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
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
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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