Cottonwood Canyon Road is a roughly 46-mile unpaved route connecting Highway 89 near Big Water to Cannonville, cutting through some of the most striking backcountry scenery near Kanab and the Kodachrome Basin/Grosvenor Arch area. It's graded dirt and clay, not pavement, and it earns a strong 4.6 rating from travelers who came prepared for a real backcountry drive rather than a scenic byway.
What to expect
- Passable by most SUVs and crossovers in dry conditions, though high clearance is a real asset and 4WD is recommended, especially with a trailer
- Washboard sections and steep grades in spots; reviewers note the stretch near Grosvenor Arch can be rutted and slow after rain
- Clay sections become impassable when wet — check weather before heading out, since flash storms can close the road with little warning
- Popular with mountain bikers and e-bikers as well as drivers, with short spur hikes and viewpoints along the way
Reviewers consistently point to the scenery as the payoff: layered cliffs, open desert, and access to Grosvenor Arch without the crowds of the paved parks nearby. It's a good link if you're routing between Kodachrome Basin and the Paria area, or just want a genuine backcountry drive out of Kanab. Fill up on gas and check current conditions locally before committing — this isn't a road to start on a near-empty tank or without a spare tire.
