Cottonwood Wash Narrows

verified 2026-05-12 ACA 1A Moderate flood risk Kanab, UT

Short, easy-to-miss narrows where the wash cuts through a tilted Navajo fin. Pleasant 1-hour stop.

Park at the colorful red/orange/white jagged rocks.

Logistics

Manager	BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Permit	No fee, no day-use permit required. Free overnight backpacking permit required for any backcountry camping (self-issue at developed trailheads or at GSENM visitor centers in Cannonville, Escalante, Kanab, or Big Water). Day-use is free.
Distance	3.2 RT
Elevation	Flat
Time	1-2 hr
Technical	Non-technical
Season	Spring, summer, fall
Flood risk	Moderate
Vehicle access	Cottonwood Canyon Rd, ~22 mi south of Cannonville; bentonite clay impassable wet
Crowd	Low
Coordinates	37.3208, -111.8694