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Cottonwood Hills - Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

Cottonwood Hills - Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance: 5.9 miles round trip

TRAIL SUMMARY

At just the right time of day, Cottonwood Hills holds a spectacular view of the Red Cliffs and Pine Valley Mountain.  The trail begins about 0.5 miles from the trailhead along Cottonwood Trail and is fairly easy to follow.  Most of the path is sandy making it hard to trek at times but overall the hike is considered moderate.  There are a few stretches of elevation changes as the trail winds around some hills of the Red Cliffs area.  The trail runs until connecting with Spanish Wash and Coachwhip.  Overall this is a great trail if you are willing to hike a little bit.  I recommend hiking in the evening when the lighting produces an incredible view of the surrounding area.  Zion National Park can be seen throughout the hike which is always a treat.  Be sure to pack a lot of water and be ready to hike up small sandy hills.

TRAIL DETAILS

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Moderate

ROUND TRIP LENGTH

5.9 miles round trip

AVERAGE HIKE TIME

GPS COORDINATES

37.186754, -113.424308

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

DISTANCE FROM ST GEORGE

12.1 miles (19 mins driving)

RESTROOM FACILITIES

Vault Toilets at Trailhead

HIKERS ALLOWED

Yes

DOGS ALLOWED

Yes, on 6 ft leash

BIKERS ALLOWED

Yes

EQUESTRIAN ALLOWED

Yes

HIKE TYPE

Out & Back

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO HIKE

Great Year Round

BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO HIKE

Morning, Evening

GROUP LIMIT

No Limit

PERMIT INFORMATION

No Permit Required

COST

No Cost

WATER SOURCES AVAILABLE

Water Available at Trailhead

CAMP SITES

No Camping Available on Trail

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Dirt Single Track, Sandy

SUN EXPOSURE

Full Sun Exposure

TRAIL MAP

Download Map

LOCAL SERVICES

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD

Directions to Trailhead: Get on I-15 N and drive until exit 16 toward Hurricane. After 3 miles, turn left and take Take 6300 W/Old Hwy 91 to N 5500 W at the first light. From here, the trailhead can be accessed behind a warehouse. There is a sign indicating the entrance. Parking is found on the other side of the highway.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Plants: Typical plant life for Southern Utah lowland hiking.
Animals: Typical animal life for Southern Utah lowland hiking.

TRAIL REPORT

Coming Soon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Spencer McMullin

Spencer McMullin is originally from Connecticut but has deep ties to the Southern Utah area.  His passion for adventure and photography has lead him to HikeStGeorge.

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