Cottonwood Canyon to Paria River Confluence — Skutumpah Road South Circuit
Clay road, slot canyons, and a truck stuck since 1954.
Skutumpah Road departs Cannonville heading south and runs 60 miles through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument before hitting US-89 near Big Water, but the real payoff lives in the southern stretch where the road drops toward the Paria River Canyon corridor. You’re threading through White and Pink Cliffs terrain, past the Bull Valley Gorge — a slot canyon so narrow that a pickup truck fell into it in 1954 and the wreckage is still wedged there above your head as you hike through. The Paria River confluence at the south end sits inside one of the most dramatic canyon systems in the Colorado Plateau. Plan to camp at Wire Pass or one of the BLM pullouts and watch the walls glow amber at dusk.
The road is bentonite clay over much of its length — in dry conditions it’s a moderate high-clearance run; one rain shower turns it into a skating rink that’ll ditch even experienced drivers. Do not attempt this road if rain is in the forecast or if the sky upstream looks threatening. Check BLM road conditions in Kanab before departing. No water on route. Permits required for Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness hiking; the drive itself needs no permit but that can change. Best window is late spring and fall. If you catch it dry, this is southern Utah backcountry at its most raw.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 60 mi / 96.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | April-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Kanab, Utah |
| Land manager | BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | blm.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run Skutumpah Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner handles this route fine in dry conditions. Lifted rigs aren't required, but low-range is useful on the steeper clay sections near the Paria end.
What happens to Skutumpah Road when it rains?
The clay surface turns into a greasy, vehicle-swallowing mess when wet — impassable even for capable 4WD rigs. Check conditions with the BLM Kanab Field Office before you go, especially in spring and monsoon season (July–August).
Do I need a permit to drive Skutumpah Road or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the road. Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante land, but follow Leave No Trace rules and don't camp within 200 feet of water sources or the road.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I expect?
The southern stretch descending toward the Paria River confluence is the most technical — loose clay, off-camber shelf road, and eroded wash crossings. Nothing extreme, but it's where under-inflated tires and distracted driving will get you into trouble.
How far is it to the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there water on route?
Fuel up in Kanab before you leave — it's your last reliable stop, roughly 30–40 miles from the southern end of the route. There's no treated water on trail; the Paria River runs but is heavily silted and requires thorough filtration, so carry all you need.
Trail track
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