Hiking in Kolob Canyons
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Taylor Creek Trail
The Taylor Creek Trail, which heads up the middle fork of Taylor Creek, is the most popular trail in Kolob Canyons. Park at the apparent lot two miles beyond the entrance station, then head the 2.2 miles upstream to Double Arch Alcove, a Navajo sandstone formation sandwiched between the towering walls of Tucupit and Paria, which rise 1,700 feet above the trail. The trail also passes the historical Larson and Fife cabins, built in the 1930s. For a unique experience, check out the north and south forks of Taylor Creek, both accessible from the main Taylor Creek parking area. These “finger canyons” are more remote than some of Kolob Canyons’ more popular hiking trails, but are still not quite slot canyons.
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Timber Creek Overlook Trail
Here’s a quick hike with a big reward. This moderately challenging 1.1-mile in-and-out hike takes about 30 minutes and follows a ridge overlooking Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace and the Pine Valley Mountains.
More Things Do in Kolob Canyons
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Drive the Kolob Fingers Road Scenic Byway
Take the five-mile Kolob Fingers Road Scenic Byway to get a feel for Kolob Canyons. The road ends at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, which doubles as the trailhead for the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. It’s just a half-mile to the overlook, which offers sweeping vistas of brilliant 2,000-foot red cliff walls and a panorama of the Colorado Plateau's canyon country — including, on a clear day, Mt. Trumbull, 100 miles away at the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
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Backpacking to Kolob Arch
Kolob Canyons is home to one of the longest natural arches in the world — Kolob Arch at 287 feet long. The hike to the arch is about eight miles each way; it’s a long day hike but an excellent overnight backpacking trip. On an overnight trip to the Kolob Arch vicinity, take a spur trail to Beartrap Canyon Falls (about five additional miles round trip) or add an extra day to explore the Willis Creek area.
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Climb the Zion Via Ferrata
Explore Kolob Canyons by cable lines and iron ladders. Hire a tour operator to take your group through one of the few via ferratas in the United States.
Nearby Basecamps
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Cedar City
Cedar City, Utah offers plenty of great experiences thanks to nearby ski resorts, a national forest, great national parks and a superb arts scene.
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Springdale
As the gateway to Zion National Park and nestled along the North Fork of the Virgin River, Springdale is an ideal place to get outfitted for adventure in Zion and numerous other parks, monuments, and recreation areas of the western Colorado Plateau and the desert southwest.
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St. George
St. George is perfect for family adventures, luxury spas, extensive shopping, championship golf and nearby outdoor recreation assets.
Getting to Kolob Canyons
From Springdale, follow S.R. 9 to S.R. 17 and take I-15 north. From Cedar City, head south on I-15 for 25 miles. From either direction, you'll want to take exit 40 on I-15 toward Kolob Canyons.
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, open daily, has a small bookstore, some interpretive exhibits and an information desk, where a ranger is stationed to answer questions. Please note that the Kolob Canyons Wilderness Desk opens seasonally to issue permits.
There are no services at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, but Cedar City is the closest town for lodging, groceries stores and outdoor gear retailers.
Entrance Fees
Stop at the visitor center to pay the Zion National Park entrance fee. The entrance fee is charged per vehicle and is good for seven days of access. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is also accepted.
What to Pack: Plenty of Water
Day hikers should bring all the water they need, but those heading out a bit farther can find water at one of the 17 backcountry campsites along La Verkin Creek or at Beatty Spring. Plan to treat water from the creek, as the sites are downstream from the agricultural zone higher on the plateau.
The NPS website regularly updates the condition of various water sources in the park, so be sure to check whether your intended source is flowing before heading into the desert, especially for a multi-day trip.
