Best Hikes in Kolob Canyon at Zion National Park
I’ve enjoyed many visits to hike Kolob Canyon in Utah’s Zion National Park. It’s easily accessible along I-15, offers some great hikes for the whole family, and offers beautiful views of Utah’s landscape.
But Kolob Canyon isn’t as popular as the Scenic Drive of Zion National Park. It doesn’t have the reputation that hikes like The Narrows or The Subway have. But the hikes are fun, giving you a chance to explore nature without wearing out your kids.
Here are the hikes you can enjoy in Kolob Canyon – a less popular section of Zion National Park (and that’s a good thing).
Getting to Kolob Canyon
The entrance to Kolob Canyon is literally right off of I-15, meaning it’s easy to get to. It’s 20 miles south of Cedar City, or 35 miles north of St. George. Take Exit 40 from I-15 and head about 100 yards east.
Stop at the visitors center and pay the entrance fee – or check in with your annual pass. You can also ask the rangers about the trails or grab a souvenir while you’re there. It’s also a great spot to fill up your water bottles or make a stop at the restroom before venturing out on the trail.
RELATED POST: Hiking trails for kids along Zion National Park’s Scenic Drive
One element many people are not aware of is that groups greater than 12 are not allowed to hike the same trail at the same time. That would mean school groups, church groups, family, friends, etc. Bigger groups mean more erosion. So be mindful of this as you plan your trip.
Once you’ve checked in, your ready to head up into Kolob Canyon and head to your first trail. The trails below are listed in no particular order.
Taylor Creek Trail
I love this trail. It’s one I’ve been on several times, both solo and with my family – which included young kids. The parking area is about 2 miles up the canyon road. On a busy day, the parking may fill up, as the lot isn’t huge. Be mindful of parking spots and don’t park illegally.
The trail begins with a descent down to Taylor Creek. If it’s been raining, or even if you’re there in spring, the trail can be muddy. When you reach the bottom, you’ll head east (upstream). The hike is not like hiking The Narrows – meaning you aren’t walking up the creek. But there will be times where you’ll need to cross it. That was a fun part for the kids.
Along the route, we also saw numerous lizards. The kids enjoyed seeing those, too. The trail takes you by two historic homestead cabins that were built in the 1930s. I don’t think you’re allowed to go inside, but you can walk around them.
When you reach the end of the trail, you’ll be in what’s known as Double Arch Alcove. I’m guessing erosion over time has collapsed the arches, as I didn’t see any while I was there. But the alcove it pretty relaxing of a stop before heading back down the trail.
DISTANCE: 5 miles roundtrip
TIME: 3 hours (depending on hiking speed)
CATEGORY: easy/moderate
ELEVATION CHANGE: 450 feet
Timber Creek Overlook Trail
At the end of the scenic drive is parking for the Timber Creek Overlook trail. If you end up visiting on a busy day, be mindful of the parking and don’t park illegally. There are restrooms at the trailhead, and a short distance from the trailhead is a picnic area – perfect for a restful picnic in nature.
The trail is relatively flat. When it rains, the trails can get a little muddy. There is a portion of the trail that has been built to help make hiking possible, even in wet weather. But your shoes may still get muddy.
In the late spring/early summer, you may be able to enjoy some desert wildflowers blooming and adding even more color to the landscape.
As you get to the end of the trail, you’ll be climbing along a ridge with great overlooks in every direction. Don’t rush this part of the trail – enjoy it. When you get to the end, I’m told you can see Mount Trumbull 100 miles to the south at the north rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.
There’s some shaded areas of the trail. But in the heat of the summer, you should still be sure and have plenty of water with you. The trail may not be long, but Utah’s weather can get HOT!
DISTANCE: 1 mile round trip
TIME: 30 minutes
CATEGORY: Easy
La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch
If you’re looking for more of an adventure on the hiking trail, the 14-mile roundtrip hike to Kolob Arch is for you. There are fewer people on the trail – probably because of its distance – so you get a chance to have some peace and quiet as you hike. Because of the distance, be prepared and bring plenty of water for you and each person in your hiking party.
Enjoy some stunning views of the Kolob Canyon area of Zion National Park’s primitive wilderness area. As you pass the six-mile-mark along the trail (not that it’s marked), you’ll want to take the roughly one-mile-long off-shoot trail north to Kolob Arch. If you miss this turnout, you can continue 1.8 miles to the end of the trail.
Kolob Arch has a span of 287 feet and a thickness of 75 feet, making it one of the world’s largest natural arches.
DISTANCE: 14 miles round trip with an elevation change of 1,000 feet.
TIME: 8 hours
CATEGORY: Moderate/Strenuous
The Details
Address: Exit 40 along I-15 (20 miles south of Cedar City, Utah)
Cost: A recreational use pass is required when entering Zion National Park, including the Kolob Canyon area. It’s $35 for a private vehicle and is valid in the park for 7 days. But I would highly recommend buying an annual pass so you can visit all of the national parks throughout the country for free.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/kolob-canyons-wilderness-hiking-trails.htm
Phone: (435) 772-3256
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