Kolob Canyons is a great addition to any Zion National Park itinerary. This quieter but no less scenic section of Zion offers a different kind of experience than the more popular areas near the main entrance in Springdale, Utah. Here, you’ll find soaring red rock walls, arches, scenic drives, peaceful trails, and a sense of space that can feel harder to come by in Zion Canyon. For travelers looking to escape the busiest parts of the park while still experiencing its striking beauty, Kolob Canyons is well worth it. Here’s our guide to exploring Kolob Canyons.
Why Visit Kolob Canyons in Zion
Tucked into the northwest corner of Zion, Kolob Canyons is the place to go to escape the summer crowds and experience a quieter side of the park. Its narrow box canyons are carved into the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, creating peaks and soaring 2,000-foot Navajo sandstone cliffs. What makes Kolob Canyon so special is the peace and solitude you can find here. While many visitors head straight for Zion Canyon’s most famous sights, Kolob Canyons offers stunning scenery in a more serene setting, with dark skies that make it an especially beautiful place for stargazing in Zion.
Getting to Kolob Canyons in Zion
Zion National Park spans nearly 150,000 acres, and Kolob Canyons gives visitors a chance to experience a more remote-feeling corner of that vast landscape. The Kolob Canyons district is located in the upper west part of the park and is reached from the Kolob Canyons Entrance. To get there, take Exit 40 on I-15. You have to exit the park to drive from Zion Canyon to Kolob Canyon, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour from entrance to entrance.
Kolob Canyons is in a different part of the park than some of the best-known areas, like The Narrows and Angels Landing, which are located in Zion Canyon. Because of that, it’s best to think of it as its own outing rather than a quick stop along the way.
Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive
From the entrance and Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, a five-mile scenic drive leads you into a landscape of crimson-colored canyons, with plenty of pull-offs where you can stop and admire the views. Trailhead parking lots are also located along Kolob Canyons Road, making it easy to combine a drive with a hike.
Even if you’re not planning to hike, the drive alone is worth doing. Stop at overlooks, take photos, enjoy a picnic, or pair the drive with a walk to Timber Creek Overlook. The Kolob Canyons scenic drive is one of the easiest ways to appreciate the scale and beauty of Kolob Canyons, with dramatic views around nearly every bend.
Kolob Canyons Hiking Trails
One of the best ways to experience Kolob Canyons is on foot, with roughly 20 miles of trails ranging from a short overlook walk to a challenging backcountry trek. Here’s an overview of the three hikes in Kolob Canyons.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail
Distance: 1 mile round trip | Difficulty: Easy
This is a short and rewarding hike along a rocky ridge with incredible views. On clear days, you can see all the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the south. This hike is low-commitment, with minimal elevation gain, and perfect if you want beautiful views without a long day on the trail. The early morning and late afternoon bring softer light that makes the surrounding cliffs glow. Plan on 30 minutes to one hour to complete this hike.
Taylor Creek Trail
Distance: 5 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
This scenic hike takes you into a narrow box canyon with red rock walls that rise 1,700 feet above the trail. Along the way, you’ll pass two historic cabins built in the 1930s before reaching Double Arch Alcove. With creek crossings, changing scenery, and a dramatic finish, this is one of the most rewarding hikes in Kolob Canyons. Plan for 4–5 hours to take in the surroundings at a relaxed pace.
Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail
Distance: 14 miles round trip | Difficulty: Strenuous
For a more challenging hike with plenty of solitude, the La Verkin Creek Trail leads into one of the most remote-feeling parts of Zion National Park. Beginning at Lee Pass Trailhead, the route descends through rugged canyon scenery toward Kolob Arch, one of the world’s largest natural arches, which spans 287 feet and measures 75 feet thick. This trail is best for experienced hikers looking to spend a full day immersed in the landscape. Much of the hike is downhill on the way in, which makes the return feel more strenuous. La Verkin Creek waters lush greenery that stands in striking contrast to the surrounding red rock, creating a beautiful scene.
Adventures in Kolob Canyons
Hiking is the main attraction in Kolob Canyons, but there are other ways to enjoy this beautiful part of the park. Scenic driving, photography, picnicking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting are all rewarding here, especially because the area tends to feel more peaceful and less congested than Zion Canyon.
For travelers who enjoy self-guided adventures, Kolob Canyons is made for taking your time. Pull off at viewpoints, walk short stretches, and let the scenery set the pace. The red rock walls, changing light, and quiet atmosphere make it a wonderful place to slow down and simply be present in the landscape.
For those interested in guided adventures, consider booking a private guided hiking, climbing, or canyoneering in Zion.
Tips for Visiting Kolob Canyons in Zion
- National Park pass is required: Visitors to Zion National Park need an entrance pass or an America the Beautiful annual pass.
- Best time to visit Zion: Zion is open year-round, but spring, summer, and fall are especially popular. Kolob Canyons Road may close at times in winter.
- Check the weather before you go: Flash floods are one of the biggest hazards in Zion. Check current conditions, closures, and warnings before heading out.
- Leave no trace: Help protect the landscape and keep yourself safe by staying on designated trails and away from cliff edges.
- Bring plenty of water: Even shorter hikes can feel more strenuous in the desert heat and dry climate, so carry more water than you think you’ll need.
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Discover the magic of the desert at Under Canvas Zion, a one-of-a-kind upscale glamping resort near Zion National Park. Surrounded by sandstone cliffs, red rock landscapes, and wide-open desert skies, it offers a beautiful balance of adventure and comfort in nature. Sleep under the stars in stylish tents with plush beds, ensuite bathrooms, and upscale amenities. Return after a day exploring Kolob Canyons to unwind and stargaze beneath dark skies with nightly s’mores. Under Canvas Zion is the perfect base for exploring both Zion’s iconic sights and its quieter corners, while settling into the beauty of the American Southwest.