HIKES IN THE KOLOB CANYONS SECTION
Far from the crowds of Zion Canyon, the Kolob Canyons is the isolated northwestern section of Zion National Park, noted for the deep pink and orange glow of the area's Navajo sandstone formations. It is roughly a 40-mile drive from Springdale to the Kolob Canyons entrance at Exit 40 off of I-15; the Kolob Section has its own ranger station and visitor center. The lovely Kolob Canyons Road is a great five-mile scenic drive from the entrance up to a viewpoint of the finger canyons. This section of the park is much more remote and subdued than the main canyon, and hiking or backpacking in this area is great if you are looking to get away from it all. Landmarks include the Double Arch Alcove in Taylor Creek and the large Kolob Arch.
TIMBER CREEK OVERLOOK TRAIL
Quick easy stroll.
If you're looking to escape the crowds of Zion Canyon, visit the Kolob Canyons section of the park and take a scenic drive along the Kolob Canyons Road. At the end of the drive is a great viewpoint and the short Timber Creek Overlook Trail that offers wonderful views into the magical Kolob Finger Canyons. Sunset is a wonderful time to do this hike.
TAYLOR CREEK TRAIL (Middle Fork of Taylor Creek)
Moderately strenuous day hike.
The Taylor Creek Trail is one of the few official trails in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion. This pleasant 5-mile (roundtrip) trail heads up one of the Kolob "finger" canyons and passes by two historic old cabins from the early 1900s. The trail continues up the narrowing canyon and involves a few stream crossings to reach the famous Double Arch Alcove.
NORTH FORK OF TAYLOR CREEK
Moderately strenuous day hike.
While the Taylor Creek Trail heads into the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek, near the Larson cabin ruins, you can leave the official trail and follow the streambed into the North Fork of Taylor Creek. While not the most exciting hike, the North Fork is still a pleasant canyon wih impressive sandstone walls towering above.
SOUTH FORK OF TAYLOR CREEK
Moderately strenuous day hike.
Another short but interesting hike up a Kolob Finger Canyon, this one goes into the canyon just south of the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek on a well-defined trail-of-use created by a former park ranger for its rock climbing potential. The trail ascends an ancient sandy landslide to reach a beautiful section where you are surrounded by photogenic vertical walls.
LA VERKIN CREEK TRAIL
Strenuous hiking/backpacking.
The La Verkin Creek Trail is the main connecting trail through the Kolob Canyons section of Zion. A long dayhike to see the Kolob Arch makes for a strenuous and rewarding day and is probably the most popular use of the trail. Numerous campsites also allow for longer options to explore Beartrap Canyon, Willis Creek or continue a trek through to Hop Valley.
BEARTRAP CANYON LOOP
Strenuous backpacking/canyoneering.
The "Beartrap Canyon Loop" is a fairly strenuous day hike through a beautiful remote corner of the Kolob section. Starting from a base camp along the La Verkin Creek Trail, you can hike up the steep forested saddle between Willis Creek and the Beartrap Canyon drainage and then descend Beartrap Canyon proper. The crux of the hike is the final rappel over Beartrap Canyon Falls.
CAMP CREEK
Fairly strenuous day hike.
This is a lost/forgotten canyon of Zion in the far northwestern corner of the Kolob Section -- more remote than any of the finger canyons due to its inaccessibility from the main Kolob Canyons road. Not quite a slot canyon, this is more of an overgrown box canyon with interesting pitted erosion formations carved in the walls above. This is not one that would interest the general public.
DEATH POINT and SMITH CABIN REMAINS
Historic route.
Death Point was a remote trail mentioned in the Zion Natural History Association's "A Guide to the Trails" back in the 1960's. The Smith Cabin Remains are a landmark mentioned in National Geographic's 2005 edition of the "Trails Illustrated" map. Both landmarks are currently inaccessible due to private property issues. Do not attempt these routes.
