"Cottonwood Canyon State Park" Franktown by caffeine_induced78

Franktown Travel Guide: 7 reviews and 20 photos

Cottonwood Canyon State Park in Colorado is a fairly little known gem of a park even by Denverites. It is along the Palmer divide that seperates the Platte river and Arkansas river watersheds. This means that it is at about 2000 meters in elevation - although more on the plains than the Rockies. This is about 400 meters higher than the elevation of Denver. Notice when visiting that it appears to be several different ecosystems converging. You have a little bit of desert, plains, and mountain forests mixed together within the park.

old Cottonwood Dam

One must see is the old Cottonwood Dam. This Dam was constructed in 1890 and failed in 1933 - unleashing a torrent towards Denver. To reach the park take Leetsdale rd. southeast from Denver. This road turns into Parker Road without making a turn. After about 10 miles on Parker Rd. you pass through the town of Parker. Then the road turns into Colorado hwy. 86 through the town of Franktown and finally 5 miles later - make a right turn into Cottonwood Canyons State Park. Entrance fees are $5.00 per vehicle - payable only in cash or check.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful little place just 30 miles South of Denver
Cons:several washed out bridges mean you may get wet

Last visit to Franktown: Oct 2002
Intro Written Oct 23, 2002
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Reviews (2)

huge boulders in canyon bottom. - Franktown

Hiking in the Canyon. Favorites (1)

When hiking in the Canyons at Cottonwood Canyons State Park be sure to bring water in the summer. You can make several... more travel advice

leaves of three let it be! Warnings and Dangers (1)

If you are familiar with poison ivy than you know what to look for. But if it has leaves of three than don't touch it -... more travel advice

Comments (6)

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roz.van Jul 24, 2003 at 11:52 AM

utterly gorgeous....ahhhh
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pepples46 Feb 28, 2003 at 9:53 PM

you have a way with your camera....or does she has a way with you? sweet pics
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orlikins Feb 14, 2003 at 7:33 AM

cherry creek looks really lovely. :)
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craic Jan 11, 2003 at 6:01 PM

Need a photo of leaves of three.
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o00o Jan 7, 2003 at 7:56 PM

Interesting page.
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edachsund Nov 8, 2002 at 7:34 PM

How could we know that supposed to be the poison oak anyway, seems like oak tree is just about the same??