Location: Cottonwood Canyon Road, Utah – Near Koadchrome Basin State Park
Distance: .2 Miles Out and Back Time: 5 Minutes
Difficulty: As easy as it gets
Season: Year Round
Foot Traffic: Light
Date Hiked: Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Overview
For those in the area of Kodachrome Basin State Park or even Bryce Canyon National Park, the short side trip to Grosvenor Arch is a good side trip. This 150 foot, double arch may not blow visitors away but for arch lovers, they will absolutely find the stop worthwhile. Starting from Kodachrome Basin State Park, which in and of itself is an underrated and worthy stop, the unpaved, 47 mile Cottonwood Canyon Road comes into view. A short 10 mile and 30 minute drive will bring visitors to the parking area for Grosvenor Arch. From the parking area, a short 1 minute walk along a concrete leads to the pretty arch.
This is one of the most accessible arches one will ever find, given that Cottonwood Canyon Road is passable. After heavy rains and road damage the road may be impassable for long periods, so checking the road conditions before heading out is a good idea. In good conditions the road is usually passable to most cars.
A great option for visiting Grosvenor Arch is to leave Kodachrome Basin State Park early in the morning and head out on the 47 mile Cottonwood Canyon Road towards the city of Kanab. A quick stop at Grosvenor Arch is a great way to start the morning before navigating the rocky Cottonwood Canyon Road. This gives visitors the options of stopping to explore other fascinating areas, such as Candy land (right off the road), the Cottonwood Canyon Narrows and Round Valley Draw and Hackberry Canyon among many other sights. This is a beautiful drive and although the mileage is only 47 miles one way, don’t let that fool you. The road is rocky and the driving is slow going and usually takes about 2 hours, 1 way, without stopping.
Visiting Grosvenor Arch/Our Story
I have been to Kodachrome Basin State Park and Bryce Canyon National Park more times than I could possibly and have driven the Cottonwood Canyon Road a bunch of times as well. Until a recent trip in which our family friend, Josue, was with us, we had never taken the time to stop at Grosvenor Arch. On this day it made a good stop for us and allowed for our friend, Josue to get out of the car and to stretch his legs after riding in the backseat for the long ride down Cottonwood Canyon Road.
Finally stopping at Grosvenor Arch made me realize why we had never stopped before. While the arch is pretty and definitely worth seeing, there’s not much to it. You pretty much just plop out of the car and there it is. You can walk to the back of the arch if you would like but that’s really all there is to this area.
Again, don’t get me wrong, it’s a pretty arch, but I just find that there are a lot better things to see and do inside Kodachrome Basin State Park and along Skutumpah Road and Cottonwood Canyon Road. However, given the ease of making it to the arch, I would highly recommend those who haven’t seen it, to make a quick stop.
Getting to Grosvenor Arch
Grosvenor Arch, Cottonwood Canyon Road
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- No, there are no fees to visit or park at Grosvenor Arch
Are there restrooms at the trailhead/parking lot?
- Yes, a vault toilet is located in the parking area at the start of the short trail.
Are dogs allowed at Grosvenor Arch?
- Yes, dogs are allowed at Grosvenor Arch but must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
