Cottonwood Point Wilderness

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cottonwood Point Wilderness is a 9,080-acre protected area located in the state of Utah.


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Summary

The area is known for its stunning red rock formations, sandstone cliffs, and unique plant and animal life. There are several good reasons to visit, including hiking, camping, and photography. Visitors can explore the area's diverse landscapes, which include canyons, mesas, and washes. One of the most popular attractions is the natural arch, which offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes, as well as a wide range of bird species. The wilderness area is also home to several species of rare plants, such as the desert paintbrush and the double bladderpod.

Visitors should note that the area can be quite hot in the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler and the landscape is in full bloom. Visitors should also be aware that there are no developed trails or facilities in the wilderness area, so they should come prepared with plenty of water, food, and appropriate gear.

Overall, Cottonwood Point Wilderness is a unique and beautiful destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rare plant species, it's a must-see for anyone visiting Utah.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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