
Cottonwood Canyon Road in Utah: adventure and beauty, not for everyone
Usa, north-america
74 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Cottonwood Canyon Road, a scenic byway winding through Kane County, Utah, just north of Page, Arizona, and nestled in the stunning Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Also known as K7000 or Cottonwood Canyons Scenic Backway, this 74km (46-mile) dirt road connects Cannonville with Highway 89, near Big Water. Originally a maintenance road for power lines, it's now a pathway to incredible views!
The road is usually open year-round, *weather permitting*, and takes around 2 hours to drive, depending on how many photo stops you make! The first 9 miles from Cannonville are paved until you reach the turnoff for Kodachrome Basin State Park. After that, it's graded dirt with a clay base that becomes an absolute mud pit when wet.
While a hardy 2WD car can handle it in dry conditions, a 4x4 is definitely more comfortable. But beware, even SUVs can get stuck after rain! This road transforms into a slippery mess when wet, and flash floods can wash out sections, especially during summer thunderstorms. The surface can also be rough in places due to less maintenance recently. This road is NOT suitable for RVs or trailers.
Before you go, check conditions at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Cannonville. There are no services along the route, so pack food, water, and emergency supplies. And remember, if rain or snow is forecast, stay away!
Where is it?
Cottonwood Canyon Road in Utah: adventure and beauty, not for everyone is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.3787, -103.0091
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 74 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.3787, -103.0091
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIs the road to Billings Lake in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Colorado road trip fans, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Billings Lake in Chaffee County. Perched way up high at 11,791 feet, getting there is half the fun. The adventure starts from Maysville on Forest Road 240, a totally unpaved, 11.4-mile stretch that’s bumpy and rocky in spots. You’ll be gaining 3,553 feet in elevation, so expect some consistent climbing! A stock 4x4 is ideal, though most stock vehicles could handle it. Just be warned, the final bit narrows to a single lane, so keep an eye out. The scenery is AMAZING, seriously worth the drive. And the lake itself? Gorgeous, plus you can even fish there! Keep in mind, because it’s so high up in central Colorado, this road is usually closed for the winter. You'll know you're there when you reach the parking lot near Pride of the West Tunnel at 12,014 feet. Get ready for some seriously epic views!
moderateCancun Tourist Tax: What You Need to Know
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're heading to San José del PacÃfico, the mushroom mecca, and the drive itself is part of the adventure! We're talking about Puerto San Luis, winding through the Sierra Madre Occidental. It's not just a road; it's a 15-mile rollercoaster of pavement, climbing from around 6,500 feet to over 8,500 feet. Now, heads up! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect tight curves, sheer drop-offs, and maybe a rock or two deciding to chill in the road. But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. The views? Absolutely breathtaking! Think panoramic vistas of the mountains, valleys shrouded in mist, and that feeling of being on top of the world. Just take it slow, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready for some serious scenery. This road is an adventure in itself, and totally worth the white knuckles.
moderateHow long is Phillips Mine Road in Arizona?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: a short but sweet escape into Arizona's forgotten mining past. We're talking about Phillips Mine Road, kicking off near an old campground in the Seneca Lake Recreation Area. This isn't a super long haul, clocking in at just under 9 miles. You'll wind your way to a historic homestead near what used to be an asbestos mine. Now, for the road itself. Most of it's unpaved, so it's a bit bumpy, but nothing too crazy. Most SUVs should be able to handle it. If you want to get all the way to the abandoned buildings, you might want something a little more rugged. Keep in mind, this road climbs! You'll be cruising above 5,000 feet. One thing to watch out for: if it's been raining hard, the creeks you cross might be flooded and impassable. Is it worth it? Totally. This drive is tucked away in central Arizona, and the scenery is unreal. Think incredible views, deep canyons, and those iconic Arizona colors. And when you finally roll up to the old mining area? Get ready for some seriously spooky abandoned buildings. It's like stepping onto the set of a horror movie. Definitely a trip for the adventurous soul!
moderateWhere is Horseshoe Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Horseshoe Lake, a seriously stunning spot nestled high in the California mountains, specifically Mono County. You'll find it hanging out in the Mono Basin, right by the eastern Sierra Nevada and Inyo National Forest. Think postcard-perfect scenery... with a twist. The road in, Lake Mary Road, is a smooth 5.5-mile paved cruise from Mammoth Lakes. Don't get too comfy, though – you'll climb about 1,100 feet, so expect some moderately steep sections. We're talking an average gradient of 3.81% as you wind your way up to 8,996 feet. Heads up: this road is usually a no-go in winter. Once you arrive, you'll find a parking lot. Pro tip: hit it early or late to dodge the crowds. But here’s the thing – Horseshoe Lake has a bit of a dark side. There's naturally occurring carbon dioxide (CO₂) seeping from the ground. Like, a LOT of CO₂. We're talking levels high enough to kill trees and make the soil super toxic. They even call it a "tree kill zone!" Seriously, if you start feeling lightheaded, bail immediately. Camping? Hard pass. While the lake is gorgeous, and serves as a starting point for trails to Mammoth Pass and McLeod Lake, it's essential to be aware of the risks. You'll spot the warning signs, and they're not kidding. In drier years, you might even see the lake shrink, leaving behind a cool sandy beach. So, enjoy the views, snap some pics, but be smart and stay safe!