A 46-mile unpaved backcountry byway through the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante, tracing the tilted rock fins of the Cockscomb between Cannonville and US-89 near Lake Powell. En route: Grosvenor Arch, Cottonwood Narrows slot, and the yellow rock country near Hackberry Canyon — one of Utah's great adventure drives.
| Category | Scenic Drive |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Cannonville / Big Water (Kanab region) |
| Top activities | Driving the Cockscomb monocline, Cottonwood Narrows slot canyon walk, Grosvenor Arch stop, Lower Hackberry Canyon hike, Yellow Rock scramble for experienced hikers |
| Best time to visit | Spring and fall in dry weather only; the clay roadbed becomes truly impassable — not merely difficult — when wet, and summer storms hit fast. |
| Entrance fee | Free |
| Permits | None. 46 miles unpaved: high-clearance recommended, 4x4 advised after any weather; impassable when wet, no services or cell coverage. |
Visitor tip: Check conditions at the Cannonville or Big Water visitor center the same day — rangers' 'impassable when wet' warning is literal here; the bentonite clay turns to grease with a single storm. Carry a full tank, water, and a real spare.
More attractions & parks in Southern Utah Build a trip around this