Gnarly old thing!

I’ve seen that tree! Capitol Reef is often overlooked, but definitely worth a look IMO. If you like to hike — and big Cottonwoods! — it’s worth checking out. Here’s a few pics of Hickman’s Bridge. Take that Arches!

Awesome area to visit, maakia. One could explore that area for weeks -- months....

As can be seen, there's been alot of damage to the tree, but alot of sprouting too. Looks like the tree is being well-cared for. And that one huge branch on the lower left of the tree is awesome.

Like willows, cottonwoods can send roots out very far/deep. If there's little bedrock and alot of deep sand/gravel, they can go down very far searching for groundwater.