- Region
- UT, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and ac…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management
Plan with verified data
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness
How to get there
From I-15, take Exit 16 and follow 6300 W/Old Hwy 91 to N 5500 W. Turn west onto the dirt road between Winkel Distributing Co and the Rocky Mountain Power building, then drive under two bridges. Confirm the intended trail access with the Bureau of Land Management before traveling; these directions do not identify a named trailhead or parking area.
- I-15 Exit 16
Highway approach for the described access: follow 6300 W/Old Hwy 91 toward N 5500 W. This is an approach junction, not a wilderness trailhead.
- N 5500 W dirt-road turnoff
On the same approach, turn west between Winkel Distributing Co and the Rocky Mountain Power building and continue under two bridges. Confirm trailhead and parking details before arrival.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
UT, USA · United States
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
Sandstone canyons at the desert boundary
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness protects 11,667 acres within Utah’s Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Designated in 2009 and managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it shares its northern boundary with Cottonwood Forest Wilderness on the Dixie National Forest. Massive blocks of Jurassic-age Navajo Sandstone have weathered into rounded domes and numerous small canyons. Sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and dry washes give the terrain a varied texture rather than a single defining canyon corridor. This is the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, but much of the vegetation and wildlife belongs to the Mojave Desert. For visitors, the appeal is quiet walking or riding through that transition landscape, close to Washington County’s population centers without losing the enclosed feel of the smaller canyons.
Trail planning and desert conditions
The wilderness has a total of 20 miles of trail, with access used by both hikers and equestrians. That figure describes the network, not a single outing; choose a specific trail and turnaround before setting out. The Bureau of Land Management’s Red Cliffs National Conservation Area information is the place to check trail details and current access conditions. Elevations range from about 3,300 to 5,000 feet, and summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall bring more moderate temperatures and are sensible starting points for planning. Carry enough drinking water for the full outing rather than treating dry washes as water sources. Match the day’s distance to the heat, carry sun protection and navigation tools, and leave room to turn back early.
Plants, wildlife, and low-impact travel
The lower country supports Utah agave, banana yucca, scrub oak, and single-leaf ash, with desert shrubs scattered across dunes and rocky ground. Higher slopes carry pinyon pine and Utah juniper. This change in vegetation helps explain the wilderness’s mix of animals: mule deer, mountain lion, bobcat, and kit fox share the area with Mojave Desert tortoises, Gila monsters, and chuckwallas. The Mojave Desert tortoise is federally listed as threatened, making careful travel especially important. Give animals space, never handle reptiles, and avoid disturbing vegetation beside trails. Golden eagles and red-tailed hawks occur here, while other possible sightings include peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Wildlife viewing is best treated as a reason to slow down and observe, not to approach animals or expect a particular sighting.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 37.2065, -113.4795
- Latitude (DMS)
- 37° 12′ 23.4″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 113° 28′ 46.2″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness lies within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and shares a common boundary with the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness, located on the Dixie National Forest. Here, massive...
Key takeaways
- Region: UT, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 37.206, -113.480
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness
Sandstone canyons at the desert boundary
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness protects 11,667 acres within Utah’s Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Designated in 2009 and managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it shares its northern boundary with Cottonwood Forest Wilderness on the Dixie National Forest. Massive blocks of Jurassic-age Navajo Sandstone have weathered into rounded domes and numerous small canyons. Sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and dry washes give the terrain a varied texture rather than a single defining canyon corridor. This is the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, but much of the vegetation and wildlife belongs to the Mojave Desert. For visitors, the appeal is quiet walking or riding through that transition landscape, close to Washington County’s population centers without losing the enclosed feel of the smaller canyons.
Trail planning and desert conditions
The wilderness has a total of 20 miles of trail, with access used by both hikers and equestrians. That figure describes the network, not a single outing; choose a specific trail and turnaround before setting out. The Bureau of Land Management’s Red Cliffs National Conservation Area information is the place to check trail details and current access conditions. Elevations range from about 3,300 to 5,000 feet, and summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall bring more moderate temperatures and are sensible starting points for planning. Carry enough drinking water for the full outing rather than treating dry washes as water sources. Match the day’s distance to the heat, carry sun protection and navigation tools, and leave room to turn back early.
Plants, wildlife, and low-impact travel
The lower country supports Utah agave, banana yucca, scrub oak, and single-leaf ash, with desert shrubs scattered across dunes and rocky ground. Higher slopes carry pinyon pine and Utah juniper. This change in vegetation helps explain the wilderness’s mix of animals: mule deer, mountain lion, bobcat, and kit fox share the area with Mojave Desert tortoises, Gila monsters, and chuckwallas. The Mojave Desert tortoise is federally listed as threatened, making careful travel especially important. Give animals space, never handle reptiles, and avoid disturbing vegetation beside trails. Golden eagles and red-tailed hawks occur here, while other possible sightings include peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Wildlife viewing is best treated as a reason to slow down and observe, not to approach animals or expect a particular sighting.
