Kolob Canyons at Zion National Park is about 20 miles south of Cedar City and 40 miles from Zion Canyon near Springdale.
Unknown to many visitors of Zion National Park in Southern Utah the highlight for travelers seeking solitude is Kolob Canyons.
I recommend hiking the Taylor Creek Trail and then driving the remainder of the scenic 5-mile roadway up to Timber Creek Overlook. On the way back down stop at some of the scenic pull outs along the road.
What if I told you it’s possible to hike without the other 10,000 people on the trails at Zion?
Okay, I’m exaggerating about the number of people (a little bit) but Kolob Canyons is my Zen space at Zion National Park because not many people bother to visit this side of Zion park.
There are no shuttle buses and only one beautiful scenic drive on this section of Zion park.
Hike the Taylor Creek Trail and enjoy the least visited side of Utah’s most visited national park.
Getting to Kolob Canyons Zion National Park
Kolob Canyons at Zion National Park is about 20 miles south of Cedar City and 40 miles from Zion Canyon near Springdale.
From I-15 take exit 40
Turn onto Kolob Canyon Road and follow it to the visitor center.
You must enter the visitor center to pay the entrance fee or show your National Parks pass and ID.
Zion National Park Fees
The entry fee covers you for a full 7 consecutive days visiting Zion National Park at both the Zion canyon (by Springdale UT) and Kolob canyons, which is close to Cedar City.
- $35 private vehicle
- $30 motorcycle
- $20 pedestrian or cyclist – under age 15 free admittance
- $80 annual America the Beautiful pass (National Parks pass)
Visit the national parks website for more info on passes and details free admission passes for active military, permanently disabled US citizens, and the 4th graders free national parks pass.
Kolob Canyons visitor center hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm daily.
Kolob Canyons at Zion National Park is open year round.
One of a few dozen creek crossings along the trail
Kolob Canyons Zion National Park
You can have a look at the Zion National Park map from the official brochure so you can get familiar with the location of Kolob Canyons and Zion Canyon.
You’ll see that Kolob Canyons is in the northwest region of the park.
Kolob Canyons is a series of finger canyons with one paved road, only 5 miles long. There are a few hiking trails at Kolob Canyons, basically a short, medium, and long hike.
The Timber Creek overlook trail is at the end of the scenic drive and it’s the shortest hike at Kolob.
Taylor Creek trail is the first trailhead you’ll see while driving up the road. This trail crosses the Taylor Creek multiple times and features a couple of old cabins and a cool alcove at the end of the trail.
La Verkin Creek Trail is a longer hike and features the Kolob Arch, one of the largest natural arches in the world.
La Verkin trail is 14 miles round trip and it’s rated as moderate. There are 13 campsites in the La Verkin creek area. You can also hike further to Bear Trap Canyon and Willis Canyon.
Taylor Creek trail doesn’t have much elevation change
Taylor Creek Trail Details
Distance: 5 miles (8 km) round trip
Elevation gain: 450 ft (135 m)
Type of hike: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Dogs allowed on trail: No dogs allowed on this trail
Snakes, including rattlesnakes are not uncommon along Taylor Creek trail. Be mindful of where you are stepping and be aware of your surroundings.
If you see a rattlesnake, stop walking and then slowly back away.
Map of Taylor Creek Trail
Taylor Creek Trail Description
Starting out the hiking trail has little shade. If you’re hiking on warmer days make sure to bring a wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water.
There are a lot of creek crossings on this trail, which is often referred to as Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail. I lost count of how many creek crossings but most of them have rocks or logs to use as steps.
It’s not like Kanarra Falls trail, where you have to walk in the water for a portion of the hike.
Both of the Kolob Canyon cabins that you see along the Taylor Creek Trail were built in the early 1930s. You’ll see the first cabin is early in the hike, the Larson cabin.
Larson cabin is the first of two cabins along Taylor Creek trail
Gustive Larson was a seminary teacher in Cedar City. He and Arthur Fife began to homestead in the Kolob Canyons in the early thirties but later left the area.
The second cabin is Fife cabin, and it was built by Arthur Fife when he was a professor of geology in Cedar City Utah.
Fife cabin is the second cabin along Taylor Creek trail
As you continue along the trail, watch for the sign pointing towards Double Arch Alcove.
A sign points the way to Double Arch Alcove
When you reach the double arch alcove that is the end of the trail and a perfect picnic spot. It’s nice and cool in the shade of the alcove.
Double arch alcove is the end of the trail
Double arch alcove is the perfect place for a picnic lunch
If you want to continue a little further there is a small waterfall a short walk from the alcove.
The small waterfall is not far from double arch alcove
Other National Parks in Utah
Visit Arches National Park with over 2,000 natural stone arches, hiking trails from easy to challenging, and beautiful scenic drives
Bryce National Park for hiking in the hoodoos and scenic drives
Capitol Reef National Park is Utah’s least visited national park but it’s so worth a visit!
Canyonlands National Park is an easy day trip from Moab
More Things to See in Utah
Cedar Breaks National Monument has hoodoos, hiking trails, and scenic drives
Cedar City is the perfect place to explore Southern Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park is next to Canyonlands and features stunning views of the Colorado River
Kanarra Falls slot canyon hike is an excellent trail when you don’t mind getting your feet wet
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