COTTONWOOD CANYON WILDERNESS

The United States Congress designated the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness in 2009 and it now has a total of 11,667 acres. It lies within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Here, massive blocks of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone have been eroded by wind and water, leaving rounded domes and numerous small canyons. The resulting landscape is both austere and intimate, affording outstanding opportunities for solitude and natural quiet, just minutes away from the major population centers of Washington County. Convenient trail access makes this Wilderness a popular choice for hikers and equestrians. There is a total of 20 miles of trail in Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness. Although it is at the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness supports plant and animals species that typify the arid Mojave Desert.

Whether you are an experienced rider or a first timer you will have the adventure of exploring the Red Cliffs, staging from the Cottonwood Trailhead. The hypnotic rhythm of the horse’s hooves conjure images of settlers migrating from the north over 160 years ago, or Southern Utah before Pine Mountain emerged becoming the dominate influence on desert life 30 million years ago or sand dunes as far as the eye can see 180 million years ago.

From November through April (May through October rides please go to Snow Canyon Trail Rides), daily 2 hour sessions (90 minutes on trail for $80/person) start at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. If you would like to stay on trail longer, there is a 2.5 hour session (2 hours on trail for $95/person) and a 3 hour session (2.5 hours on trail for $115/person). This location is only about 15 minutes from downtown St. George.  

A minimum of 2 riders are required for all tours or a private tour would be double the rate.  Only 6 riders can be accommodated at one ride time.  Groups larger than 6 riders would have to be split up into multiple ride times.  Holiday schedules are limited to only the 2 hour session. Please call  435-773-7630 to make a reservation.  Daily office hours are from 9:00 am-6:00 pm MT.

Reservations
REQUIRED

Call For Your Appointment!

1-435-773-7630

LIMITATIONS:


* Depending Upon One's Height, Weight Limit Is 240 lbs
Must Be Over 5'8" To Be Over 200 lbs
* Age Limit Is 6 Years Old
* 48 Hour Late Cancel Charge - $25.00
* No Show Charge - Full Rate For Ride

Your Proprietor -- Patty Arnett, a knowledgeable and experienced horsewoman for over 30 years, owning a training stables, competing at the international level (her stallion medaled at the Olympics), breeding horses and operating enjoyable and safe trail rides in southwest Utah.

Getting There -- Cottonwood Trailhead Directions – Take exit 16 off I-15 for the UT-9  (Highway 9 goes to Hurricane, Zion Canyon, Grand Canyon) about 12 miles north of St. George. Turn towards Hurricane and pass Coral Canyon. At the traffic light in 0.7 miles, turn left on Old Highway 91 (Chevron on corner). Now go exactly 2 miles north. Watch on your left for a gravel road that enters a tiny single-lane slot under the freeway, with a sign that says "Cottonwood Trailhead". It will be between a beer warehouse labeled Winkel Distributing and a Rocky Mountain Power office. Turn left and drive 0.25 miles under both lanes of the freeway to reach the trailhead.  Look for a white truck and grey trailer.

Happy Trails!