Kolob Canyons Wilderness Hiking Trails

La Verkin Creek Trail

NPS Photo / Brian Whitehead

 

Group Size Limits

Large groups result in larger impacts. Trails in the Zion Wilderness have a group size limit in order to help protect the wilderness character of the area. Group size limits are strictly enforced. Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 people that share the same affiliation (e.g., school, club, scout group, colleagues, family, friends, or a combination thereof).
Groups that exceed these limits may not split up and visit the same drainage or wilderness trail on the same day, but may split up and visit different areas.

Restrooms

Fill your water bottle at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. Restroom facilities are located at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center and pit toilets are located at the Taylor Creek Trailhead, South Fork parking lot, and at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint. Always use the restroom before hiking. If you are on the trail, be prepared to pack out human waste, toilet paper, diapers, and hygiene products. Human waste disposal bags are highly recommended to transport solid waste. Please follow Leave No Trace principles while in the park.

Pets

Pets are not permitted on these trails. The only trail for pets is the Pa'rus Trail.

 

Download the Wilderness Guide from our website for the full map of the Zion Wilderness.

Trail Descriptions

These are not loop hikes. Roundtrip distances are listed for out-and-back trips. Hikers do not need to travel the full distance, they may turn around at any point, and return the way they came. Overnight trips require a Wilderness Permit.

Taylor Creek Trail

Trailhead Location: Taylor Creek Trailhead on the Kolob Canyons Road
Distance (roundtrip): 5.0 miles / 8.0 km
Elevation Change: 450 feet / 137 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 3-4 hours roundtrip
Description: The Taylor Creek Trail leads hikers deep into a narrow box canyon toward the Double Arch Alcove, where erosion has carved out natural openings in the Navajo sandstone. As the trail reaches the mouth of the canyon it enters the Zion Wilderness and begins to crisscross Taylor Creek. Winter conditions can be very icy and water crossings in the spring will get your feet wet. The trail passes the geologic formation of the Kanarraville Fold and two historic homestead cabins built in the early 1930s before arriving at the Double Arch Alcove.
Note: Hikes from this parking area are not affected by the Kolob Canyons Road partial closure, but parking may be limited.

Kolob Canyons Road is partially closed due to road damage.

Timber Creek Overlook and La Verkin Creek trailheads are past the road closure. Drivers cannot travel past South Fork Picnic Area. Hikers or bikers can travel on the closed part of the road at their own risk. Be mindful of the damaged area. You can see a photo of the road damage in this news release.

About 0.5 miles walk from South Fork Picnic Area.

La Verkin Creek Trail

Trailhead Location: Lee Pass Trailhead on the Kolob Canyons Road
Distance (roundtrip): 14.0 miles / 22.5 km
Elevation Change: 1,037 feet / 316 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 8 hours roundtrip

Description: The La Verkin Creek Trail to the Kolob Arch allows hikers outstanding opportunities for solitude in a primitive area of Zion Wilderness. The trail begins at Lee Pass with stunning views of the Kolob Canyons as it crosses Timber Creek and continues to descend toward La Verkin Creek. After seven miles a spur trail leads hikers to a viewpoint where they can see the Kolob Arch. With a span of 287 feet and a thickness of 75 feet, the Kolob Arch is one of the world's largest natural arches.

About 2 miles walk from South Fork Picnic Area.

Timber Creek Overlook Trail

Trailhead Location: Kolob Canyons Viewpoint parking lot at the end of the Kolob Canyons Road
Distance (roundtrip): 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
Elevation Change: 100 feet / 30 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 0.5 hours roundtrip
Description: The Timber Creek Overlook Trail follows a small ridge with spectacular views of the Kolob Canyons, the Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. Looking south on the far horizon, visitors may see Mount Trumbull, 100 miles away at the north rim of the Grand Canyon. During the spring and early summer months, the Timber Creek Overlook Trail is covered in a beautiful display of desert wildflowers. The dirt trail is often muddy when wet. A small picnic area is located a short distance from the trailhead. Large groups (of 12 or more people) may hike on the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.