Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Hikes/United States/Utah/Capitol Reef National Park
    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    368 m
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    10.3 km
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3-4h
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    Google Maps
    Apple Maps

    Cottonwood Wash

    See Map
    Measurement:

    Download an interactive map and guide on your phone today!

    Table of contents

    The Cottonwood Wash Trail is a lovely low-traffic hike in Capitol Reef National Park. This hike has lots of opportunities for adventure with some good scramble sections over large rocks. While you’re hiking along, keep an eye out for desert wildlife such as lizards, snakes, and hawks.

    Route Description for Cottonwood Wash

    The Cottonwood Wash Trail is a moderately challenging hike in a low-traffic area of Capitol Reef National Park. Along this trail, you will have to climb and clamber your way over rocky sections so wear proper footwear with good grip. Until you get to the slot canyon section, there is no shade along this route so lather on the sunscreen and wear a good sunhat to block the desert rays. Overall, this hike is a fun little adventure along a rugged trail and the slot canyon section is cool and serene. If you are looking for a quiet day exploring Capitol Reef National Park, this is a great trail for you.

    From the parking area, follow the path westward along Cottonwood wash. Continue down the Wash and through the narrows until you reach an insurmountable obstacle or just decide you’ve seen enough.

    When you are ready to head home, turn around and follow your footsteps back to the parking area.

    Getting to the Cottonwood Wash Trailhead

    This hike begins at the Cottonwood Wash parking area on the west side of Notom-Bullfrog Road.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground:

      No

    • When to do:

      March to November

    • Pets allowed:

      No

    • Family friendly:

      No

    • Route Signage:

      Average

    • Crowd Levels:

      Low

    • Route Type:

      Out and back

    Cottonwood Wash Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Reviews

    0.0
    No reviews
    Write a review
    ×

    Add a review

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    WE ARE HERE TO HELP

    Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.

    Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

    Nearby Trails

    West Pleasant Creek Trail

    West Pleasant Creek Trail

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Moderate
    14.2 km
    230 m
    3-4.5h
    Old Wagon Loop

    Old Wagon Loop

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Moderate
    6 km
    325 m
    2-2.5h
    Red Canyon Trail

    Red Canyon Trail

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Easy
    4.2 km
    68 m
    1-1.5h
    Pleasant Creek Trail

    Pleasant Creek Trail

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Moderate
    11.4 km
    162 m
    2.5-3.5h
    Grand Wash Trail via Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
    Moderate
    11.1 km
    170 m
    2.5-3.5h
    Capitol Gorge to Tanks Trail

    Capitol Gorge to Tanks Trail

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Easy
    3.5 km
    121 m
    1-1.5h
    Burro Wash Trail

    Burro Wash Trail

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Moderate
    12.2 km
    303 m
    3-4h
    Cassidy Arch, Frying Pan, and Cohab Canyon Trail
    Moderate
    8 km
    445 m
    2.5-3.5h
    Capitol Gorge Trail

    Capitol Gorge Trail

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Easy
    7.2 km
    114 m
    1.5-2h
    The Golden Throne Trail

    The Golden Throne Trail

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Moderate
    5.6 km
    237 m
    1.5-2.5h
    The Cassidy Arch Trail

    The Cassidy Arch Trail

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Moderate
    5 km
    203 m
    1.5-2h
    The Grand Wash Trail via Northeast Trailhead
    Easy
    8 km
    104 m
    1.5-2.5h

    Nearby Regions

    10Adventures Trail App

    Take your trails online! Keep track of your route along the way.

    Download for free today.

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter