Where is Cottonwood Canyon Road?
Usa, north-america
74 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Cottonwood Canyon Road in Utah! This stunner snakes through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, down in southern Utah near the Arizona border – about 46 miles (74 km) of pure scenic bliss, connecting Cannonville to Highway 89 near Big Water.
Originally, this was just a service road for power lines, but now it's a backway adventure! Set aside about 2 hours, minimum, because you're going to want to stop… a LOT. Think red rock canyons, sprawling desert landscapes – it's Utah at its finest.
Heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The first 9 miles out of Cannonville are paved, but after the Kodachrome Basin State Park turnoff, it's graded dirt road with a clay base. And that clay base is the kicker. This road is generally passable in a 2WD, but you'll be much happier in a 4x4. The real deal-breaker? Rain. Seriously, if there's any hint of moisture, STAY AWAY. That clay turns into a super slick, four-wheel-drive-swallowing mess. Flash floods are also a risk, especially during summer storms, so keep an eye on the weather!
There are no services along the road, so pack plenty of water, snacks, and emergency supplies. Basically, be prepared and you'll be rewarded with some of the most incredible scenery Utah has to offer! Definitely call the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Cannonville before heading out to get the latest road conditions.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 74 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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