So today I made a second attempt to get to Cottonwood and this time I made it without any accidents or even any traffic. The parking lot is right at Cottonwood and then there is a 3 mile trail to another oasis. I did about half that, but then turned around as I had refilled my water bottle at the Visitors Center and that water tasted nasty. I mean, if I had to drink it I would have, but I didn't have to.