If you’re visiting Zion National Park and want to avoid the typical crowds, take a look at Kolob Canyons. The Kolob Canyons area, located in Zion’s northwest corner, is a true wilderness area and the least visited part of Zion. Kolob Canyons has all the attractions that make a visit to Zions special: remote hiking trails, majestic arches, and beautiful scenic drives. The only difference is you could end up having these attractions all to yourself.
Introduction to Kolob Canyons
Tucked away in the northwest corner of Zion National Park, Kolob Canyons is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. Unlike the bustling main canyon, this area offers a peaceful escape into nature, where dramatic red cliffs and narrow finger canyons create a truly spectacular landscape. The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is your gateway to this remarkable part of the park, providing helpful information about the best hiking trails, scenic routes, and the unique geology that defines the region. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to soak in the beauty of Zion, Kolob Canyons promises an unforgettable experience far from the crowds, making it a must-see destination for anyone exploring Zion National Park.
Visiting Kolob Canyons
Getting to Kolob Canyons from La Verkin is easy. Follow South Toquer Boulevard to Interstate 15. Head north and take Exit 40 to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, the main entrance to Kolob Canyons. The center doesn’t have any services, but it is staffed by a park ranger. You might want to ask about any current weather conditions that could cause problems in the canyons. There is a parking lot at the visitor center for trail access. Visitors can also check for road closures and current conditions at the visitor center or on the National Park Service website. Note that you’ll need to pay the Zion park daily entrance fee before entering Kolob Canyons, and, if you’re doing any backcountry camping, you’ll have to pay a small daily fee, as well. Entrance fees are required for all national parks, including Kolob Canyons. For overnight or backcountry activities, wilderness permits are required. A printed permit must be obtained in person at the visitor center for backcountry camping. The Zion Wilderness Desk at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is where visitors can get information and permits for backcountry activities. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is another key location for permits and information.
Kolob Canyons is part of the U.S. national parks system. Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and Kolob Canyons offers a quieter alternative.
While Kolob Canyons is open throughout the year, your best bet is to visit between March and November. The area is open year round, making it accessible in all seasons. The prime season for fall colors is in October, when temperatures are in the 60s. One thing to keep in mind is that Kolob Canyons is at a higher elevation than Zion Canyon, so the Kolob Canyons area will be colder and get snow earlier. Of course, the higher elevation works in your favor in the summer months, when Kolob Canyons is typically ten degrees cooler than the southern areas of Zion. Learn more about Kolob Canyons
For camping, there are no campgrounds within Kolob Canyons itself, but RV sites are available in nearby towns. Kanarraville and Cedar City, located north of Kolob, offer tenting and RV sites for visitors.
Hiking Trails
While Kolob Canyons has plenty of excellent hiking trails, three trails you’ll definitely want to take a look at are Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail, Taylor Creek Trail, and Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek leads to Kolob Arch, considered one of the world’s largest natural arches. The hike starts at the Lee Pass Trailhead and is a 14-mile round-trip trail that runs along Timber Creek and La Verkin Creek. Give yourself 5-6 hours to complete the entire hike.
Taylor Creek Trail (Middle Fork of Taylor Creek) is one of the popular trails in Kolob Canyons and begins at the Taylor Creek Trailhead. This five-mile hike winds through a scenic finger canyon, featuring several creek crossings along the route. Along the way, you’ll pass two historic cabins (Larson and Fife), which are notable historic cabins from the Great Depression era. The trail continues along Taylor Creek past these cabins toward the Double Arch Alcove, a key destination known for its tranquil and picturesque setting. For experienced hikers, the north fork and south fork offer alternative, less-traveled routes with additional scenic views and rugged terrain.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a short, easy hike that follows a ridge offering panoramic views of Kolob Canyon and Kolob Terrace. The hike is a little over a mile out and back, with very little elevation gain, and can be completed in a half day or less. View more hiking trails
Along these trails, hikers have the opportunity to spot wildlife—remember not to disturb or feed animals to help protect their natural habitat. Adventurous hikers can also explore slot canyons in the area. There is a picnic area near some trailheads, providing a convenient spot to rest and eat during your visit.
For the best experience, plan an early start to secure parking, avoid crowds, and beat the heat. Be sure to visit Kolob Canyons for a unique hiking experience.
Scenic Drives
Kolob Canyons is a perfect stop on a road trip through Southern Utah, offering stunning scenery and unique experiences along the way. Originally, Kolob Canyons was designated as a national monument before becoming part of Zion National Park, highlighting its historical and natural significance.
Two scenic drives run through Kolob Canyons: Kolob Canyons Road and Kolob Terrace Road.
Kolob Canyons Road is a well-maintained paved road that runs five miles from the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to Kolob Canyons Viewpoint. This route has plenty of turnouts with interpretive signs related to nearby areas. The overlook at the end of the route has panoramic views of a section of the Colorado Plateau, including majestic Mount Trumbull. At Timber Creek Overlook, on clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of the Grand Canyon in the distance.
Kolob Terrace Road is a 25-mile scenic drive that runs from Virgin, Utah to Kolob Reservoir. This rarely traveled drive passes by Lava Point Overlook, which is one of Zion’s highest locations (around 8,000 feet elevation). Plan on spending a while at Kolob Reservoir before heading back to Virgin. The reservoir is a great place to enjoy swimming, fishing, and simply relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. Note that you do have the option of continuing past Kolob Reservoir to Utah State Route 14, but most folks just head back once they reach the reservoir. Scenic drive information
Unique Features of the Area
Kolob Canyons stands out for its fascinating blend of natural wonders and cultural history. The area’s dramatic scenery has been shaped over millions of years, resulting in a landscape filled with towering cliffs, deep canyons, and winding creeks. One of the best ways to experience this is by hiking the La Verkin Creek Trail, also known as the Verkin Creek Trail. This trail leads you deep into the heart of Zion Wilderness, following the course of La Verkin Creek and revealing a variety of colorful rock formations along the way.
For those interested in the region’s past, the Taylor Creek Trail is a highlight. This popular route follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek and takes hikers past two historic homestead cabins—Larson Cabin and Fife Cabin—offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the Kolob Canyons area. The trail’s journey through the fork of Taylor Creek is both scenic and rich in history, making it a favorite among visitors.
At the very end of Kolob Canyon Road, the Timber Creek Overlook Trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of Timber Creek, the Kolob Terrace, and the distant Pine Valley Mountains. This short but spectacular trail is perfect for those seeking panoramic vistas and a sense of the vastness of Zion National Park. With its blend of geological marvels, historic sites, and breathtaking overlooks, Kolob Canyons is a spectacular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to explore the quieter side of Zion.
