PARKS Atlas
A stunning slot canyon interior known as 'The Subway' in Zion National Park, featuring smooth water-carved sandstone walls glowing with warm amber and rust tones, framing a serene turquoise pool below. The ethereal lighting filters through the…

Utah · Zion National Park

Kolob Canyons

Zion's quieter half — a separate entrance off I-15 exit 40, about 40 miles from the main canyon, on its own paved scenic drive. No shuttle and no permit to drive in, just deep-red finger canyons that rival the main park without the crowds. Taylor Creek to the Double Arch alcove and the short Timber Creek Overlook are the headline walks; Kolob Arch, one of the largest free-standing arches anywhere, is a long day or an overnight from the Lee Pass trailhead. Plan it as its own half-day to full day — it's a 40-mile drive from Springdale, not a quick add-on to a Zion Canyon trip.

The Subway · near Zion National Park

Overview

Kolob Canyons — Zion

Zion's quieter half — a separate entrance off I-15 exit 40, about 40 miles from the main canyon, on its own paved scenic drive. No shuttle and no permit to drive in, just deep-red finger canyons that rival the main park without the crowds. Taylor Creek to the Double Arch alcove and the short Timber Creek Overlook are the headline walks; Kolob Arch, one of the largest free-standing arches anywhere, is a long day or an overnight from the Lee Pass trailhead. Plan it as its own half-day to full day — it's a 40-mile drive from Springdale, not a quick add-on to a Zion Canyon trip.

Headline Hikes

Top trails in Zion

  1. A natural sandstone arch spans across layered red rock cliffs in bright midday sun, with lush green vegetation and dead snags in the canyon below.

    Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail

    14.2 mi 1,719 ft gain 6–6.5 hr

    Hard Out & back

    The signature hike of Zion's quieter Kolob Canyons district, starting from the Lee Pass trailhead off I-15 exit 40. The trail follows Timber Creek and then La Verkin Creek about 7 miles each way to Kolob Arch — among the largest free-standing arches in North America. The day round-trip needs no permit; overnight trips use the 13 designated backpacking sites, which require a Zion wilderness permit and reservation. Filter water from springs only — toxic cyanobacteria have been found in La Verkin Creek. Best spring through fall; snow can linger on the trail into early spring.

    View on AllTrails →

  2. Taylor Creek Trail

    4.8 (5,996)

    5.1 mi 633 ft gain 2–2.5 hr

    Moderate Out & back

    The marquee day-hike of the Kolob Canyons section, starting just off I-15 exit 40. The Middle Fork of Taylor Creek runs about 2.7 miles each way to the Double Arch alcove, crossing the creek more than a dozen times and passing two weathered homestead cabins along the way. It's a moderate, mostly shaded streambed grade with no big climbs — cool deep in the finger canyon even in summer. No permit or shuttle: the trailhead is two miles up the Kolob Canyons scenic drive. Spring runoff makes the crossings wet, and the group-size limit is 12.

    View on AllTrails →

  3. Timber Creek Overlook Trail

    4.7 (3,019)

    1.2 mi 259 ft gain 0.5–1 hr

    Moderate Out & back

    The easy payoff at the end of the Kolob Canyons scenic drive — a nearly flat 1.2-mile walk along a ridge with head-on views of the finger canyons, the Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. On a clear day you can pick out Mt. Trumbull on the Grand Canyon's north rim, 100 miles south. Spring and early summer bring desert wildflowers and the odd collared lizard. Parking, restrooms, and picnic tables at the trailhead make it the natural first or last stop in Kolob.

    View on AllTrails →

Trail descriptions are field-tested summaries; verify current conditions and closures with NPS before hiking.

See all trails

Save on Entry

One pass covers Zion — and every other US national park.

The America the Beautiful annual pass pays for itself in two or three park visits. Free entry, free passenger fees, and no more fumbling for a credit card at the kiosk.

America the Beautiful National Park Pass — the 2026 annual pass card Buy your pass → Learn more about the pass

Ships from US Park Pass. Free shipping in the continental US.

← Back to Zion National Park