Cottonwood Creek Natural Bridge

Joes Valley

Overview

( Rated 3.0 / 1 Ratings )

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RATING: Roadside Attraction / Short Hike

LENGTH: Less than 1 hour (0.3 mile)

Tue

31 | 17

Wed

38 | 19

Thu

44 | 26

Fri

47 | 29

Sat

46 | 31

View Full Weather Details

SEASON: Any

GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

Tue

31 | 17

Wed

38 | 19

Thu

44 | 26

Fri

47 | 29

Sat

46 | 31

View Full Weather Details

roadside

dog friendly

access: paved

The natural bridge from up close.

I don’t consider myself a passionate arch/natural bridge hunter, but I will admit, when I visit one, I always really enjoy seeing it. On a trip to Joe’s Valley, the lighting was perfect to see a natural bridge in Cottonwood Creek. The bridge, visible from the road, is not separated from the cliff behind it by much, but has a wide span.

The route to the bridge turned out to be steep and loose, but fun none the less. I would not make a special trip to see the bridge, but if you are in the area or a natural bridge enthusiast, it is a worthwhile stop.

The bridge from the trailhead. Just above center left.

Getting There

From Orangeville Utah, head west on UT-29 toward Joes Valley. About 7 miles west of Orangeville is a major junction with Cottonwood Creek Road. Go right (north) up the paved Cottonwood Creek road for 1.3 miles. The natural bridge is on the right side of the road here. There isn't a large pullout, but several spots where the shoulder is wide enough to park off the road.

Note: There are good BLM camping sites in Cottonwood Creek, as well as around Joes Valley Reservoir. The area is popular with climbers that boulder on the large boulders near the road.

Cottonwood Creek view from near the bridge.

Route

The bridge is visible on the east side of the road at the first obvious cliff band. It may be tough to pick out in some light conditions.

To visit, I went directly up the wash that appears to go to the natural bridge. This proved to be steep, loose, and with a couple of dirt climbing problems. Diane choose the ridge just to the south of this wash, heading up near the power pole. It seemed more stable and a much better route. Expect a bit of looseness either way, but I would recommend the ridge over trying to go up the wash proper.