Cottonwood Canyon Road ~ 4×4 Trail ~ Off-Roading ~ Dirt Road ~ Grosvenor Arch ~ Kodachrome Basin State Park
Type of Road: Maintained 2WD !!WHEN DRY!!! Impassable when wet.
Length: 46 miles
Difficulty: Easy – When Dry!
Terrain: Gravel Road, Switchbacks, Shale that quickly turns to mud
Destination: Through Road from Highway 89 to Scenic Highway 12
Elevation Gain: 1970 feet
Directions to the Road
~ From the south end: turn north off of Highway 89 at Mile Marker 17.7 approximately 10 miles from Page AZ and 46.3 Miles from Kanab Utah
~ From the north end: turn south off of Scenic Highway 12 onto Main St./Kodachrome Rd in Cannonville Utah. There will be a country hotel/gas station at the turn.
Cottonwood Canyon Road Drive Description
Cottonwood Canyon Road is a 46-mile scenic backcountry route in Southern Utah that connects U.S. Highway 89 near Kanab to Utah State Route 12 near Cannonville. This dirt road winds through the remote and stunning landscapes of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offering breathtaking views of the Paria River Valley, Cockscomb Ridge, and vast desert expanses, including overlooks of Kodachrome Basin State Park. It’s a must-see for those seeking an accessible adventure in the heart of Utah’s Canyon Country. The road is unpaved and conditions can vary, ranging from sand and rock to muddy, depending on the weather. After heavy rain, sections may become impassable due to deep mud or flash floods. Check the conditions HERE While a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, 4WD is not always necessary in dry conditions. However, if you’re traveling after rain or during winter, a 4WD vehicle is strongly advised. The drive typically takes about 2 to 3 hours without stops, but plan for more time to enjoy the scenery and make occasional detours. Additionally, the road offers access to a wide range of hiking opportunities for all skill levels, so be sure to bring your hiking gear.