World Cup - Coyote Buttes South

Access to Coyote Buttes South is regulated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) through a permit system to protect its delicate environment. Permits are issued daily via an online lottery system. It's crucial to apply well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as the number of visitors is strictly limited. You can find detailed application instructions and deadlines on the official BLM website for the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

The cost for a Coyote Buttes South permit typically involves a non-refundable application fee per lottery entry, plus an additional fee per person and per dog if your application is successful. These fees contribute to the management and preservation of the wilderness area. Specific and up-to-date pricing can be found on the official BLM permit application portal.

Coyote Buttes South is a remote and rugged wilderness area with no established trails, making it challenging for young children. The terrain involves navigating deep sand, slickrock, and potentially steep inclines. While older, experienced children who are accustomed to strenuous hiking might enjoy the adventure, it is generally not recommended for families with very young children or those seeking easy, marked paths.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed in Coyote Buttes South, but they must be included in your permit application and count towards the total number of permits issued for your group. There is typically an additional fee for dogs. It's essential to keep your dog on a leash, pack out all waste, and ensure they are prepared for the challenging desert conditions, including extreme temperatures and lack of water sources.

Accessing the trailheads for Coyote Buttes South (Paw Hole and Cottonwood Cove) requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. The roads leading to these areas, such as House Rock Valley Road, are unpaved, often sandy, and can become impassable after rain or snow. Standard 2WD vehicles are not suitable, and attempting to drive them can result in getting stuck, which can be dangerous and costly in this remote area.

Since there are no marked trails, hiking durations vary greatly depending on your exploration goals and fitness level. Most visitors spend anywhere from 4 to 8 hours exploring the formations. A thorough exploration of either Cottonwood Cove or Paw Hole can easily take half a day, while attempting to visit both areas in one day would require a full day of strenuous hiking and navigation.

Given the remote and challenging desert environment, proper preparation is key. Hikers should wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots, layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures, and a wide-brimmed hat. Essential items to bring include ample water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), high-energy snacks, a map and compass or GPS device, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses), a first-aid kit, and a trash bag to pack out all waste. There are no facilities or water sources in the area.

Unfortunately, Coyote Buttes South is a rugged wilderness area with no developed trails, paved paths, or accessible facilities. The terrain consists of deep sand, uneven slickrock, and steep sections, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility challenges. Visitors should be prepared for a strenuous and unassisted hiking experience.

The best times for photography are typically during the early morning and late afternoon/early evening. The low angle of the sun during these 'golden hours' enhances the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the Navajo Sandstone, creating dramatic shadows and highlights. Paw Hole, with its north-south ridgeline, is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset, as the formations catch the light beautifully.

Coyote Buttes South is renowned for its mesmerizing cross-bedded Navajo Sandstone formations. Key features include the iconic Cottonwood Teepees, unique conical rock piles that glow at sunset, and various wind-sculpted erosional statues like 'Turtle Rock,' 'The Frog,' and 'Dali Rock' in Cottonwood Cove. The broader area also contains a significant dinosaur trackway with over 1,000 densely packed dinosaur footprints, offering a glimpse into its ancient past.

Coyote Buttes South is extremely remote, with no amenities directly in the area. The nearest towns offering accommodation, restaurants, and supplies are Kanab, Utah (to the west), and Page, Arizona (to the east). Both towns are roughly equidistant from the monument and provide a range of lodging options, grocery stores, and dining establishments for pre- or post-hike needs.