| Description: This is the shortest route between Bryce Canyon & Glen Canyon, & takes in the geological & scenic wonders of Kodachrome Basin State Park & the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. About ten miles east of the park is Grosvenor Arch, a large pastel-colored double arch, very rare even in this land of geologic wonders. Throughout Cottonwood Canyon, drivers enjoy the colorful striations in the rock. Farther south, the Cockscomb Ridge juts into the sky in a jagged upthrust. At the southern end of the ridge Cottonwood Creek flows into the Paria River. There is a campground at the state park, fishing in Cottonwood Creek & in the Paria River. A few roads meander east onto the Kaiparowits Plateau, if you wish to continue your exploration of this lovely canyon country. Two areas are suitable for undeveloped camping, Rock Springs Bench & Pump Springs.
Location: From US 89 west of Big Water to Cannonville, on UT-12. One way trip is 46 miles & takes two hours.
Season: year round.
Fee: fee for the state park.
Reservations: no. |
Campground: Cottonwood Canyon Road Scenic Backway in Escalante Utah *