Kolob Canyons

Kolob Canyons is the northwestern section of Zion National Park in southwestern Utah, notable for its high, reddish Navajo sandstone cliffs and narrow canyon walls. The area forms a distinct set of steep, fluted canyons separated from Zion’s main canyon.

The region is visited for its dramatic sandstone fins and cliffs, accessible viewpoints and a short paved scenic drive with several overlooks and trailheads. Hiking routes lead into side canyons such as Taylor Creek and to viewpoints like Timber Creek Overlook; the nearby Kolob Arch, in the designated wilderness, is among the larger natural arches in the region.

Kolob Canyons became part of Zion National Park protections when the park was established; the landscape has been shaped over millions of years by uplift of the Colorado Plateau and by erosion of the Navajo sandstone. Park management emphasizes trail protection and wilderness preservation in the backcountry areas.

The Kolob Canyons sector lies in the northwestern part of Zion National Park in southwestern Utah, separated from Zion Canyon by higher ridgelines and accessible from park roads that branch off the main approaches to the park.

• Scenic drive: A short paved scenic drive leads into the canyon with several overlooks and trailheads, suitable for half-day visits from the main Zion Canyon area.
• Geology: Home to high Navajo sandstone cliffs and slotlike canyons formed by uplift and erosion of the Colorado Plateau sandstones.

What to See#

• Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive: A paved scenic road of about 5 miles with multiple overlooks and trailheads that provides the primary vehicle access into the Kolob Canyons area of Zion National Park.
• Timber Creek Overlook: Timber Creek Overlook - a roadside viewpoint offering panoramic views of fluted Navajo sandstone walls and cliff faces within the Kolob Canyons sector.
• Taylor Creek trail: Taylor Creek and Double Arch Alcove - a valley trail that follows Taylor Creek and leads to alcoves and rock features characteristic of the canyon environment.
• Kolob Arch: Kolob Arch - located in the Kolob Canyons / Kolob Arch Wilderness area, identified as one of the larger natural arches in the region (access is on rugged, non-motorized routes).

Kolob Canyons is reached from Interstate 15 near Cedar City, Utah. Exit at the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive (off Route 9) and follow park signage to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Contact Station. The area is a 45-70 minute drive from Cedar City and roughly two hours from Las Vegas or the Zion Canyon entrance.

• Arrive very early or late in the day for dramatic light in Kolob Canyons and to avoid the busiest hours in Zion Valley.
• If hiking the Kolob Arch Trail or other backcountry routes, bring plenty of water and warn someone of your route-cell service is spotty.
• Check Zion National Park alerts for road closures or permit requirements, especially for backcountry camping.