Dalton Wash Road

Dalton Wash Road is a rough dirt road running north out of Virgin, Utah, climbing across BLM land toward the southwest boundary of Zion National Park. It leaves State Route 9 about 1.3 miles east of Kolob Terrace Road and works its way up two steep, exposed benches before leveling out beneath Cougar Mountain.

Most passenger cars can manage it in dry weather, but the grade turns greasy and difficult after rain or snow, so check conditions before committing. The road is popular for dispersed camping — no fees or permits required — and it ends near the trailhead for the Guacamole mountain bike trail, with the Zion National Park boundary and the Dalton Wash Trailhead a short distance further southeast.

Day hikes from Dalton Wash Trailhead into the park's southwest desert don't require a permit, making this a practical, low-key access point rather than a destination in itself.