Yellow rock is a unique rock formation with swirls of yellow and other colors. The trail is relatively steep but not too long. In addition to the cool rocks, the views from the top of Yellow Rock are stunning! Yellow Rock is located on the famous Cottonwood Canyon Road, surrounded by beauty and adventure!
Song Recommendation
Yellow by Cold Play. When hiking Yellow Rock, you will see vibrant colors everywhere, but the yellows are truly magical. Enjoy the sunshine, rocks, and flowers!
Directions to Cottonwood Canyon Road
Yellow Rock is located on Cottonwood Canyon Road, which is an adventure in itself. Cottonwood Canyon Road begins or ends just off Highway 89, just west of Big Water, Utah, or in Cannonville, Utah, depending on your direction.
For this post, I will refer to starting the trip from Highway 89 near Bigwater, Utah, to and ending on Highway 12 in Cannonville, Utah.
Coming from Page, Arizona, or Kanab, Utah, take Highway 89 to Cottonwood Road, which is located between mile markers 17 and 18. You will see a large sign off the road. Once on Cottonwood Road, follow the main road until you reach Cannonville on Highway 12.
Directions to Yellow Rock Trailhead
Yellow Rock is located 31.7 miles from the north end of Cottonwood Canyon Road in Cannonville and 14.3 miles from US 89. There aren’t any signs for Yellow Rock, but you will see a dirt pull-off parking on the side of the road.
Hiking Yellow Rock
Yellow Rock entails a 2.6-mile round-trip hike that requires a challenging climb. The trail leads through intriguing rock formations to a breathtaking vista. As there are no signs, I highly advise using a navigation app.
The trail begins west of the parking area. Follow the trail towards the small side canyon to the west. As you progress, you’ll ascend the rocky slope to the right, where shortly after, the terrain will level out, revealing stunning hues. From this point onward, there’s no designated trail. You can rely on Cairns for guidance or venture out on your own. Everywhere you turn, there are captivating rocks and breathtaking vistas to behold. After you’ve finished exploring, retrace your steps the same way you came.
Nearby Hikes
Catstair Canyon
Catstair Canyon is located just outside Paria, Utah, and is a unique hiking place. The canyon has two entrances. Lower Catstari Canyon provides a short, easy hike to pictographs and petroglyphs, while Upper Catstair Canyon takes you through a more challenging slot canyon with a large pile of stacked-up old cars.
Cobra Arch
Cobra Arch is distinguished by its unique shape, reminiscent of a cobra’s hood ready to strike. The round trip distance to reach Cobra Arch is approximately 7 miles, and the difficulty level is typically moderate.
Grosvenor Arch
Located down the road from Yellow Rock, on Cottonwood Canyon Road, Grosvenor Arch is a double arch formation in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument at the end of Cottonwood Canyon Road. The distance to Grosvenor Arch is only a short walk from the parking area. The hike is easy, making it accessible to all.
Nautilus
The Nautilus is a nice, easy hike outside Paria, Utah. It is less than a mile round trip and leads to a cool rock formation resembling a nautilus shell.
Old Paria
The Old Paria Townsite, nestled near present-day Kanab, Utah, is a hauntingly historic ghost town. Established in the late 19th century, it flourished as a bustling hub for ranching and mining endeavors. However, the town eventually fell silent, abandoned to time. Today, intrepid visitors can wander through remnants of the past, including the old cemetery and the breathtakingly colored mountains. Accessible by car, the townsite boasts a marked parking area off Highway 89.
Toadstools
The Toadstools, or Paria Rimrocks, are a captivating geological wonder near Paria, Utah. These mushroom-shaped hoodoos, crafted by millions of years of erosion, offer a mesmerizing sight. The hike to the Toadstools is relatively brief, spanning about 1.5 miles round trip. Accessible from Highway 89 near the Paria Contact Station, the trailhead beckons adventurers to an easy and rewarding journey.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Remember to respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it, and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!
