Cross Canyon Wilderness Study Area
Utah
Cross Canyon Wilderness Study Area encompasses dramatic slickrock canyons carved into the Colorado Plateau in southeastern Utah. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this remote area features three interconnected canyons ranging from 300 to 900 feet deep, with stair-stepped ledges and rocky outcrops creating striking terrain.
Dispersed camping is permitted throughout BLM lands surrounding the WSA, with no developed campgrounds or facilities on-site. Visitors should arrive self-sufficient with water, supplies, and navigation tools. The canyon country rewards hikers and backpackers willing to explore on foot, with opportunities to discover Ancestral Puebloan ruins tucked into alcoves and cliff faces. Photography, wildlife observation, and solitude-seeking draw visitors to this lightly traveled area.
Access requires high-clearance vehicles on dirt roads that can become impassable when wet. The nearest services are in Blanding or Monticello. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, with mild temperatures ideal for canyon exploration. Summer brings intense heat, while winter access may be limited by snow at higher elevations. Check current road conditions with the BLM Monticello Field Office before visiting.
Explore Nearby
- Hovenweep National Monument Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Colorado
- Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum — State Park in Utah
- Bicentennial-Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Utah
- Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
- Lone Mesa State Park — State Park in Colorado
Nearby Discoveries
11 places to explore within 30 miles
Hovenweep National Monument Dark Sky Park
5.1 miles away · 4.8 ★Three Kiva Pueblo
10.8 miles away · 4.9 ★
Montezuma Canyon
12.5 miles awayCanyons of the Ancient National Monument
13.5 miles away · 4.6 ★Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark
14.9 miles away · 4.7 ★Indian Canyon Scenic Byway
22 miles away · 4.9 ★