Inspiring Landscapes And Stunning Views Await
Southern Utah is a road-trippers’ dream, with awe-inspiring landscapes and hidden car camping spots that promise solitude and stunning views. However, these breathtaking locations often require navigating remote, unpaved roads. Carry a shovel, extra water, warm layers, and GPS communication—or consider hiring a licensed outfitter to ensure safety.
Cottonwood Road: Cutting through Grand Staircase-Escalante, Cottonwood Road offers remote desert scenery, colorful cliffs, canyons, and abundant hiking opportunities. Scenic, free camp spots abound and are generally accessible by 2WD vehicles – unless the road is wet. No facilities.
Alstrom Point: For breathtaking views of Lake Powell, Alstrom Point is the place to be. The rugged dirt approach requires a high-clearance vehicle, especially in the final miles. The reward is camping on the cliff’s edge with panoramic views of Navajo Mountain and Lake Powell. Camping is primitive and free, but with no facilities. Don’t have the right vehicle? Local outfitters offer overnight tours.
Paria Townsite: A hidden gem between Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT, Paria Townsite offers free camping with stunning views of rainbow-colored badlands. Once a movie set, this quiet spot allows you to appreciate the vivid hues of the landscape, particularly at sunset. It’s accessible by 2WD vehicles unless the road is wet, and there’s an outhouse at the old movie site.
White Pocket: Located within Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, White Pocket is a paradise for those with a high clearance 4×4 vehicle. The challenging drive through deep sand leads to a surreal landscape of swirling rock formations. Primitive camping is free, and there are no facilities. For a hassle-free experience, consider an overnight camping tour with a local outfitter like Kanab-based Dreamland Safari Tours.
Toroweap Overlook: This remote North Rim spot lets you watch the Colorado River churn through the canyon’s inner gorge 3,000ft below your feet. The 60-mile dirt road to reach here is rough and culminates in a rock-crawling stretch that requires high clearance and 4 wheel drive. An advance permit is needed, and the campground has outhouses and picnic tables but no water. Prefer that someone else take care of permits, transport, camping gear and food? Fully outfitted overnight tours are available through guide services like Dreamland.
And, yes, we know that White Pocket and Toroweap are *technically* in Northern Arizona – but they are most commonly accessed from Kanab, Southern Utah’s favorite adventure basecamp. Where will you camp next? Dreamland Safari Tours!
