Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park.

Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park.

Kolob Canyons is one of the most overlooked areas of Zion National Park. Located in the park’s northwest corner, this quieter section offers towering red cliffs, scenic drives, hiking trails, and incredible views without the crowds found in Zion Canyon.

If you’re visiting Zion National Park and want to experience a more peaceful side of the park, Kolob Canyons is well worth the detour. It’s one of my favorite places to slow down, explore, and appreciate the scale of southern Utah’s sandstone landscape.

Quick Facts

Location: Zion National Park, Utah

Entrance: Kolob Canyons Exit off Interstate 15

Park Entrance Fee: Zion National Park Pass Required

Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall

Pets: Limited to paved areas

Visitor Center: Yes

Why Visit Kolob Canyons.

While most visitors head straight to Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons offers a completely different experience. The scenic drive winds through massive sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and overlooks that rival many of the park’s most famous viewpoints.

The smaller number of visitors makes it easy to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Scenic Drive.

The Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive stretches five miles into the park and climbs steadily through dramatic red rock formations. Several pullouts provide panoramic views and excellent photography opportunities.

Even if you don’t plan to hike, the drive alone is worth the visit.

Best Hikes in Kolob Canyons.

Several excellent hiking trails begin from the scenic drive.

The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is an easy walk with expansive views across the canyons.

The Taylor Creek Trail follows a beautiful canyon with creek crossings and leads to the Double Arch Alcove.

For experienced hikers, the Kolob Arch Trail offers a challenging adventure to one of the world’s largest natural arches.

Photography.

Kolob Canyons is especially beautiful during sunrise and late afternoon when the sandstone cliffs glow with warm red and orange light.

Spring wildflowers and autumn colors add even more contrast to the landscape, making it one of my favorite places to photograph in Zion National Park.

Best Time to Visit.

Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and sightseeing.

Summer afternoons can be extremely hot, while winter occasionally brings snow that creates a beautiful contrast against the red cliffs.

Final Thoughts.

Kolob Canyons reminds me that some of the best places in Zion National Park aren’t always the busiest. Whether you’re hiking, photographing the landscape, or simply enjoying the scenic drive, it’s one of southern Utah’s most rewarding destinations.

How to get to Kolob Canyons.

Kolob Canyons is located in the northwest section of Zion National Park. It is conveniently located right off of Interstate i15 and is 17 miles south of Cedar City. This canyon features a 5 mile scenic drive through the canyon to an overlook. The road is paved red and will be getting a makeover starting May 1st, 2018. The road will close so plan ahead if you are planning to stop by or do a hike. This is a box canyon which is located on the western part of the Colorado Plateau creating giant peaks with 2,000 ft cliffs. It is the sandstone version of Yosemite. I just made that up, but thats how I felt when I was there.

We visited in April in mid day and saw little to no traffic and plenty of parking at the trailheads. Kolob Canyons features hiking, climbing or just a drive through experience. This is by far the best part of Zion National Park and should not be missed.

Backpacking in Kolob Canyons.

Backpacking in Kolob Canyons, a section of Zion National Park in southern Utah, can be a rewarding and challenging experience. The park offers several backpacking trails, including:

• La Verkin Creek Trail: This 14.5-mile trail is a strenuous hike that takes you through a narrow canyon and ends at the Kolob Terrace Road. Permits are required for overnight camping.
• Hop Valley Trail: This 8.5-mile trail takes you through a beautiful valley and ends at the Kolob Terrace Road. Permits are required for overnight camping.
• Wildcat Canyon Trail: This 12-mile trail takes you through a remote canyon and ends at the Lava Point Campground. Permits are required for overnight camping.

It’s important to note that backpacking in Kolob Canyons requires a permit and reservations are highly recommended, as the number of permits is limited. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out, bring appropriate gear and enough food and water, and be prepared for the challenges of backcountry hiking, such as rugged terrain and changing weather.

Best Hikes to do while in Kolob Canyons at Zion National Park.

Kolob Canyons is a section of Zion National Park located in southern Utah. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry backpacking hikes. Some popular hiking trails in Kolob Canyons include:

• The Taylor Creek Trail, a 5.4-mile round trip hike that follows Taylor Creek through a narrow canyon and ends at the Double Arch Alcove.
• The Timber Creek Overlook Trail, a 3-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the Kolob Canyons from an overlook.
• The Kolob Arch Trail, a 9-mile round trip hike that leads to one of the largest natural arches in the world, Kolob Arch.

It’s important to note that some trails require a permit to hike so make a reservation, and also some trails are closed during certain times of the year. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast, bring plenty of water and snacks and wear appropriate gear, and let someone know your hiking plan and expected return time before heading out. Check out the backpacking rules and regulations in Zion National Park.

For more information about hiking in Kolob Canyons.

How to get around Kolob Canyons

At the south entrance there is a scenic shuttle bus that will take you up and down the canyon. Check for seasonal operating times on the Zion website or book a ticket in advance for busy weekends. In Kolob Canyons it is suggested to have a private automobile to travel the scenic drive throughout the park. Note that the speed limit is 35 mph and seat belts, child safety seats are required for all passengers.

Are pets allowed at Kolob Canyons?

On most trails pets are not allowed in the national parks. The only trail that allows pets is the Pa’rus Trail at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center located on the other side of the park. There are no trails in Kolob Canyons that allow pets. But what about your service animal? Your dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks to benefit your disability will be allowed.

Can I fly a drone at Kolob Canyons?

No, Flying a drone in Kolob Canyons, a section of Zion National Park in southern Utah, is subject to rules and regulations set by the National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

According to the NPS, the operation of unmanned aircraft, including drones, is prohibited in all national parks, including Zion National Park. This includes all areas of the park, including Kolob Canyons. The use of drones in national parks can disrupt wildlife, damage natural and cultural resources, and interfere with visitor experience.

However, the FAA allows the operation of drones in national parks under certain conditions, such as obtaining a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). But in most cases, the NPS doesn’t issue SFOCs to fly drones in national parks.

It’s important to check the regulations before you go and not to fly a drone in the park without proper permissions. If you are caught flying a drone in the park, you may face penalties, fines and possible confiscation of your drone.