Cottonwood and Marble Canyons
Route #9-
Vehicle needed:
high-clearance first 8 miles, 4x4 recommended beyond
Distance:
13 miles Marble Canyon; 16 miles Cottonwood Canyon
Start:
east of the Stovepipe Wells airstrip
Camping:
yes, after first 8 miles
Description:
For the first 8 miles, the road crosses Mesquite Flat and climbs a broad alluvial fan before reaching the canyon mouth. The road drops into the wash and becomes rocky and rough. One mile past the end of the first narrows, a side road leads up to Marble Canyon. Hikers can continue up the canyon beyond road’s end to see some of the finest canyon narrows in the park. Two miles beyond road's end up Cottonwood Canyon is a flowing stream lined with cottonwood trees.
Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop Hike
Below the spring, trees line a small stream but brush can be ...Geology