Atlas › Capitol Reef / Waterpocket
Cottonwood Wash (Capitol Reef)
verified 2026-05-12
Ungraded
High flood risk
Torrey, UT
Less-traveled than Burro. Slots up to 8 ft wide and 40 ft high. Often a deep chockstone pool blocks middle.
Different canyon than the Cottonwood Narrows on Cottonwood Canyon Rd.
Logistics
| Manager | NPS Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Permit | Capitol Reef NP entrance fee: $20/vehicle, $15/motorcycle, $10/person on foot or bike (7 day pass; America the Beautiful accepted). Free day-use canyoneering permit required for any rope/rappel descent, obtained in person at the Visitor Center or online via email request. Free backcountry permit for overnight trips. |
| Distance | ~6 RT |
| Elevation | ~400 ft |
| Time | 5-8 hr |
| Technical | Moderate non-tech, pools to 6 ft, chokestones. Most turn at 40-ft dryfall. |
| Season | Spring, fall; not after rains |
| Flood risk | High |
| Vehicle access | Notom-Bullfrog Rd 9.1 mi south of Hwy 24 |
| Crowd | Very low |
| Coordinates | 38.1011, -111.1539 |