
Cottonwood Canyon Road in Utah: adventure and beauty, not for everyone
Usa, north-america
74 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Cottonwood Canyon Road, a scenic byway winding through Kane County, Utah, just north of Page, Arizona, and nestled in the stunning Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Also known as K7000 or Cottonwood Canyons Scenic Backway, this 74km (46-mile) dirt road connects Cannonville with Highway 89, near Big Water. Originally a maintenance road for power lines, it's now a pathway to incredible views!
The road is usually open year-round, *weather permitting*, and takes around 2 hours to drive, depending on how many photo stops you make! The first 9 miles from Cannonville are paved until you reach the turnoff for Kodachrome Basin State Park. After that, it's graded dirt with a clay base that becomes an absolute mud pit when wet.
While a hardy 2WD car can handle it in dry conditions, a 4x4 is definitely more comfortable. But beware, even SUVs can get stuck after rain! This road transforms into a slippery mess when wet, and flash floods can wash out sections, especially during summer thunderstorms. The surface can also be rough in places due to less maintenance recently. This road is NOT suitable for RVs or trailers.
Before you go, check conditions at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Cannonville. There are no services along the route, so pack food, water, and emergency supplies. And remember, if rain or snow is forecast, stay away!
Where is it?
Cottonwood Canyon Road in Utah: adventure and beauty, not for everyone is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.3787, -103.0091
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 74 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.3787, -103.0091
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