Trails

Cottonwood Wash Trail

Tucked away just 9.1 miles off Highway 24, this hidden slot canyon offers an intimate journey into the heart of the Waterpocket Fold.
Distance
6 miles
Elevation Gain
544ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Est. Time
3-5 hrs

The Experience

Hikers can expect a dynamic landscape that shifts from a wide, sun-drenched wash into a world of towering red and white sandstone walls. The first mile is relatively open, but as the canyon constricts, you will enter narrow "slots" where the cliffs nearly touch overhead, creating a cool, shaded environment even at midday. You will encounter obstacles such as boulder jams, dryfalls, and seasonal pools of water that require basic scrambling skills and a bit of agility. The true highlight is the intricate water-carved textures of the rock and the quiet solitude found deep within the folds of the earth.

Trail Coordinates / Points Of Interest

38d09’57.23″ N 111d05’21.75″ W
38.165897
-111.089375

Ready for an Adventure?

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No Dogs!
Fees Required!

Weather by Season

Spring & Fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring.
Spring
65°F
Summer
88°F
Fall
70°F
Winter
30°F

Trail Safety & Ethics

Help us preserve Capitol Reef Country for future generations and ensure your own safety in the desert.
Leave No Trace Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert crusts and native vegetation. Leave what you find for others to enjoy.
Flash Floods Check the forecast. Canyons and washes can flood instantly from rain occurring miles away. Avoid narrow areas if rain is predicted in the region.
Pets Know the rules. Leash laws and pet access vary by trail and land management area. Always carry extra water for your four-legged hikers.
Emergency Be prepared. Cell service is unreliable in the backcountry. Carry a physical map, a first aid kit, and always notify someone of your planned route and return time.