Day 3 | Tue July 20, 2027 | Cottonwood Pass, Taylor Canyon, CO-141 to Gateway

Buena Vista -> CR-306 / CR-209 west over Cottonwood Pass -> CR-742 Taylor River Road south via Taylor Canyon -> CO-135 at Almont -> Gunnison -> US-50 west via Blue Mesa and Montrose -> US-50 north to Whitewater -> CO-141 southwest through Unaweep Canyon to Gateway. ~300 mi (blog estimate; verify Scenic total); 6–8 h (blog estimate). Two scenic obligations on this day: Cottonwood Pass (12,126 ft) and Unaweep Canyon. All intended roads paved; prohibit dirt options. Watch US-50 Blue Mesa construction and afternoon thunderstorms. Fuel at last Top Tier 91+ pin before CO-141.