Home > United States > Utah > Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park
Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park, Utah (View Photos):
Most people who come to Zion National Park never venture beyond the main canyon, the Virgin River, or the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive. That is a shame because tucked away in the northwest section of the park is a place that should not be missed. Known as the Kolob Canyons, this spectacular area receives few visitors but features tremendous scenery that easily compares with the more developed and popular parts of Zion. Indeed, these canyons represent Utah at its very finest. This quickly becomes clear upon entering its environs. An impressive range of wild animals are found here including deer, cougars and eagles.
The Kolob Canyons — with their soaring, beautifully sculpted cliffs and forested plateaus — along with the adjacent Hurricane Cliffs, form the western boundary of the giant Colorado Plateau, an uplift that spans much of the U.S. southwest and contains some of the most amazing scenery anywhere on the planet. The Kolob Canyons are easily accessible thanks to a paved, 5.5-mile road that winds and curves its way past the huge red cliffs and sheer-walled finger canyons. The views along the scenic road become progressively more striking as you drive further. At the end of the road is a parking area that has fittingly outstanding views.
Recommended Day Hikes:
Kolob Arch Trail
Round Trip Length: 14.4 miles out-and-back
Trailhead location: The trail starts at Lee Pass, located 3.7 miles along the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive.
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: This trail is not to be missed, but come prepared because the mileage is lengthy. Sights along the trail
include Timber and La Verkin Creeks, Gregory Butte (elev. 7,705 ft), Shuntavi Butte and Kolob Arch, one of the
largest freestanding arches in North America. La Verkin Creek is particularly beautiful with its clear running waters
and leafy cottonwoods.
Taylor Creek Trail (to Double Arch Alcove)
Round Trip Length: 5.4 miles out-and-back
Trailhead location: Taylor Creek trailhead on Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive, just under 2 miles in.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: Following along Taylor Creek, this hike passes two ruined settler cabins. Waiting for you at the end
of the trail is a giant mossy alcove known as Double Arch Alcove. Return the same way you came.
Helpful travel tips and observations
The Kolob Canyons are best seen in the late afternoon and early evening due to the quality of the light at
this time of the day. The cliffs and ridges become more sharply defined and the colors dazzle with their intensity. By contrast,
morning light causes the canyons to look somewhat washed out and dull.
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Autumn foliage along La Verkin Creek, Kolob Canyons, (October 2010)
Autumn foliage along La Verkin Creek, Kolob Canyons, (October 2010)
Autumn foliage along La Verkin Creek, Kolob Canyons, (October 2010)
Steep sandstone cliffs - Kolob Arch Trail, Kolob Canyons, (October 2010)
Autumn foliage along the Kolob Arch Trail, Kolob Canyons, (October 2010)
Red rock cliffs, Kolob Canyons, (October 2010)
Autumn foliage along La Verkin Creek, Kolob Canyons, (October 2010)
Steep sandstone cliffs - Kolob Arch Trail, Kolob Canyons, (October 2010)
Red rock cliffs, Kolob Canyons, (October 2010)
Kolob Canyons, (October 2006)
Golden leaves, Kolob Canyons, (October 2006)
Double Arch Alcove from the Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyons (October 2006)
