Kolob Canyon
The beautiful Kolob Canyon section is one of the popular trails in Zion National Park. It is located at exit-40 on I-15, 17 miles south of Cedar City and 40 miles north of Zion Canyon. It is comparatively less crowded and the northwestern remote section of Kolob Canyon in Zion National Park is famous because the entire area of Navajo sandstone formations glow orange and deep pink colors. The 5 mile scenic drive to Kolob Canyon road lets visitors witness the gorgeous crimson Canyons, and allows visitors to explore several trails along with scenic viewpoints.
The Kolob Canyon Section of Zion Park is a more isolated and quiet location than the main canyon. Serious hikers can enjoy hiking or backpacking in this section and have fun with less noise. The beautiful landmarks include the large Kolob Arch and the Double Arch Alcove located in Taylor creek.
At the northwest corner of the park, the narrow-parallel box canyons are engraved along the western border of the Colorado Plateau, forming a 2,000 foot cliff wall and grand peaks. People from all over the world are visiting these outstanding trails either to view the panoramic landscape or to enjoy the majestic canyon hikes. Everyone can experience something special at Kolob Canyons.
Timber Creek Overlook
This classic family friendly trail is about 1 mile round trip. The trailhead starts at the end of the Kolob Canyon Road and offers the grand view of the beautiful surroundings of Finger Canyons and the Southeast Terrace section. However, some people think that the view is better from the parking lots. The 45 minute walk is always better as you will get to see beautiful landmarks along the way. Be sure to see these gorgeous view at sunset.
Taylor Creek
This easy day hike and the trail is one of the most popular and official trails in the Kolob Canyons section. It’s a beautiful 5 mile hike (round trip) that leads to the gorgeous Finger Canyons. The hike is considerably easy but the trail is little rough with a small stream crossing the route. On the way, you may also find two ancient and historic cabins built in early 1900’s. Gradually the canyon walls get narrow until the route ends at the double arch alcove.
North Fork of Taylor Creek
The trail starts at the Taylor Creek Trailhead through the Middle Fork of the Creek, with Finger canyons located towards the south and north of this hike. The hike leads up towards the North Fork of the creek which ends the Taylor creek trail at the Larson Cabin ruins and continues north. When you travel along the streambed, which goes around Tucupit Point and leads further into this gorgeous little canyon. This route is quite remote and less crowded than the Middle Fork. You may enjoy the route, as it offers hikers a different experience.
South Fork of Taylor Creek
The South Fork is rated as a moderate day hike. This trail is short and leads into the Finger Canyon towards the south of the Middle Fork. It is an isolated yet fairly clear trail which was made by a former park ranger, and is suitable for rock climbing. This trail leads you to an ancient landslide and to the more isolated upper canyon. You will reach the end of the route at the rock-fall area.
La Verkin Creek Trail
The La Verkin Creek is the main trail of the Kolob section in Zion. The trail begins at Lee Pass, along the Kolob Canyons Road. It is an 11 mile trail, which goes around the south Finger Canyons, where it then turns towards the east and joins back to the La Verkin Creek as it completes the loop. The trail is suitable for day hikes. The trail leads you to the popular Kolob Arch and along the Trans Zion Trek. You can also plan for a two-day backpacking so that you can explore the section at your own leisure.
Beartrap Canyon Loop & Chasm Lake
Beartrap canyon loop is rated as strenuous and technical canyoneering route. The trial is a marvelous isolated corner of the Kolob Section. The trailhead starts from the base camp and leads to the La Verkin Creek. It allows you to hike up the peak to the forested saddle which is located between the Beartrap Canyon and the Willis Creek on drainage. From here you can experience the beautiful view of the mysterious Chasm Lake. As you hike down into Beartrap Canyon, you can enjoy beautiful small canyons with lush greenery. The heart of the hike ends at Beartrap Canyon Falls.
Camp Creek
Camp creek is a tough day hike. It is considered as the lost and forgotten section of Zion. It is located at the far northwest corner of the Kolob section. It is more isolated than any other finger canyon because it not conveniently accessible from the main canyon road. The route leads to an old entrance, that takes you to the Hurricane Cliffs, as the trail goes down to the Wild Camp Creek streambed. The slot has more to it such as an open boxed canyon, where you can find interesting, uneven erosion formations engraved on the walls above.
Spring Creek & Sweetwater Gulch
Spring Creek is considered as a strenuous trail. Although this trail is not as beautiful as other trails, it offers a pleasant day hike for hikers. The trail is the best way to release your tensions and is a great option if looking to get away from the crowd. The smaller streams are flowing at the bottom of the canyon. The best part of the hike is Sweetwater Gulch; a gorgeous stream that flows through both sides of the vertical walls of the canyon.
Kanarra Creek
Kanarra Creek is a unique option rather than Camp Creek and Spring Creek. It is a remote slot which is located in the BLM area east of Kanarraville, and is reachable through a dirt road that leads to the Hurricane Cliffs. Kanarra Creek is a mini version of the Zion Narrows. This creek has several outstanding slot sections with clear water streams, beautiful red walls, and 2 tricky boulder obstacles that may obstruct passage.
Death Point & Smith Cabin Remains
In the ZNHA (Zion Natural History Associations) it is mentioned in 1960 that Death Point was an isolated “Guide to the Trails”. In the 2005 edition of National Geographic, it stated that The Smith Cabin Remains are Death Point’s landmarks. The illustrated trail map also deceives you, making you think that you can go further down, but do not follow such mislead maps even if it says it is safe to travel.
The Kolob Canyon in Zion National Park is considered as the most suitably located section in National Park and in all of Utah. This beautiful and stunning finger canyon is just the one you want to discover. It is conveniently located at exit-40 off of I-15 (interstate 15). Throughout the year you can visit the spectacular Kolob Canyons. During the winter, the gorgeous Navajo sandstones look even more beautiful with fresh snow while in summer the wildflowers bloom all over the canyon. In autumn the gold-yellow leaves cover the area and it is the beautiful scene to witness. Visit this fantastic trial for an experience you’ll never forget.
