Yellow Rock - The Wave Alternative in Utah - Hiking Details and Location
Yellow Rock - The Wave Alternative in Utah - Hiking Details and Location

Yellow Rock - The Wave Alternative in Utah - Hiking Details and Location

United States
United States

When Is the Best Time

The Yellow Rock is another otherworldly place in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument or GSENM. IMO, the Yellow Rock is a hundred times more impressive than the Wave, and you have this place for yourselves. 

I will give you all information to find this hidden spot, hiking details and what to consider for a memorable day in the majestic national monument located close to Page and Kanab.

Yellow Rock with yellow, orange and white sandstone locking like icecream

The entire dome is multi-coloured with different Navajo sandstone formations in shades of white to orange, red, pink, and yellow. It deserves a far more exciting name due to the unique mixture of Wave-like shapes and colours.

Yellow Rock with red sandstone formations

When we started the track, we met one hiker coming from Yellow Rock. He was in awe, telling us he had seen the Wave, the Fire Wave, White Pocket, Monument Valley, and more, and none of these places was that beautiful, and we got excited. 

Yellow sandstone formation at Yellow Rock

We spent many hours here but couldn’t explore the entire rock; it is too vast. The hike is off the beaten path, quite a ride to get here in a 4 WD. We agree with this hiker - we were overwhelmed by the beauty of this magical place and plan to visit Yellow Rock again in the fall.

Update May 2023

The State of Utah plans to shrink the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and attack the monuments in court. Yellow Rock, Cosmic Ashtray, Wahweap Hoodoos and most other places mentioned in my articles could lose their protection. Without protection, these natural wonders are vulnerable and are under threat of exploitation by fossil fuel and uranium companies. These places can’t get enough attention for their preservation.

Where is Yellow Rock - How to Get to Yellow Rock?

The Cottonwood Canyon Road Sign with mileage
The parking is opposite this sign

The trailhead of Yellow Rock is situated at the 46 miles long Cottonwood Canyon Road in the Paria River Valley, a loose gravel road which is not accessible during and after heavy rainfall. The sand turns into clay, and cars get stuck. You can access this dirt road by 4 WD from the north of HW 12 or south of HW 89. Parking at Lower Hackberry Canyon Trailhead Google Maps Location

1. North from Kodachrome State Park - 25 mi 1.30 h or HW 12 Cannonville 31 mi

The gravel Cottonwood Canyon Road
The Cockscomb at the CCR - the dirt road at Cottonwood Narrows 

We camped in the Kodachrome State Park and accessed the road from the north. The entire road is uneven in parts, bumpy with deep potholes filled with sand. Coming from the north, you pass by Grosvenor Arch and the Cottonwood Narrows, both worth a stop.

2. South from Page - 42 mi 1.15 h

The huge parking for Hackberry Canyon Trail
The parking for Lower Hackberry and Yellow Rock

Coming from Page from HW 89, only 14 miles lead along the gravel Cottonwood Road; therefore, easier to drive. However, we loved the journey on the entire Cottonwood Canyon Road, one of the most fascinating dirt roads. 

Yellow Rock formations
Me taking pictures of Yellow Rock.

There aren’t any signs for Yellow Rock, nor is the trail marked. You need good navigation skills and, most importantly, a mobile hiking app. 

Close photo of the red sandstone layers at Yellow Rock

The best time for Yellow Rock is the drier and cooler months, from late September to October and April to mid-June. Summer is scorching, with temps above 86°F/30°C in the shade. It is also the monsoon season, with thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening. It can pour for hours, and your 4 WD, gets stuck on the dirt road. In winter Cottonwood Canyon Road is frequently closed due to the high amount of snow in higher elevations.

Yellow, white, and red sandstone at Yellow Rock
The breathtaking afternoon light.

The best daytime for excellent shots is the morning and late afternoon, with perfect sunlight. The exact hiking details and a map are added below.

Is There Snow at Yellow Rock in the Winter?

Dirt Road fully covered with snow
We turned around with our rental, although 4 WD - the road was icy and slippery.

The main part of Yellow Rock is situated to the south, and Yellow Rock is not covered if it is sunny the days before. However, getting there is tricky, and you may need snow chains. Cottonwood Canyon Road is frequently inaccessible and closed in the winter because of snow and wet conditions. Due to the high elevation, the first snow occurs already in November. We experienced lots of snow in January.

 Our Packing List for Yellow Rock

Dehydrated Food different companies and meals
These dehydrated meals are life- and time safer. 

When we travel through the US to remote places, getting a proper meal during the day is usually impossible. We tried out dehydrated meals, which are convenient and time-saving. I have to confess we didn't expect such good quality and taste.

