Overview
Turner Peak, an easy Class 2 hike, sits just east of Cottonwood Pass, west of Buena Vista. The bump you see from the road is a 12,940-foot point; the true top is farther south and out of view.
From a highway switchback, you follow an old jeep road to a meadow, climb through open forest and broken rock onto the broad southwest ridge, and walk it northeast. About 800 feet of grassy tundra leads to the last 400 feet of rubble, which is slower but not hard. The ridge catches a lot of wind, so bring a warm layer.
The round trip is about 2.6 miles with 2,035 feet of gain, and it takes under three hours. It is a good family hike.
Plan of the day
By 8 a.m.
Be at treeline by 11 a.m.
The rubble on the last 400 feet.
Easy. Once out of the trees, you can see most of the route.
None on the route. Bring all you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Turner Peak (sixth switchback)
From the traffic light on US 24 in the center of Buena Vista, head west on County Road 306 toward Cottonwood Pass. It is paved, so any car can make it. After 11 miles you pass Collegiate Peaks Campground; 3.7 miles beyond it, a road on the left (south) goes to the Ptarmigan Lake trailhead. Keep going west 1.9 miles past that turn, counting the switchbacks. Park along the road at switchback number six (11,200 feet).
Collegiate Peaks Campground is a fee campground with 56 sites, water and vault toilets; some sites can be reserved, and it fills on summer weekends. Overnight camping isn't allowed at the Denny Creek or Ptarmigan Lake trailheads. One more option: about 13.9 miles from Buena Vista, County Road 346 turns south; a short drive leads to a locked gate where you can car camp. Watch for private land if you camp along the highway.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Turner Peak (sixth switchback). Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →