Cottonwood Canyon Road

Total Miles 38.8
Technical Rating
2 Easy
Best Time Spring, Fall, Summer
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Cottonwood Canyon Road is a relatively easy route that serves as a shortcut between Bryce Canyon National Park / Utah SR-12, and Lake Powell / US-89. It follows Cottonwood Canyon and the Paria River, and the canyon is the dividing line for two different sections of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. To the west is the Grand Staircase, and to the east is the Kaiparowits Plateau. The scenery is constantly changing over the course of the road, with expansive views of the canyon and rock formations.

Photos of Cottonwood Canyon Road

Difficulty

While the road surface is easy to contend with, there are large uphill and downhill sections with limited visibility. The presence of cows and other livestock is common on the road, as most of the National Monument is open range. Soft spots on the road are uncommon, but are possible with changing road texture. The road is not recommended in the winter or after rainfall, as the fine silt base of the road can make it extremely treacherous to attempt.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

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Michael Grimes
Jun 14, 2026
Open
Took a side trip from Kodachrome to Monument Valley. The way out was dry and the scenery especially in the narrows is spectacular. On the way back some spotty rain made for some brown mud throwing near the 89 end for a few miles but the downhill near the north end in the slippery white clay needed 4 low and very low speed. Lost traction a bit but made it through.
Tapley J
Jun 04, 2026
Open
Only took us a little over an hour. Very beautiful. Basically a dirt road. Super easy. Didn’t bother airing down, taking it out of 2WD or slowing down. We boogied except to stop to take photos. Came across several other vehicles and an RV.
Phil Murphy
Mar 27, 2026
Open
Road in great shape. Amazing country and rock formations, especially in the north section. Definitely take the time to see the arch.
Chris Bayle
Dec 12, 2025
Open
Trail was in good shape, looks like they may have taken a grater thru the middle part of the trail to smooth it out after the last rain. First section had some washboard sections but that did not last long. Would not recommend the trail if it has rained or just rained as it will get very slippery due to the road base. Overall a beautiful trail, would highly recommend. It took two hours with good road conditions.
Shreyes Shyam
Nov 30, 2025
Open
First 4 to 5 miles in is slightly washboarded with some dips but nothing that really needed a 4x4. Pretty much completely drive the length of this trail with 2WD. One small dip which was super muddy towards the northern end just before Kodachrome Basin SP. Beautiful views throughout the canyon with stellar desert-geology on display.
Meesh Moree
Nov 01, 2025
Open
Massive boulder bigger than a ram truck blocking the road. Impassible.
Linda Deweert
Oct 29, 2025
Open
We were planning a trip this upcoming weekend on this road beginning on the north end and heading south to Kanab. I just called the Kane County Sheriff Dept to check on the road condition. They verified that the road is closed from Hwy 89 heading north. We will be adjusting our plans.
Michael Rung
Oct 27, 2025
Open
Coming in from 89 there’s a Road Closed sign. I can only assume there’s a washout somewhere from the recent heavy rain as it should be plenty dried out by now.
jacob stadtner
Sep 01, 2025
Open
Incredible views. Took my stock 5th gen 4runner, I had it in 2wd the whole time, super easy drive. Highly recommend this one
Casey Miller
Jul 26, 2025
Open
Brandon M
Apr 18, 2025
Open
Great drive, saw a few other vehicles on the road. Some washboard sections but was able to keep a decent speed throughout the drive. Lots of pullouts for camping spots.
Dalton McElhaney
Mar 26, 2025
Open
Mark Ratzlaff
Nov 27, 2024
Open
Road is in great shape. The only thing I could see that would stop any regular 2wd car is when its wet. The mud was no joke… sticky, slippery,clay mud. Not easy to get traction. We did fine with decent tires and 4x4… I would do this trail any day in any car, unless wet, then all the subarus stay home.
Ronald Semper
Nov 10, 2024
Open
we'll graded trail, nice fall colors along Paria River, must hike the cottonwood slot canyon
Fred Ginsburg
Sep 25, 2024
Open
Dirt gravel, no obstacles to climb over for most of trail. But good to air down. 2wd the whole route. A little washboard. Dusty, dry. Very scenic. North of Kodachrome Basin park, the road is asphalt all the wsy to rte 12.

Cottonwood Canyon Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Cottonwood Canyon Road Map

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