Travel Guide to Cottonwood Narrows

Getting There

• Car

  From the visitor center at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, head east on Highway 12. Continue for about 12 miles until you reach the turnoff for Cottonwood Canyon Road. Turn left onto Cottonwood Canyon Road. Drive approximately 9 miles on this unpaved road, which can be rough and may require a high-clearance vehicle, especially after rain. Look for the parking area on the right side of the road, which is marked for Cottonwood Narrows. Park here and prepare for your hike.

• Public Transportation

  While there is limited public transportation in the area, you can use a shuttle service from nearby towns like Kanab or Escalante. Once you arrive at the designated drop-off point near the entrance of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, you will need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to take you to Cottonwood Canyon Road. Be sure to discuss your return transportation with the shuttle service in advance as it may not be readily available.

• Hiking

  If you are already in the vicinity of Cottonwood Narrows and prefer to hike, locate the trailhead which starts near the parking area on Cottonwood Canyon Road. The hike into Cottonwood Narrows is approximately 1.5 miles one way, following the sandy wash into the narrows. Be prepared for uneven ground and potentially wet conditions in the narrows, depending on the season.