Cottonwood Canyon

Trail Overview

Cottonwood Canyon is an out-and-back wash trail--1.5+ miles one way, 3+ miles roundtrip--that leads bold adventurers into the tiny BLM sliver through the Mount Nutt Wilderness. Previous tire tracks indicate that others have been curious about this trail as well. The trail begins in the washbed just off of Silver Creek Road, making its way eastward towards the canyon. The entire trail is a river wash, with the terrain consisting of loose sand and many, many rocks of varying sizes, some upwards of 2-3 feet tall. At times the trail disappears over rock gardens and reappears in the sand. Throughout the trail, several spots become incredibly narrow with vegetation overgrowth. It's slow going as you make your way deeper into the canyon. Previous tire tracks continue beyond where the OnX track ends. Rusted pipes along the way indicate there was likely water collection from Cottonwood Spring at some point, possibly the reason the trail exists in the first place. Because this is a wash trail, if rain is forecasted, avoid this route due to the risk of flash flooding.

Photos of Cottonwood Canyon

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Difficulty

The entire trail is a river wash, with the terrain consisting of loose sand and many, many rocks of varying sizes, some upwards of 2-3 feet tall. At times the trail disappears over rock gardens and reappears in the sand. Throughout the trail, several spots become incredibly narrow with vegetation overgrowth.

Technical Rating