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National Park Service CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Kolob Arch

Arch

Massive natural sandstone arch in Zion National Park's Kolob Canyons; attracts hikers and photographers willing to tackle the remote backcountry approach.

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In this guide

Kolob Arch essentials

Address: Kolob Arch area, Zion National Park, Utah, USA (Kolob Canyons region)
Website: nps.gov
Hours: Zion National Park: open 24 hours; visitor centre hours vary seasonally (check https://www.nps.gov/zion).
Admission: Zion National Park vehicle entrance: $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days) - check NPS for up-to-date fees. No separate fee for hiking to Kolob Arch, but permits may be required for overnight backcountry travel.
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About Kolob Arch

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Spring / Fall
Mar-May / Sep-Nov · 5-25°C (40-75°F)
Best hiking weather with cooler temperatures and more stable conditions.
Summer
Jun-Aug · 25-40°C (77-104°F)
Hotter and busier; creeks may be lower but heat exposure is a concern.

Weather & Climate near Kolob Arch

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 17 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -6° - 6° -4° 38 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
February - -5° - 8° -2° 46 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
March - -2° - 11° 1° 58 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
April - 1° - 16° 6° 33 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
May - 5° - 21° 13° 23 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
June - 10° - 27° 18° 12 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
July - 13° - 30° 22° 32 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
August - 13° - 29° 21° 40 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
September - 9° - 25° 17° 31 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
October - 3° - 19° 11° 31 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
November - -3° - 11° 1° 39 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
December - -6° - 7° -3° 34 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.