. A new trailhead constructed in 2009 by the High Desert Backcountry Horsemenin cooperation with Kanab City and BLM. Go south 0.8 miles from the stoplight in Kanab at the
junction of Highways 89 and 89A. Look for a large sign on the west side of 89A that says “Kanab
Creek Ranchos.” Turn right (west) on Kanab Creek Drive, go down into Kanab Creek and back up.
Continue straight through the 4-way stop. As Kanab Ck Drive turns to the left (south) turn right on the
next street, Stansfield Drive, and continue to the west. You go down the hill to Bunting Trailhead
(hiking only) and back up the hill to the Cottonwood Canyon Trailhead.
Large parking area with a trailhead sign and a beautiful picnic area. Study the map before starting on
trail. The ride-through swing gate is unlocked. Be sure and fasten the chain clip to keep the cattle from
getting out of the BLM pasture. You will see the hiker-horse trail signs. Pay attention as you ride and
look for rock cairns along the trail. There are not a lot of signs on the trail. There is some flagging
along the trail but it may be faded or missing.
The first part of the trail is difficult with a lot of steep ups and downs. Basically you are following an
old ATV trail. (The area is now limited to non-motorized access.) Eventually you will come to a small
ride-through iron gate. From there go southerly along an old road until you see a large cairn. Turn right
and follow the trail down into the wash. You will follow the wash bottom until you come to a large pile
of lumber left over from the movie set. Leave the canyon and go west cross-country. You will cross
three old roads and within an hour come to a more-used two-track headed north towards Cottonwood
Canyon. This road also has a Fredonia City buried water line and occasionally you will see evidence of
the water line. Eventually you will join the Cottonwood Canyon road and continue north. There is a
locked gate. Get the combination before you leave by calling either 435-818-0005 or 435-644-5694
(two members of the High Desert Backcountry Horsemen Chapter). When you go through the locked
gate, you are entering private land. Please respect the landowner’s demands that we stay on the road,
lock the gate behind you, and do not give the combination to others. The further north you ride the
pretty the canyon gets. But you need to turn around and come back out before dark.