Taylor Park Region

Wildflowers on Italian Creek Road
Wildflowers on Italian Creek Road
  • Outstanding scenery in the entire area.
  • FlowersItalian Creek Rd – Texas Creek
  • Scenic vistasCottonwood Pass – Cumberland Pass
  • WaterfallsSpring Creek
  • kayakingFishing AvailableTaylor Canyon-Gold Medal trout waters
  • CampgroundHundred’s of beautiful dispersed camping spots.

Cottonwood Pass

CR 306/CR 209 is now paved all the way to Taylor Park!

Looking west from Cottonwood Pass, CO.

How to get there:

Starts at the intersection of US-24/CR306 (Main St) in Buena Vista.

  • From C470/US285 to Buena Vista
  • 104 miles 2 hr 10 mins
  • GPS
  • US 24/CR 306
  • 38.8422 -106.1326

In General:CampgroundFishing Available Seasonal Closure

  • Length: 33 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 1 hour 20 mins

CR 306 is paved all the way to Cottonwood Pass (elev 12126′) then changes to CR 209.

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Texas Creek

One of my first 4wd experiences.

Vista from Texas Creek Rd.

How to get there:

From Taylor Park CR 740/CR 209 drive 1.2 miles north.

  • From C470/US285 to Taylor Park
  • 137 miles 3 hr 30 mins
  • GPS
  • CR 740/CR 740C
  • 38.8525 -106.5649

In General:4wd high clearance vehicle required4wd vehicle with low range requiredATVs Allowed - Check RegulationsCampgroundFishing Available

  • Length: 5 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 30 mins

This route starts out relatively level and open and enters some lush meadows paralleling Texas Creek. The road “ends” in the vicinity of the Texas Lakes, passing numerous primitive camping sites along the way. Beyond this point it becomes a true 4wd with low range required.

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Spring Creek

An awesome campground at Spring Creek Reservoir.

Canoe reflecting in Spring Creek Reservoir, CO.

How to get there:

From Taylor Park CR740/CCR209 drive 7 miles north.

  • From C470/US285 to Taylor Park
  • 137 miles 3 hr 30 mins
  • GPS
  • SR740/CR748
  • 38.9257 -106.5995

In General:CampgroundFishing Available

  • Length: 22 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 1 hour 20 mins

This route,in good conditions, is easily travelled in all passenger vehicles. The last portion is paved and connects to CR740 near the southern end of the Taylor Canyon route.

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Italian Creek

Starts out easy, then…

Rosy Indian Paintbrush along the Italian Creek Road.

How to get there:

From Taylor Park CR740/CCR209 drive 9.5 miles north.

  • From C470/US 285 to Taylor Park
  • 137 miles 3 hr 30 mins
  • GPS
  • CR 740/CR 759
  • 38.9541 -106.6213

In General:4wd high clearance vehicle required4wd vehicle with low range requiredATVs Allowed - Check RegulationsCampground

  • Length: 7 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 40 mins

This route starts out relatively level and open in lush meadows paralleling Italian Creek, passing numerous primitive camping sites along the way. It is passable to 2wd vehicles for a number of miles, but will become a difficult 4wd road, with lo range and experience required. Drive as far as you are comfortable.

Photo Ops:Vistaswildflowers

Another scenic route in a scenic area! Watch for wildflowers in a lush area around some private cabins; they can be fantastic.

Taylor Canyon

Gold Medal trout water, rafting, climbing, and more!

The Taylor River near Almont, Colorado.

How to get there:

Starts from Taylor Park CR 740/CCR 209 and heads south.

  • From C470/US 285 to Taylor Park
  • 137 miles 3 hr 30 mins
  • GPS
  • CR 740/CR 209
  • 38.8422 -106.5574

In General:CampgroundFishing Availablerock climbingKayaking/River Rafting

  • Length: 25 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 1 hour

The route passes the Taylor Reservoir, a marina,  a stretch of Gold Medal trout water, eight National Forest campgrounds, cliffs suitable for climbing, rafting opportunites—it has it all!

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Cumberland Pass

Historic road open to ATV’s!

Cumberland Pass in the Taylor Park area.

How to get there:

Starts from Taylor Park CR 740/CR 209 and heads south.

  • From C470/US285 to Taylor Park
  • 137 miles 3 hr 30 mins
  • GPS
  • CR 740/CR 209
  • 38.8422 -106.5574

In General:High Clearance RequiredATVs Allowed - Check Regulations

  • Length: 44 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 2 hours

Cumberland Pass is one of Colorado’s most scenic and historic passes. The road is passable by most passenger vehicles and is open to ATV’s.

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