Cottonwood Narrows

Cottonwood Narrows is a 3.4-mile out-and-back through a slot canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, carved by Cottonwood Creek through the steeply tilted rock beds of the Cockscomb. The canyon shifts character along its length, from shadowed narrow slots to broad open wash, and most hikers find the north end tighter and more dramatic — worth the walk in from the south end trailhead to reach it.

Good to know

• Trailhead is about 25 miles up Cottonwood Canyon Road after turning off US-89 near Kanab
• Parking areas sit at both the north and south ends of the canyon
• Considered a moderately challenging route overall, though approachable for beginners
• Best hiked April through December; the canyon traps heat and the rock radiates it back, so plan for warm conditions inside