Yellow Rock
Around Page - Utah
Note: On dirt roads, road conditions can change constantly. Therefore, we strongly recommend that everyone check the road conditions before each trip. The most current information is usually available on the BLM website in Escalante.
GSENM-Road-Condition-Report
Coordinate:
Parking lot and trailhead: Latitude 37.253994, Longitude -111.910096
Our visits: So far 1 visit in October 2012
Yellow Rock
The drive in detail: The drive takes place via the Cottonwood Canyon Road. In dry condition, this is usually passable with any car that has a slightly higher ground clearance. However, since the subsoil is very clayey, often a little rain is enough and the road becomes impassable. Unfortunately, this is relatively often the case. Of all our visits to the area, we have only managed to drive the entire stretch twice so far. If the road is closed, it is strongly advised not to drive it, because the probability of getting stuck is very high.
If the route is drivable, the distance from Highway 89 to the Yellow Rock trailhead is 14.3mi.
The hike in detail: The hike, with one exception, is not particularly difficult. There are no real paths. Much of the trail is over sandstone. First, find a way through and across Cottonwood Creek across from the trailhead. If the creek is carrying water, this is a very muddy affair. After crossing the creek comes the only tricky part of the trail, as now you have to climb up a very rough slope about 100 vertical feet high. It is very steep and slippery. Here a little courage and especially surefootedness is needed. But it is not very far and once you have made it, the rest of the way is no longer a problem. Once at the top, Yellow Rock soon comes into view and from there you can freely explore the whole area.
Trail length: 3.5mi roundtrip
Altitude difference: approx. 118ft
Time needed: 3-4 hours
Difficulty level: moderate to strenuous – Der Weg ist, vor allem wegen des sehr steilen Geröllhanges den man erklimmen muss, nicht ganz einfach
Our rating: As soon as you have completed the ascent, enjoyment is the order of the day. A very great location that is worth every drop of sweat. The sight of the gigantic yellow rock with the colorful stripes is simply surreal. Our absolute recommendation.
