Exploring Cottonwood Canyon Road in April 2017, I could find no way down into the Cottonwood Narrows at this northern end. No signs, no trails, just wandering around finding four to six foot drops into the canyon. I can jump down, BUT how do I get back up? Good to think ahead. Hoping the access they created for us is easy. Come on along into the Narrows!
Here we go . . .
About 20 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park is a 40-mile road that will take your breath away: Cottonwood Canyon Road. It is in the southwest part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a rugged, remote 1.87 million acre wilderness and a Utah jewel. The landscape has unique geologic formations of red, white, pink, blue, green, yellow, and more. Coming up out of the sagebrush valley, we are south of Kodachrome Basin State Park. Our “kodachrome” colors will only get better! The first six miles of Cottonwood Canyon Road is paved, but then we adventure on a graded dirt and clay surface with warnings to never travel when raining. Well, it is a beautiful day with no rain forecast so off we go!
It is really windy as we start our hike to the overlook of Upheaval Dome in Canyonlands National Park. Watch your step as we head to this incredible geologic wonder!
We are still dealing with blowing sand and high winds which is blotting out any chance of blue sky. No worries, we’ll get our “blue” in other places–just wait. For now, though, we have only a 1/2 mile walk uphill to Upheaval Dome’s overlook so let’s go.
So what to do with your one day in Canyonlands National Park when the entire eastern side of Utah is experiencing sandstorms with sustained winds from 30-60mph? You take pictures anyway and enjoy the day! Maybe protection from breathing in the sand is a much better use for face masks. Never mind. Let’s go my friend–just hold onto your hat.
