Rain GaugeSeed Planting DayHawaii Stormy BeachLaguna Beach Sunset

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness – Image Gallery

The 19,410-acre Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is 120 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona in Graham and Pinal counties.  The wilderness includes the 11-mile long Aravaipa Canyon, as well as, the surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000-foot canyon walls, outstanding scenery, wildlife, and rich history are all protected. Seven species of native desert fish, desert bighorn sheep, and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek.  A permit is required to enter Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.  Use is limited to 50 people per day; this provides solitude for the visitor and reduces impacts to the environment. 

Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon:   www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/ara...
The 19,410-acre Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is 120 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona in Graham and Pinal counties.  The wilderness includes the 11-mile long Aravaipa Canyon, as well as, the surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000-foot canyon walls, outstanding scenery, wildlife, and rich history are all protected. Seven species of native desert fish, desert bighorn sheep, and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek.  A permit is required to enter Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.  Use is limited to 50 people per day; this provides solitude for the visitor and reduces impacts to the environment. 

Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon:   www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/ara...
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness in the St George Field Office. 
PC: Melissa Buchmann
The approximately 11,700 acre Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is within the newly-designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and shares a common boundary with the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness, located on the Dixie National Forest. Here, massive blocks of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone have been eroded by wind and water, leaving rounded domes and numerous small canyons. The resulting landscape is both austere and intimate, affording outstanding opportunities for solitude and natural quiet.
Photo: Bob Wick, BLM

For more information about the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, visit: www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/blm_special_areas/nati...
The approximately 11,700 acre Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is within the newly-designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and shares a common boundary with the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness, located on the Dixie National Forest. Here, massive blocks of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone have been eroded by wind and water, leaving rounded domes and numerous small canyons. The resulting landscape is both austere and intimate, affording outstanding opportunities for solitude and natural quiet.
Photo: Bob Wick, BLM

For more information about the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, visit: www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/blm_special_areas/nati...
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness within the Red Cliffs NCA, St George Field Office.
PC: Melissa Buchmann
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness wildflowers, St. George Field Office. 
PC: Melissa Buchmann
Red cliffs on Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness within the Red Cliffs NCA, St George Field Office.
PC: Melissa Buchmann
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness hikers, St George Field Office.
PC: Melissa Buchmann
Photo by: Melissa Buchmann


Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness in Utah is a remote and rugged desert landscape featuring towering cliffs, deep canyons, and pristine wilderness.


Details

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness

The Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is located in southern Utah, encompassing 11,700 acres of stunning red rock canyons, towering cliffs, and winding washes. This wilderness area is part of the larger Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and offers visitors a truly remote and rugged experience.

Features

Some of the notable features of the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness include: - Deep, narrow canyons carved by the meandering Cottonwood Wash - Towering sandstone cliffs that reach heights of up to 1,000 feet - Ancient rock art and archaeological sites left behind by the area's early inhabitants - Diverse plant and animal life, including desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and various species of cacti and wildflowers - Secluded camping spots and hiking trails that provide access to the area's stunning scenery

Ecological Significance

The Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness plays a crucial role in preserving the unique ecosystem of southern Utah. The area is home to a variety of plant and animal species that are specially adapted to the harsh desert environment. By protecting this wilderness area, we are ensuring the continued survival of these species and maintaining the health of the local ecosystem. Additionally, the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of Utah's red rock country. Its remote location and rugged terrain make it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and adventure in the great outdoors.



Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness


Points of Interest

The Wave

The Wave is a stunning rock formation located in the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness. Its unique swirling patterns and vibrant colors make it a popular spot for photographers and hikers. Access to The Wave is limited and requires a permit, adding to its allure.

Wire Pass Trail

Wire Pass Trail is a scenic hike that leads to the Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest slot canyons in the world. The trail features towering red rock walls and narrow passageways, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

South Coyote Buttes

South Coyote Buttes is another popular destination in the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness. It is home to unique rock formations, such as the famous "Toadstool Hoodoos" and "The Teepees." Visitors can explore the area on foot and marvel at the natural beauty of the landscape.

White Pocket

White Pocket is a remote area in the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness known for its intricate rock formations and vibrant colors. The area is a favorite among photographers and geology enthusiasts, who come to witness the surreal landscape created by the swirling patterns of sandstone.



Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness – Images

The 19,410-acre Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is 120 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona in Graham and Pinal counties.  The wilderness includes the 11-mile long Aravaipa Canyon, as well as, the surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000-foot canyon walls, outstanding scenery, wildlife, and rich history are all protected. Seven species of native desert fish, desert bighorn sheep, and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek.  A permit is required to enter Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.  Use is limited to 50 people per day; this provides solitude for the visitor and reduces impacts to the environment. 

Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon:   www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/ara...

Description: The 19,410-acre Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is 120 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona in Graham and Pinal counties. The wilderness includes the 11-mile long Aravaipa Canyon, as well as, the surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000-foot canyon walls, outstanding scenery, wildlife, and rich history are all protected. Seven species of native desert fish, desert bighorn sheep, and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek. A permit is required to enter Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Use is limited to 50 people per day; this provides solitude for the visitor and reduces impacts to the environment. Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/ara...

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

The 19,410-acre Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is 120 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona in Graham and Pinal counties.  The wilderness includes the 11-mile long Aravaipa Canyon, as well as, the surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000-foot canyon walls, outstanding scenery, wildlife, and rich history are all protected. Seven species of native desert fish, desert bighorn sheep, and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek.  A permit is required to enter Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.  Use is limited to 50 people per day; this provides solitude for the visitor and reduces impacts to the environment. 

Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon:   www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/ara...

Description: The 19,410-acre Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is 120 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona in Graham and Pinal counties. The wilderness includes the 11-mile long Aravaipa Canyon, as well as, the surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000-foot canyon walls, outstanding scenery, wildlife, and rich history are all protected. Seven species of native desert fish, desert bighorn sheep, and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek. A permit is required to enter Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Use is limited to 50 people per day; this provides solitude for the visitor and reduces impacts to the environment. Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/ara...

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness in the St George Field Office. 
PC: Melissa Buchmann

Description: Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness in the St George Field Office. PC: Melissa Buchmann

Image by BLMUtah – Public domain – Wikimedia

The approximately 11,700 acre Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is within the newly-designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and shares a common boundary with the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness, located on the Dixie National Forest. Here, massive blocks of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone have been eroded by wind and water, leaving rounded domes and numerous small canyons. The resulting landscape is both austere and intimate, affording outstanding opportunities for solitude and natural quiet.
Photo: Bob Wick, BLM

For more information about the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, visit: www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/blm_special_areas/nati...

Description: The approximately 11,700 acre Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is within the newly-designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and shares a common boundary with the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness, located on the Dixie National Forest. Here, massive blocks of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone have been eroded by wind and water, leaving rounded domes and numerous small canyons. The resulting landscape is both austere and intimate, affording outstanding opportunities for solitude and natural quiet. Photo: Bob Wick, BLM For more information about the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, visit: www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/blm_special_areas/nati...

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

The approximately 11,700 acre Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is within the newly-designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and shares a common boundary with the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness, located on the Dixie National Forest. Here, massive blocks of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone have been eroded by wind and water, leaving rounded domes and numerous small canyons. The resulting landscape is both austere and intimate, affording outstanding opportunities for solitude and natural quiet.
Photo: Bob Wick, BLM

For more information about the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, visit: www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/blm_special_areas/nati...

Description: The approximately 11,700 acre Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is within the newly-designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and shares a common boundary with the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness, located on the Dixie National Forest. Here, massive blocks of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone have been eroded by wind and water, leaving rounded domes and numerous small canyons. The resulting landscape is both austere and intimate, affording outstanding opportunities for solitude and natural quiet. Photo: Bob Wick, BLM For more information about the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, visit: www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/blm_special_areas/nati...

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness within the Red Cliffs NCA, St George Field Office.
PC: Melissa Buchmann

Description: Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness within the Red Cliffs NCA, St George Field Office. PC: Melissa Buchmann

Image by BLMUtah – Public domain – Wikimedia

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness wildflowers, St. George Field Office. 
PC: Melissa Buchmann

Description: Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness wildflowers, St. George Field Office. PC: Melissa Buchmann

Image by BLMUtah – Public domain – Wikimedia

Red cliffs on Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness within the Red Cliffs NCA, St George Field Office.
PC: Melissa Buchmann

Description: Red cliffs on Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness within the Red Cliffs NCA, St George Field Office. PC: Melissa Buchmann

Image by BLMUtah – Public domain – Wikimedia

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness hikers, St George Field Office.
PC: Melissa Buchmann

Description: Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness hikers, St George Field Office. PC: Melissa Buchmann

Image by BLMUtah – Public domain – Wikimedia

Photo by: Melissa Buchmann

Description: Photo by: Melissa Buchmann

Image by BLMUtah – Public domain – Wikimedia

Search


Quick Links

National Parks (NEW)
National Forests (NEW)
National Monuments (NEW)
National Recreation Areas
State Parks
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Areas
Wilderness Areas (NEW)

By The Numbers (NEW)
- Populations of all Countries (NEW)

Ideas - Stock Tickers
Running USA Debt Total