Cottonwood Wash

This canyon requires a lengthy car shuttle between the starting and exit trailheads, typically 1 to 1.5 hours each way. While it may be possible for an ambitious group to devise an overland approach from the exit parking area, the route described here follows the standard approach: beginning on the western side of the reef and hiking up and over to reach the canyon head. There are two common ways to handle the shuttle logistics: Option 1 Park a recovery vehicle at the exit (either the evening before or early in the morning). Drive to the starting trailhead, descend the canyon, then use the recovery vehicle at the exit to return to the start and pick up the remaining vehicle. Option 2 Arrange support from someone not joining the canyon. They can either drop your group off at the start or pick you up at the exit, minimizing the number of vehicles you need to leave behind and eliminating the need for a post-canyon recovery.