Lake Powell
Kolob Canyons may be the little known portion of Zion National Park, but that doesn't mean that its not as spectacular as the main canyons of the Zion proper. These rugged, red, navajo sandstone canyons have a unique geological history. They are home to diverse animal and plant life, and provide peaceful and serene surroundings to those that visit.
Kolob Canyons is a beautiful place to tour throughout the year. In the winter, the red navajo sandstone glimmers with a fresh dusting of snow and in the spring the waterfalls cascade down the rugged cliffs, streaking them black from the run-off. Wild-flowers bloom in abundance during the summer, and with the coming of autumn, the yellow-gold leaves of the valley's scrub oak offers an interesting contrast to the vast scenery.
Drive carefully as you travel along the Kolob Canyons Road because it ascends 1,100 feet in five miles. You'll drive along the Hurricane Fault, a 120 mile fracture in the earth's crust, to a pinion woodland above Taylor Creek, through multi-colored layers of stratified rock where the road cuts through the hillside, past a huge rock scar where a section of the cliff fell in July 1983. Expect some steep grades and curves and there are several stops that are on the opposite side of the road. At many of these pull-out areas the sound of running water may be heard. Most of the canyons have creeks at least part of the year and there are numerous small springs in the canyon walls.
As you travel along the Kolob Canyons road, you will see several Interpretive Roadside exhibits at various pullouts along the scenic drive. There are picnic tables at the Kolob Canyons Overlook which is located at the end of the Kolob Canyons road. There are no overnight camping facilities in the park. Back-country camping requires a permit which can be obtained at the Visitors Center
The wildlife in Kolob Canyons is very diverse. During the winter months mule deer can be seen grazing along the hillsides. Ravens, golden eagles, red-tail hawks and the occasional bald eagle soar the skies over Kolob. Lizards, snakes, jackrabbits, grey squirrels, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions are a just a few of the animals that claim the park as home.
The first inhabitants of the Kolob area were the Anasazi or "the ancient ones". Very little is know about the Anasazi or why they disappeared from the Southwest region about 1200 AD. The Paiutes were next to establish themselves in the area. The explorers Father Escalante and Father Dominguez first documented the Kolob Canyons as they tried to establish a trail from New Mexico to California. Mormon pioneers settled the Kolob area in 1852. They used the area for a variety of purposes, including cutting timber, raising livestock, and prospecting for minerals. According to Mormon scripture, the word "Kolob" means "the star nearest to the residence of God" .
Hiking Trails
| Timber Creek Trail |
| Trailhead is located at the Kolob Canyons Picnic Area. Distance is about one mile round trip. Plan for about a half hour. Trail follows the ridge top to a small peak. Offers views of the Timber Creek, the Kolob Terrace and the Pine Valley Mountains. |
| Taylor Creek |
| Trailhead is located approximately two miles from the Visitors Center along the Kolob Canyons Road. Distance is about five miles round-trip. Plan for about three to four hours. Moderate in difficulty. The trail follows the middle fork of Taylor Creek past two old homestead cabins to the Double Arch Alcove. |
| Kolob Arch |
| Trailhead is located approximately three and half miles from the Visitors Center at Lee's Pass. Distance is 14.4 miles round-trip. Plan on this being an all-day hike. The hike is considered to be strenuous and is not recommended during the months of July and August since the summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. The hike starts at Lee's Pass and follows the LaVerkin Creek into the Kolob wilderness to the world's largest free-standing arch. |
When hiking in Kolob Canyons remember to bring water, maps, field guides, sunscreen, insect repellent and a camera. All over night, back-country hikes require a permit. Leave no trace-pack out all trash.
Getting There
The Kolob Canyons are located just off I-15 at exit #40, twenty miles south of Cedar City. The road through the park is short journey of only 10.6 miles round trip.
Visitor Center
Be sure to stop at the Kolob Canyons Visitors Center for more detailed information about the park. They are open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 435-586-9548. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Kolob Canyons is part of Zion National Park. As of January 1, 2007, the entrance fee permit for Kolob Canyons is $25 per vehicle, good for 7 days. Permit includes entrance into all of Zion National Park including the Main Canyon. Golden Eagle, Golden Age and America The Beautiful National Park passes are honored in Kolob Canyons.
Accessibility
The Visitor Center is fully accessible to wheelchairs.
Kolob Canyons
Zion National Park Service
Kolob Canyon, UT 84720
435-586-9548