Route options
- Hiking on the wilderness trail network
Plan a walking outing using the wilderness’s 20-mile trail network through sandstone canyon country. Consult the Bureau of Land Management’s Red Cliffs National Conservation Area trail information to select a specific route and turnaround; the network total is not an individual route distance.
- Equestrian travel on wilderness trails
Equestrians also use the wilderness trails. Confirm a suitable riding route and vehicle-and-trailer access with the Bureau of Land Management rather than assuming the described dirt-road approach provides appropriate parking.
Sample itineraries
- Sandstone and Dry Washes Day Hike · 1 day
Choose a hiking trail using current Red Cliffs National Conservation Area trail information. Explore Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness's rounded Navajo Sandstone domes, small canyons, and desert vegetation. Set a turnaround point that matches the weather, water carried, and group ability.
- Two Days of Desert Habitat Walks · 2 days
Plan two separate day hikes, choosing trails with BLM guidance. Spend one day observing lowland shrubs and dry-wash vegetation, then another exploring rocky slopes with pinyon pine and Utah juniper. Watch for raptors above the canyons without approaching nests or wildlife.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Temperatures are more moderate than in summer, making this a practical season for hiking. The arid landscape still calls for carried water, sun protection, and a route suited to the day's forecast.
Summer
Summer
Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Shorten outings, avoid strenuous travel during the hottest hours, and carry enough water for the entire trip. Turn back before heat or dwindling water becomes an emergency.
Fall
Fall
Temperatures are more moderate than in summer. Plan hikes around current weather rather than assuming consistently comfortable conditions. Carry water and layers for outings across elevations ranging from roughly 3,300 to 5,000 feet.
Winter
Winter
Check the local forecast and current trail and dirt-road conditions before setting out. Pack layers and adjust the day's objective to actual conditions; do not assume desert terrain guarantees warm hiking weather.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Temperatures are more moderate than in summer, making this a practical season for hiking. The arid landscape still calls for carried water, sun protection, and a route suited to the day's forecast. |
| Summer | Summer | Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Shorten outings, avoid strenuous travel during the hottest hours, and carry enough water for the entire trip. Turn back before heat or dwindling water becomes an emergency. |
| Fall | Fall | Temperatures are more moderate than in summer. Plan hikes around current weather rather than assuming consistently comfortable conditions. Carry water and layers for outings across elevations ranging from roughly 3,300 to 5,000 feet. |
| Winter | Winter | Check the local forecast and current trail and dirt-road conditions before setting out. Pack layers and adjust the day's objective to actual conditions; do not assume desert terrain guarantees warm hiking weather. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and access rules with the Bureau of Land Management at 435-688-3200.
Official source: Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness - Utah - Bureau of Land Management · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Reduce exertion and turn back early if heat becomes difficult to manage.
- Arid terrain and dry washes make carrying sufficient water essential. Do not count on finding drinking water along the way.
- Rocky slopes, sandstone terrain, and sand dunes require careful footing. Choose terrain within the group's ability.
- Mountain lions and Gila monsters live here. Keep your distance from wildlife and never attempt to handle or feed animals.
What to pack for Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness
- Water sufficient for the full outing
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sun-protective clothing
- Current trail map
- Offline navigation
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Footwear with reliable traction
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Rain protection
- Snacks
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness?
- It lies in Utah within Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, near Washington County's population centers. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it borders Cottonwood Forest Wilderness on the Dixie National Forest.
- How do you reach the area?
- From I-15, take Exit 16, then follow 6300 W/Old Hwy 91 to N 5500 W. Turn west onto the dirt road between Winkel Distributing Co and the Rocky Mountain Power building, then drive under two bridges. Confirm your intended trail access with BLM before traveling.
- What hiking terrain should visitors expect?
- Jurassic-age Navajo Sandstone forms rounded domes and numerous small canyons. Sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and dry washes support Mojave Desert vegetation, with pinyon pine and Utah juniper higher on the slopes. The wilderness has 20 miles of trails.
- Can visitors ride horses or bicycles?
- Hiking and horseback riding are established activities here. Bicycles and other mechanical transport are generally prohibited in wilderness, as are motor vehicles and motorized equipment. Confirm activity-specific rules with BLM.
- Where can visitors find trail information?
- Consult the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area trail information or contact BLM at 435-688-3200. Select an actual trail access point; a wilderness inventory map point is not a trailhead or campsite.
- When are temperatures most comfortable for hiking?
- Spring and fall have more moderate temperatures than summer, when temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the forecast before every outing and match distance, timing, and water supplies to the conditions.