Cottonwood Lake vs Willow Lake Approach

[thatguy]

Hello,

We're looking for a pretty hike from the Dunes side with a good Wow! factor. It's been decades since I've been to Cottonwood Lake or Willow Lake so I can't remember if one is noticeably prettier. I remember both of them being pretty spectacular, but can't recall if one approach is better than others. Anyone have a strong opinion? Or can offer up an alternative close to the Dunes that gets us at or above tree-line, has a water feature and shows off the Sangres.

Thank You!
dave

[Kiefer]

Hello,

We're looking for a pretty hike from the Dunes side with a good Wow! factor. It's been decades since I've been to Cottonwood Lake or Willow Lake so I can't remember if one is noticeably prettier. I remember both of them being pretty spectacular, but can't recall if one approach is better than others. Anyone have a strong opinion? Or can offer up an alternative close to the Dunes that gets us at or above tree-line, has a water feature and shows off the Sangres.
Thank You!
dave

Personally, I think Cottonwood Lake is prettier. But that's because of how hemmed in you are by Crestolita and Crestone Needle. It's a narrow and relatively small basin. The approach though, whew! Even in summer that approach can be hard to follow and brutal. It's all rock & talus up there. Been to Cottonwood Lake 2x in summer and 3x in winter.
Willow Lake...the lake is MUCH bigger with cliffs on the east end (and sometimes a waterfall). There's a well-trodden trail all the way to the lake, easy to follow. The basin is much bigger with Adams in view. Good sites (grass/tundra) to sit and have lunch.
IMO, it's almost a wash. Been to Willow at least a dozen times in summer, and once in winter.

By a hair's breath, I'd pick Cottonwood if you're looking for something more 'mountainous.'
If the folks going are newbies, go with Willow. The approach to Cottonwood might make them lose motivation.
My .02¢

[painless4u2]

Cottonwood starts off a little strange with the drive into Crestone and then all the Zen/Buddhist stuff along the trail. The trail seemed a bit relentless with few switchbacks and no views as I recall until you reach tree line. Just watch for the fork in Cottonwood creek before you reach tree line and stay left. There is a well worn path that will take you up the wrong fork (climbers right). The lake is small and rocky, above tree line and camping spots aren't ideal. Willow is better for camping and is a beautiful basin. Both are worthwhile doing though.

[bdloftin77]

Both are really pretty! I agree with the above that Willow Lake is more straightforward. The lake and waterfall (when there's flowing water) are pretty, and the views of Kit Carson are pretty cool. I did really enjoy hiking up toward Cottonwood Lake, though. That valley is really pretty when you get up high, and there are some waterfalls there, too. Definitely not as easy of a path to follow, as others have mentioned. Basically I agree with what Kiefer said, and either is a great choice depending on your group.

[JohnKLovesMtnGoats]

I agree that it is "nearly a wash" and "both pretty".
One of my most magical experiences was hiking into Cottonwood at night and sleeping on a rock (somehow it was reasonably comfortable) with the Creastones vaguely visible in the moonlight; dozing off and knowing I must have been sleeping as the stars were in a different orientation.
The next morning low clouds would blow in and blow up and over the mountains when they got there.
Did not summit that day due to high wind but it was worth it.
Another magical experience was sleeping just below the summit of Challenger after a longer day than expected and not wanting to descend in the dark.
In terms of the journey itself I might give the edge to Cottonwood as it is an epic from the start that features so many different settings and feels very isolated like you're in central Alaska or something from the start.
But either way you can't go wrong.