DO NOT attempt driving this trail with a rental car. You must have a 4x4 with high clearance as thhe entire trail is deep sand with some rock crawling.

Coyote Buttes South & Cottonwood Teepees – Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Arizona/Utah Border

Tucked away in the remote expanses of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Coyote Buttes South is the lesser-known sibling of the famous Wave in Coyote Buttes North—but it’s just as jaw-dropping. With fewer visitors, fewer restrictions, and an equally surreal landscape, this area offers a peaceful, wild alternative for those lucky enough to snag a permit. Towering hoodoos, striped buttes, and swirling sandstone create an otherworldly landscape that feels like a forgotten Martian dream.

Nearby, the Cottonwood Teepees—also called the South Teepees—lie just west of Coyote Buttes South. These striking cone-shaped formations are striped in vivid shades of red, white, and orange and sit along the Cottonwood Cove area, giving photographers and explorers another fantastic destination along this remote stretch of the Arizona/Utah border.

What to See & Do

• Coyote Buttes South (Cottonwood Cove & Paw Hole Access Points)
  The two main access points to Coyote Buttes South are Paw Hole and Cottonwood Cove. Cottonwood Cove is more popular and offers the iconic teepee formations and soft sandstone domes, while Paw Hole gives access to wave-like ridges and formations that glow in soft light.

• The Cottonwood Teepees
  These teepees sit just outside of the permit zone, making them a perfect addition to a Coyote Buttes trip or a standalone adventure. Their colorful banding is especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset when side lighting brings out all the natural contrast in the rock layers.

• Photography
  The soft curves, vibrant colors, and twisted rock features here are a playground for creative photographers. Wide-angle lenses and drone shots work beautifully, but don’t skip the zoom lens to capture texture and compression between the formations. Early morning and late afternoon light add incredible depth.

Permits & Access

• Permit Required for Coyote Buttes South
  Access to Coyote Buttes South requires a permit from Recreation.gov. Unlike the Wave, it’s easier to obtain—available via online lottery four months in advance, or from the walk-in lottery at the Kanab Visitor Center (if available).

• No Permit Needed for Cottonwood Teepees
  The Cottonwood Teepees lie just outside the restricted area and can be visited without a permit. Just ensure you know your boundaries to avoid trespassing into the protected zone without authorization.

• 4x4 Required
  Access roads—especially to Cottonwood Cove—are deep sand and extremely rough. High-clearance 4x4 is absolutely necessary. Avoid visiting after heavy rain, as roads become impassable and tow services in this remote area are costly.

Pet Friendliness

Pets are allowed with your permit in Coyote Buttes South and on surrounding BLM land. Be prepared with booties or paw protection—sandstone can be hot and abrasive in the summer. Always carry extra water for your dog, and be mindful of wildlife and fragile cryptobiotic soil.

Camping

• Dispersed Camping (BLM Land)
  There are no designated campgrounds in the immediate area, but dispersed camping is allowed on nearby BLM land. Good spots can be found along House Rock Valley Road, particularly north of the permit check station. Always camp on previously disturbed surfaces, pack out waste, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

• White House Campground
  Located just off US-89 near the trailhead for Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass, this is the closest developed site with vault toilets and picnic tables. It’s a good base if you’re visiting multiple wilderness areas nearby.

• Paria Contact Station (Seasonal Info & Permits)
  Stop here for wilderness updates, weather conditions, and info on road conditions before heading in. Open seasonally (typically spring–fall).

Tips for Visiting

• Navigation: This area is extremely remote and has no marked trails—bring a GPS device, maps, and download offline coordinates. The BLM has geo-referenced maps available online.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions. Summer can be brutally hot, and winter storms can make roads treacherous.

• Cell Signal: There’s little to no reception in the area—plan accordingly and let someone know your itinerary before heading out.