Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in southern Utah, United States.
Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is a protected area in southern Utah covering approximately 11,700 acres of land. The landscape features massive red sandstone cliffs from the Jurassic period, carved by water and wind into rounded domes and deep canyons.
Congress protected this area in 2009 through federal legislation aimed at safeguarding southwestern Utah's natural landscapes. The designation reflected a broader effort to preserve the region's distinct geological formations and ecosystems.
The name comes from the cottonwood trees growing in the canyons, which shape the visual character of the place. This vegetation marks where two different ecosystems meet and shows how the landscape naturally shifts between regions.
Visitors can enjoy hiking and horseback riding on accessible trails without traveling far from nearby towns. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited, so plan to explore on foot or horseback.
The area is home to desert tortoises, Gila monsters, and chuckwallas, species rarely found outside this protected zone. These animals share the landscape with golden eagles and showcase the blend of two ecosystems in one place.
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