Yellow Rock, while an apt name, doesn't sound too inspiring. Don't be fooled - this is an amazing spot and was one of the highlights of our trip. It's a massive rock with brilliantly colored yellow, red, and orange patches punctuated by cross bedding, striated slickrock, curves, waves, and swirls. The views from the top, including Castle Rock, the Cockscomb, and even Bryce in the distance, are an added bonus.

The parking area is on Cottonwood Canyon Road, fourteen miles north of US 89. We walked southwest from where we parked and crossed Cottonwood Wash into a small drainage. We had a short scramble up an old horse's trail (according to Kelsey). It's short, but steep with loose rocks and dirt. Once at top it was apparent where to go - head for the big yellow rock! We took a counter clockwise loop up and over Yellow Rock. This brought us to the south side of the rock in the late afternoon - the light was just right for some pictures of the colorful slickrock. Fascinating hike - we had an awesome time at Yellow Rock!