are on County Road 344 which continues to get narrower the further from the lake you adventure and ends in about 10 miles. Thanks, but we’ll just go to the campground today, park near the entrance, and enjoy the views!
Back at the far end of the lake, let’s walk down one of the water access points and look around. This view is south, from where we just left the campground area.
Across the lake.
Oh my, a butterfly that is enjoying the sun too much to be bothered by me. I could almost touch it! I’m sure that would not be tolerated 😉 . This is a Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) with a wingspan up to 3-3/8″.
Can’t get over this amazing view!
Looking toward the main lake. You can barely make them out, but a couple are rowing across the lake in their kayak.
As we walk back to the SUV, can’t help but notice the incredible number of rose hips on bushes taller than me! Not only here, but they seem to be everywhere. It must be amazing in early summer with wild roses making the area smell so sweet. Sounds like another trip.
Zoomed in for proof!
Every direction is stunning!
On the western side of the road, even near the campground, the mountains are very rugged. The signage said there are mountain goats here. This rugged terrain is just their kind of habitat.
OK, do you see them?
Nope, me neither, and believe me, I looked in every nook and cranny of this picture and more. Oh well, maybe next time.
We are only a mile or so from State Hwy 306 now and will be in the woods the rest of the trip, mainly among conifers. One last colorful look!
Until next time my friend!
