Kolob Arch
Arch Massive sandstone arch within Zion National Park
Massive natural sandstone arch in Zion National Park’s Kolob Canyons; attracts hikers and photographers willing to tackle the remote backcountry approach.
Kolob Arch is a large natural sandstone arch located in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, Utah, United States. It is notable for its considerable span and remote canyon setting.
The arch formed through natural erosional processes in the park’s Navajo Sandstone over geologic time and has been documented in modern surveys that rank arches by span. It lies within protected national park land.
Kolob Arch sits in the Kolob Canyons area of Zion National Park in northwestern Washington County, Utah, and is accessed via backcountry routes from the park’s Kolob Canyons road and trail network.
- Span: often listed among the world's largest natural arches by span, with commonly cited measurements of roughly 287 feet (about 87 metres).
What to See #
- Arch span: the natural sandstone arch itself, carved in Navajo Sandstone and commonly measured and cited in arch-span lists.
How to Get to Kolob Arch #
Drive to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center off Interstate 15 (exit 40) at the north end of Zion National Park; the arch requires a long backcountry hike from the La Verkin Creek area - consult NPS for trailhead details and backcountry permit requirements.
Tips for Visiting Kolob Arch #
- Kolob Arch requires a strenuous backcountry hike (La Verkin Creek Trail access); be prepared for route-finding and river crossings.
- Because the arch is in a more remote part of Zion, start early and travel with a partner; check with Zion National Park for trail conditions and permit requirements.
Best Time to Visit Kolob Arch #
Best in spring or autumn for hiking conditions; summer brings heat and higher visitor numbers in the park's popular areas.
Weather & Climate near Kolob Arch #
Kolob Arch's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with 58 mm of rain.
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April
April is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
