Colorful Canyon in Utah

Colorful Canyon

USA. Utah. Cottonwood Canyon Road

Location: 37.298070, -111.892450

I took this photo in Utah, a huge state, where distances between famous national parks can easily stretch hundreds of kilometers. When planning a trip here, it’s important to keep that in mind.

Sometimes you can save time by taking a shorter route, such as the Cottonwood Canyon Road. Instead of driving 400 km on the highway, this scenic dirt road cuts the distance to just 75 km, crossing the Grand Staircase–Escalante mountain range. This historic route was once traveled by Native Americans and later by the first Mormon settlers.

The road is mostly unpaved and can be tricky in some sections. The desert and mountain views, however, are absolutely breathtaking. Most vehicles can handle it in dry conditions, but it becomes challenging after rain. There is no cell service or gas along the entire route, so travelers must be fully self-sufficient.

This is a remote and little-known area, visited by few tourists. Surrounded by desert landscapes and rugged mountain ridges, the road offers a true adventure and stunning vistas.