Cottonwood and Spanish access restriction!!The Cottonwood Creek trailhead and the Spanish Creek trailhead both have no trespassing signs up that read "No Public Access to National Forest Land," and "Property of the Crestone Zen Monastery."
In speaking with a representative, I was told that access was an ongoing struggle with the Forest Service, and the monastery was concerned that the trailheads were not subjected to overuse (like South Colony), presumably to maintain the general aesthetic of wilderness. He told me that I could gain permission by speaking to a monastery represtentative.
On a personal note, and being unashamed to clearly state my worldview--that being a Protestant Christian who believes in absolute truth and rejects the prevailing spirit of postmodernistic relativism. To me, the entire area felt like a cult--since the entire subdivision seemed to be built around the monastery and its outbuildings. I will steer clear of that area for future hiking. I was dismayed to find this access issue a problem, since I have 50 of the 14ers done, and had hoped to gain two more. Soli Deo Gloria.
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Sangre de Cristo Mountains
