Activities in Utah › Nature Areas & Viewpoints › Washington

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness

Where: Washington, UT (Washington County)
Indoors or outdoors: Outdoors
Good for: outdoor lovers

Good to know

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is an 11,712-acre area that sits between the Colorado Plateau and Mojave Desert, creating a unique ecological transition zone south of Dixie National Forest. Nature lovers interested in diverse landscapes will appreciate the mix of desert and plateau terrain. Visit during mild seasons for the most comfortable hiking conditions.

Updated October 22, 2026

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Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is a 11,712-acre (47.4 km2) wilderness area in the US state of Utah. It was designated March 30, 2009, as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. Located adjacent to the southern edge of the Dixie National Forest, it encompasses and protects a transition zone between the Colorado Plateau to the east and the Mojave Desert to the west.

About Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is one of 36 nature areas and viewpoints in Washington on Go Do, in Washington County. It's an outdoor activity. The nearest other nature area or viewpoint is Elephant Arch, about 2.3 miles away, with 170 more within 30 miles. It's a good fit for outdoor lovers.