The Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park is 40 miles north of Zion Canyon and is reached from Exit 40 off I-15. There is a five mile scenic drive through this northwest section of the park providing access to several trails and viewpoints. All guests are required to stop at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center at the entrance.
Kolob Canyons is not accessible directly from the main section of Zion National Park. It is popular for day hikes and backpacking away from the crowds which descend upon other trails in the park.
Double Arch Alcove is a popular destination for a hike up the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail. The approximately 5 mile out and back hike is of easy-moderate difficulty. It departs from the Taylor Creek Trailhead and passes by the historical Larson Cabin and Fife Cabin built in the 1930s. Double Arch Alcove is a colorful cave-like formation of sandstone undercut by water.
The Kolob Arch in this section of the park is considered the sixth largest natural arch in the world. It is 287 feet long, three feet shorter than Landscape Arch in Arches National Park. It requires a 14 mile round trip out and back hike to reach it, beginning from the Lee’s Pass Trailhead. It can be done as a long day hike or as an overnight backing trip with a permit from the backcountry office to stay at one of the sites along the trail.
Kolob Canyons Viewpoint has a short half-mile round trip trail at the end of the scenic drive which allows visitors to reach the Timber Creek Overlook, where one can see all the way to the Grand Canyon on a clear day.
