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    Hikes/United States/Utah/Capitol Reef National Park

    Cottonwood Wash

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    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
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    10.3 km
    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
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    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.

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    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

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