Jetboil heating up water at Tre Cime de Lavaredo - Drei Zinnen
Preparing a hot soup with the MiniMo from Jetboil

To quickly boil some water either for a hot drink or to prepare some dried food, we count on a MiniMo Cooking System from Jetboil. The Jetboil always joins us, like in the Italian Dolomites or at the Wahweap Hoodoos close to Page. 

Our dried meal lunch with view to the White Ghost
Markus prepared our dehydrated lunch at the Wahweap Hoodoos - rock spires without a cap behind him.

In case of an emergency or a hike that takes longer than expected, we never go without our Petzl Headlamp in our backpacks.

Me with Petzl headlamp at sunset
We never go without a headlamp - Zugspitze in the back. My rechargeable headlamp by Petzl.

I highly recommend hiking poles for the dry and slippery soil on the narrow path for the short but steep ascent to Yellow Rock and especially for the descent.

The steep ten minutes ascent
I was glad about my hiking poles for the steep section to reach Yellow Rock.

But please do not use hiking poles or take rubber tips on the fragile sandstone rock formation; instead, wear proper shoes with grip. Markus and I love the INOV-8 Trailtalon because of the flexible sole and the excellent grip. We have used this type of shoes for many years already.

Male and female hiker with their hiking shoes
We have different pairs and colours of INOV - most important for us is the flexibility of the shoes.

There is no shelter at Yellow Rock - sun protection and a hat are important like elsewhere in this area.

Best Months to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Location and Tips

Cannonville, Grand Staircase Escalante
United States
United States

Yellow Rock, the Wave Alternative, is a photographer's dream with hundreds of outstanding spots and a great alternative for the Wave. If you plan to explore Yellow Rock, it is best to stay close in Kodachrome State Park like we did, in Page or camp along Cottonwood Canyon Road.

Trail and Hiking Details for Yellow Rock

Yellow Rock with yellow wave-like sandstone formations

  • Track Length until Yellow Rock: roughly 1.2 mi/ 2 km plus walking above the rock - in and out roughly 3,1-3,7 miles/ 5-6 km.
  • Hiking Duration: about one hour to the Yellow Rock because the track is not marked
  • Difficulty: Moderate, just the 10-15 minutes steep ascent is a little challenging but easy to master with hiking poles.
  • Rating: One of the best rock formations we have ever seen, and we plan to return to spend more time around Yellow Rock.
  • Locus Map Hiking App from the parking to Yellow Rock. This unique rock is almost impossible to find without a map! There aren't any signs or a real path. You get the first glimpse after the steep ascent.
The thick bush before getting to Yellow Rock Track
The thick bush before you reach Cottonwood Creek.

From the parking, head to the south along the road for about 165 ft/ 50 m, then turn right and find a way through the thick bush for roughly 655 ft/ 200 m until you reach the creek bed, which was dry in June; in the summer but the rest of the year a shallow creek is running here.

The bushy track after crossing the creek.
Cottonwood Creek is to the left after the crossing.

Cross the creekbed and turn left. Now you may see some footprints. Follow the riverbed for about 490 ft/ 150 m, then turn right into the small canyon. We saw a few cairns, but I wouldn’t count on it.

The exposed ridge close to yellow rock
The ridge close to Yellow Rock after the steep ascent.

A steep and exposed escarpment is covered with red sand, ascending to the top for roughly 10 minutes. This section is slippery, and we were glad to carry our hiking poles. Please, use rubber tips on your hiking poles in slickrock areas. Formations like the Wave and Yellow Rock are being etched if using metal tips.

Our first glimpse to Yellow Rock
Shortly before we accessed Yellow Rock.

When we reached the top, we followed the ridge to the left, and soon after, we got the first glimpse of this unique dome and colour explosion. Continue left to reach the rock and now explore this spectacular piece of nature. I promise your time is running too fast here. Carry a picnic in your backpack and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

A hiker on the huge Yellow Rock
You must experience this rock by yourself!

On windy days, climbing on this exposed dome was a little challenging, but it wasn't slippery on the rock itself. We had strong winds during our visit. It was sometimes challenging not to lose the balance.

Other colourful rocks in the distance
The entire Cottonwood area is breathtaking.

The 360° view from Yellow Rock is spectacular, and you see other colourful rock formations in the distance. Bring plenty of time for the exceptional Cottonwood Canyon Road.

Can I Camp at Yellow Rock?

Our view out of the tent in Kodachrome
One of the best campsites ever in Kodachrome

Most of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and so the Cottonwood Canyon Road are situated on BLM land, and it is allowed to camp in this area. A permit is required for overnight hikes, which you get easily at the information centres of GSENM.

Where to Stay?

