One definite road trip recommendation we have is to minimize your time spent on interstate highways. We’re always looking for an alternate course that is a little off the beaten path.

While researching the route for our upcoming southwestern trip on Google Maps, we discovered an interesting possible detour: Cottonwood Canyon Road through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The reason I say it is only a “possible” detour is that it is a seasonal road that becomes impassable in wet conditions. This road is what inspired us to rent and SUV instead of a standard car. If the weather cooperates, we’ll be able to take this 47 mile dirt trail from U.S. Highway 89 to Cannonville, UT, which is near the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. It will shave 62 miles off our route from the Grand Canyon, but take about the same amount of time because of the slow speeds. Cottonwood Canyon Road follows the Paria River and Cottonwood Creek for several miles and passes through some amazing rock formations. We’ll have to check with the Bureau of Land Management office in the area to see how conditions are before setting off into the wilderness, but if all goes as planned it should be a rewarding detour. Fingers crossed!

Detours don’t need to be off-road to be worthwhile. Just take an old US or State highway route that roughly parallels the interstate to see some local sights. We reference the book “National Geographic Guide: Scenic Highways & Byways” to find more appealing road options near our planned route.

Cottonwood Canyon Road is the blue line. The normal route we would have to take on U.S. 89 is the orange line.