Overview:
Cottonwood Wash, located in the Pinto Valley Wilderness Area of Lk. Mead National Recreation Area, is a geologically interesting area. Along Cottonwood Wash are scenic vistas of volcanic and limestone mountains, red sandstone crags, narrow passages, conglomerate cliffs and mudstone / siltstone formations (from ancient lake beds) with fossils and ancient ripple marks (from water) mixed in. This geologically jumbled area displays a myriad of colors including grays, tans, reds, yellows and greens, plus lots of "sparkly" gypsum (sunny days) in certain areas. Vegetation is typical for the Lk. Mead area (creosote bush / white bursage) with additional species (desert holly, catclaw acacia, mistletoe, etc.) found in the "wetter" Wash bottoms.

Hiking up Cottonwood Wash is a pleasant very interesting adventure with minimal elevation gain and lots to see. As noted in the trail directions (see below) Cottonwood Spring (usually dry) with its 12 foot+- high pour-over (1.03 miles+- into the hike) is a good turnaround point for the less adventurous or families with small children. Look for evidence of wildlife in this area, including small depressions (water holes) which have been dug by thirsty animals. Continuing "upstream" from the aforementioned Cottonwood Spring the trail meanders thru the Wash with "minor" obstacles for an additional 0.85 miles+- with plenty more to see and enjoy.

  
...trailside scenery
  

Information / Tips:
This adventure would make a great stopover while enjoying the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Bring plenty of water / snacks, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and sturdy shoes (hiking boots advised). Keep an eye out for wildlife (wild horse and burro, Bighorn Sheep, lizards, birds and of course snakes). DON'T forget your camera.
•  Trailhead Parking amenities: None
    (vault toilet: 2.5 miles+- North at
    the Northshore Summit Trailhead)
•  Cottonwood Wash Hike: not ADA accessible
•  Dogs are permitted (on leash)
•  Limited Shade
•  No Water Available
•  Be mindful of Flash Floods
•  Use Caution Crossing Northshore Road
    (watch yourself and your kids)
..........
Rec. Area Hours 24hrs/day, 365days/year
2022 Entry Fee (valid 7 days): $25 vehicle & occ.
Free Entry Days (dates vary by year):
  * M. L. King Jr. Day - mid January
  * 1st day of Natl. Park Week - mid April
  * Great Amer. Outdoors Act - EARLY AUGUST
  * Natl. Park Service Birthday - LATE AUGUST
  * Natl. Public Lands Day - LATE SEPTEMBER
  * Veterans Day - mid November
..........
nearby: Bowl of Fire - Southwest
nearby: Lower Lovell Wash
nearby: Northshore Summit
nearby: Redstone

Warning:
This adventure involves travel to a relatively remote area, please refer to the section on desert travel for safety information. Avoid the area during extreme heat. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a fully pressurized spare tire. Remember you are responsible for your own safety.