Page is the main service hub and a good starting point with a population of 7.500. Page is excellently located at the Colorado and Lake Powell. 

Hotel Sleep in in Page
In Page we chose the Sleep Inn and Suites with a balcony, which was nice to sit outside in summer.

You may think there are plenty of hotels in Page, and that's right, but each evening we figured out the hotels; also, ours were fully booked. Many visitors stay here for a couple of nights to visit Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, the Toadstools, Yellow Rock, and more beautiful places. If you plan to travel to Page in the peak season or at weekends, I highly recommend booking a room in advance.

La Quinta Hotel in Kanab
Our hotel La Quinta by Wyndham in Kanab last winter had comfy beds, and a hearty breakfast was included.

To explore the area, you either stay in Page or in Kanab. Last winter, we spent two nights in Kanab because we had booked a guided tour. Kanab is a fantastic town to explore the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness's unique landscape and sandstone formations. Thx for booking via my website 😊

More of Grand Staircase Escalante

 Cosmic Ashtray nearby Yellow Rock

Another hidden gem which also belongs to Escalante is the otherworldly Cosmic Ashtray.  And there are more such places off the beaten path, not overrun, with no soul in sight, just you and this magnificent piece of mother nature, the Wahweap Hoodoos, just half an hour from Page.

The white Ghost with a clear blue sky in the morning
The White Ghost - The most famous hoodoo.

Do you wish to know more about the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument? Check out my new guide and the 18 Must-Visit Places and where they are located. Not all are difficult to get to; some are family- and dog-friendly.

Escalante Photo Collage with 5 highlights of this monument.

Who We Are

We both in the morning at Snow Canyon State Park
We have loved the US already for more than 25 years.

We are passionate travellers, married for almost 25 years, and we love discovering hidden gems around the globe. I am passionate about sharing some of the most beautiful places in the world with you, but I still can't live from my work, and we have regular jobs, too.

It is a tough business nowadays because fake travel websites rewrite content without effort and expense. Do you like to know more about fake travel websites and how to unmask them? Check out "The Truth About Fake Travel Websites"

Do you like my Yellow Rock Guide? Please share it with your friends and on social media, subscribe to our  YouTube Channel. That would already help us a lot!

Do You Like to Support Me - It's easy; use the Paypal Button below 😍

If you wish to use any of my photos, contact me, but I will take action against picture theft. Why do I write this here? Hundreds of my pictures are used worldwide without any credit, nor did they get my permission. I don’t mind giving permission, but I want to get asked for it and to be mentioned with my specific article. 

Nearby Places
The Toadstools or Mushroom Rocks in Utah Close to Page
17 km
The Toadstools or Mushroom Rocks in Utah Close to Page
You can find lots of hoodoos and balancing rocks in this area. These hoodoos…
Wahweap Hoodoos Trail in Escalante Close to Kanab and Page
23 km
Wahweap Hoodoos Trail in Escalante Close to Kanab and Page
The Wahweap Hoodoos are a collection of three groups spread in proximity,…
Grand Staircase Escalante Hiking Guide and Map – 18 Must-Visit Places
28 km
Grand Staircase Escalante Hiking Guide and Map – 18 Must-Visit Places
The Escalante National Monument was established in 1996 by President Clinton,…
The Wave – Coyote Buttes North - New Last Minute Permit System
31 km
The Wave – Coyote Buttes North - New Last Minute Permit System
The daily visitor number for the Wave has increased from 20 to 64 or 16 groups…
White Pocket in the Vermillion Cliffs in Arizona - 9 Must Know Before You Go
33 km
White Pocket in the Vermillion Cliffs in Arizona - 9 Must Know Before You Go
The White Pocket, above and beyond expectations, is a photographer’s paradise…
Stud Horse Point - The Rock Factory Close to Page
41 km
Stud Horse Point - The Rock Factory Close to Page
Getting here is a little hard. Either you are travelling with a high clearance…
Antelope Valley - Secret Slot Canyons in Arizona
57 km
Antelope Valley - Secret Slot Canyons in Arizona
The Antelope Slot Canyons are for sure some of the most breathtaking canyons in…
Peek a Boo Slot Canyon – Red Canyon in Kanab
58 km
Peek a Boo Slot Canyon – Red Canyon in Kanab
The Peek, a Boo Slot Canyon, offers excellent picture opts and magical scenery…
Ultimate Antelope Canyon Guide
62 km
Ultimate Antelope Canyon Guide
Antelope is a perfect collaboration of water, sand, and wind that created these…
Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyon - 9 Must Know Tips Before You Go
66 km
Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyon - 9 Must Know Tips Before You Go
The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a vast landscape with…
Created by
Micha Herber-Bleich
Micha Herber-Bleich
I am always open, curious about new…