The Best Overlanding Trail in Utah You've Never Heard Of! [Close to the Wave & Grande Canyon]

Want to take your overland rig on a trail that you have never heard of but will absolutely blow your mind and any overlanding expectations? Cottonwood Canyon near the Utah Arizona boarder is exactly where you need to take your 4x4! This trail has everything you could possibly want when it comes to a camping and overlanding adventure. Before we talk about that absolute gem, we need to start at the beginning.
Making the long drive from Colorado to southern Utah we turned off to HWY 12 by Panguitch to head south, cutting through Red Canyon, right by the icon Bryce Canyon. It was already dark when I came across a dirt road. Using Gaia I was able to navigate to what I thought was going to be an acceptable spot, but was I surprised in the morning. Waking up I realized that we had parked up right next to a cliff side and across the canyon were caves and arches. This was supposed to be just an overnight pitstop on the way to the iconic destinations this area has to offer, but this campsite provided it’s own fantastic show.
After admiring my unexpected morning, it was time to hit the road and start our long day on the trail. The trail starts off being called Codacrome Rd but eventually turns into Cottonwood Canyon. I was really just using Cottonwood to link up with another trail so I could head down to The Wave and the Grand Canyon. Basically, just wanted to avoid black top. Luckily I made this choice, Cottonwood Canyon might be one of the most aesthetically amazing tails in the Southwest. The dirt road quickly climbs up a mesa, giving you great views of towering sandstone cliffs. Once you come down the other side, the really entertainment begins. Red and white spires and cliffs come right up to the road, in shapes I have never seen before. I thought this was going to be the highlight, but the finale was about to shock and awe. A valley opened up with large hills on one side and cream and burgundy stone cliffs reaching to the sky on the other. In the middle there are perfectly spaced pyramid shaped mounds that resemble the back of a dragon jutting through the valley floor. It looks man made, hard to think it was created by nature. Between the trail and the cliffs there is a small creek with plenty of large trees that would make for excellent camping. The cliffs themselves are sliced through with slot canyons and hiking trails. This area alone requires its own trip. I really want to go back to this part of Cottonwood Canyon and just spend a solid week exploring.
Once passed the magical valley, the land gives way to a grey and baron moonscape with nothing but scales of grey, surrounded by cliffs in the distance. The trail ends right next HWY 89 at a big stagging area. From here you can shoot right over House Rock Road, so you can go check out the wave. This place can be tackled by just about any 4x4, Tacoma, 4runner, Jeep, Wrangler, Rubicon or…. Subaru. You get the idea, it is an easy trail. It is a serious drive to get to this place, but like in most cases, being out of the way is what helps make a place even more special. And remember, What’s Your GOL?
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[@adventurelifewithbob2960]

Enjoyed your video! I live in Southern Utah. There is no better place to explore and enjoy off-roading.

[@grandeoverland6787]

I used to live around Zion in the late 80s early 90s. It has changed a lot, but I would have to agree with you, Southern Utah doesn't come in 2nd place!

[@bluecruiser2019]

Cottonwood canyon is awesome!! The only thing that messes it up is the power lines.

[@grandeoverland6787]

So cool that you know that area! Really feels like the middle of nowhere...minus those damn power lines. I need to make another trip back there and see what else is going on for sure.

[@bluecruiser2019]

@@grandeoverland6787 if you get back down that way you should throw in White Pocket in the Vermillion Cliffs. Well worth the trip and a really fun drive!

[@Don7Jaguar]

Hi! I'm planning a trip next year in the area. I hiked Buckskin Gulch in Vermilion Cliffs last September.
Can you please tell me the road / location you were on at the 7:30 mark of this video? The road weaving through pyramid shaped mounds. If I can, I'll definitely go 😊

[@grandeoverland6787]

I would 100% recommend checking out that area. It is a pretty easy trail (as long as it is dry) and the scenery is fantastic. The trail is Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Hope this helps you out and have a great trip!

[@Don7Jaguar]

@@grandeoverland6787 I tried to find the exact spot on Google maps, but that road is at least 32 miles, and I couldn't locate that portion of your trip. 🙏

[@grandeoverland6787]

@@Don7Jaguar Those formations are about on Cottonwood Canyon Rd, about 18 miles North of Hwy 89. That should get you to the spot.