Trail Directions:
The Cottonwood Wash Trailhead (waypoint T) is located across Northshore Rd. (watch for traffic) opposite the Southerly portion of the Cottonwood Wash Parking Area. From the trailhead proceed Southerly (along the well defined trail) for 0.12 miles+- (eventually descending into Cottonwood Wash) to WP1. From WP1 bear Left traveling "upstream" in an Easterly direction along Cottonwood Wash for 0.50 miles+- to a narrow steep walled section of the Wash and WP2. From WP2 continue along the Wash in a Southeasterly direction for 0.41 miles+- to Cottonwood Spring (WP3) and the face of a 12 foot+- high pour-over (dry waterfall). Note: for hikers who feel uncomfortable ascending / descending the pour-over a "Bypass" is available (see Route Alternative below). From WP3 ascend the pour-over and continue in a Southeasterly direction thru the Wash for 0.49 miles+- to the "confluence" of Cottonwood Wash / Razorback Wash and WP4. Note: at WP4 Razorback Wash arcs Left (Northeasterly) and Cottonwood Wash continues in a Southeasterly direction. From the aforementioned WP4 bear Right into this "smaller" section of Cottonwood Wash meandering in a Southeasterly direction for 0.36 miles+- to the "confluence" of the East / West Forks (WP5) of Cottonwood Wash and the end of this trail description. Return by reversing route. Approx. hiking distance (out and back): 3.76 miles.
..........
Trail Notes:
(1) A Historic Water Trough (WP6), utilized to fill automobile radiators along the old Arrowhead (Trail) Highway, lies 200 feet+- Westerly of Cottonwood Spring (WP3). This "highway" was the first scenic highway running between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City via southern Nevada. Remnants of this "highway" as it "meandered" into and out of Cottonwood Wash are still visible and can be seen by utilizing internet mapping resources (aerial photography). For directions to the Historic Water Trough (see Route Alternative below).
(2) Desert "Washes" are dynamic ecosystems. Although seemingly static in nature, meandering channels within desert canyons are subject to "realignment" due to heavy rainfall (flash floods). Therefore, do not expect descriptions that "rely" on these meandering channels to provide a "concrete" point of reference. Utilize internet mapping resources such as aerial photography (not always current) and waypoint positions to visualize "landmarks" which are more permanent in nature.
..........
Route Alternative (Bypass):
This route alternative (for individuals wanting to avoid the pour-over) utilizes a portion of the old Arrowhead Highway. At a point where Cottonwash Wash significantly widens (WP7), approx. 425 feet "downstream" of Cottonwood Spring (WP3), bear Right following the "right most" channel for 165 feet+- to a fork in the channel and WP8. Note: from WP8 bear Left (Easterly) traveling 80 feet+- to the Historic Water Trough (WP6). Upon reaching the water trough hikers can continue "upstream" along the channel to Cottonwood Spring (WP3) or "backtrack" to WP8 to continue along the alternate route. Back at WP8 bear Right following the "right most" channel traveling in a Southeasterly direction into and thru a side canyon for 0.12 miles+- to a point just beyond a "sharp" right hand bend in the Wash to WP9 (located 40 feet+- Easterly of the Wash Channel) and a "visible portion" of the old Arrowhead Highway. From WP9 bear Northerly (climbing out of the Wash) along this visible portion of the old Arrowhead Highway which eventually arcs Southeasterly for a total distance of 0.08 miles+- to WP10. From WP10 travel in a Southeasterly direction, merging with Cottonwood Wash and continue "upstream" towards WP4.
..........

P:          N36.21095  W114.65643

T:          N36.21075  W114.65654

WP1:    N36.20905  W114.65620

WP2:    N36.20632  W114.64870

WP3:    N36.20268  W114.64332

WP4:    N36.19814  W114.63817

WP5:    N36.19471  W114.63456

WP6:    N36.20273  W114.64398

WP7:    N36.20317  W114.64457

WP8:    N36.20283  W114.64421

WP9:    N36.20157  W114.64289

WP10:  N36.20216  W114.64207

Note:
See desert travel for GPS Waypoint info
All distances and waypoints are approximate

  

Driving Directions:
From the intersection of NV-564 (E. Lk. Mead Pkwy.) and NV-167 (Northshore Rd.) within Lk. Mead National Recreation Area head North on Northshore Rd. for 18.2 miles+- (0.2 miles past Mile Marker 18) to a paved pullout (waypoint P) on the Left (North) side of the road. Note 1: the trailhead parking area has no signage, therefore keep an eye on the "Mile Markers" as you progress Northbound on Northshore Rd. Note 2: be aware of oncoming traffic, as the view is somewhat compromised by a curve in the road. Return by reversing route. Approx. 42 miles from central Vegas Strip via I-15 South, I-215 East, NV-564 East (E. Lk. Mead Pkwy.) and NV-167 (Northshore Rd.) to the Cottonwood Wash Parking Area.