Cottonwood Wash

Trail Overview

Cottonwood Wash is a 6.2-mile out-and-back (12.4 round trip) trail rated 3 of 10 located in Emery County. This is a destination trail that leads to the Cottonwood Springs Petroglyphs. Starting at the trailhead on Hwy 24, this mostly sand track slowly descends across the San Rafael Desert to the actual wash. Then turns southwest for a short distance to the end of the trail. The track has several sections where the sand can be deep, and a 4WD high clearance vehicle is recommended. Multiple ranch trails are leading off of the main trail. Most of these trails don't go anywhere but into the desert and were created during the mining era. Just before the trail crosses the Cottonwood Wash, take the right track and follow the track to the turnaround point. There are several petroglyph panels located just southwest of the turnaround point (38.68498, 110.39974). The hike is about a hundred yards along the cliff line. The glyphs at this site are fairly well worn and are not as well defined anymore. Pottery pieces and obsidian chards left over from making tools and arrowheads can be found on the surface of the ground. Just remember, you can pick them up and look at them, but it is against the law to remove them from the site. There is no cell service in the area, and the nearest services are located in Green River, a few miles east on Interstate 70.

Photos of Cottonwood Wash

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Difficulty

Trail consisting of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces, mud holes possible, no steps higher than 12 inches. 4WD may be required, aggressive tires are a plus.

Technical Rating

Cottonwood Wash can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike