To the west of Buena Vista, Colorado, we can follow the main road to Cottonwood Pass, or we can divert to North Cottonwood Creek for adventure at a lower elevation. Near the first creek crossing on North Cottonwood Street, we found Harmon State Wildlife Area, designated as a fishing access. We couldn't stay there long the first time, as neither of us had a hunting or fishing license, but we tarried long enough to pick up a few photos that first time, and returned WITH licenses another time. Several major trails beckoned us up the not-well-marked road; by backtracking and trying other leads, we reached and stepped out for short walks on two of them. We could see the place must be packed with freestyle campers during the summer.
