Is Kolob Canyons Worth Visiting?
Yes, Kolob Canyons is absolutely worth visiting. It offers the same dramatic Navajo sandstone scenery as the rest of Zion National Park, but with far fewer crowds, a cooler climate, and a peaceful, wilderness atmosphere that feels like a completely different world.
If you’ve been to Zion, you know the experience. You’ve waited for the shuttle, squeezed past other hikers on the trail, and maybe even struggled to find parking. It’s all worth it, of course. Zion is spectacular. But here’s what most visitors never discover: there’s a quieter, equally stunning section of the same park just 40 miles to the northwest.
The Kolob Canyons area of Zion National Park was originally established as its own national monument in 1937, but was incorporated into Zion National Park in 1956. Despite that history, most people still skip it entirely. That’s honestly a shame, and if you’re planning a trip to the Zion area, here’s why you shouldn’t make the same mistake.
What Exactly Is Kolob Canyons?
The Kolob Canyons district of Zion National Park is located at Exit 40 on Interstate 15, 40 miles north of Zion Canyon and 17 miles south of Cedar City. It sits in the northwest corner of the park, and it feels genuinely remote, even though it’s right off a major highway.
Here in the northwest corner of the park, narrow parallel box canyons are cut into the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, forming majestic peaks and 2,000-foot cliff walls. That’s not a small thing. Those are some of the most striking geological formations in all of southern Utah.
The word Kolob means “the star nearest to God’s throne.” Once you see the canyons in afternoon light, that name starts to make a lot of sense.
One important note for planning: Kolob Canyons is not connected to the main canyon of Zion National Park (although you can backcountry hike between the areas), so it is really like a completely different place to visit. Plan it as its own stop, not just a quick side trip from the main canyon.
The Biggest Reason to Go: No Crowds
Let’s be direct about this. The main Zion Canyon draws millions of visitors each year. Summers mean packed shuttle buses, long waits, and trailheads that feel more like city sidewalks than wilderness. Kolob Canyons is a genuinely different experience.
In Kolob Canyons, you get the opportunity to see all that Zion has to offer: arches, waterfalls, slot canyons, winding hiking trails, without the crowds you’ll find in other areas.
Kolob Canyons offers a respite from the crowds in the better-known areas of Zion National Park. For even more solitude, an off-season visit is the best bet.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you have a national park mostly to yourself, this is one of the best chances you’ll get in the entire American Southwest.
A Cooler Climate Makes a Real Difference
Heat is a genuine challenge when visiting Zion in the summer. Temperatures in the main canyon regularly climb past 100°F, which limits what you can comfortably do and when you can do it.
Kolob Canyons solves that problem naturally. The higher elevation (7,000 ft versus 4,000 ft in the main canyon) also makes Kolob Canyons even more appealing when the heat is too much to bear elsewhere in the park.
That extra elevation means cooler mornings, more comfortable afternoon hikes, and a more pleasant overall experience during peak season. It’s a significant advantage, not just a minor footnote.
What to Do in Kolob Canyons
Drive the Scenic Road
A five-mile scenic drive along the Kolob Canyons Road allows visitors to view the crimson canyons and gain access to various trails and scenic viewpoints. The drive alone is worth the stop, even if you never leave your car.
Along the route there are interpretive signs and pullouts that mark points of interest. As you drive through the canyons, you cross a major fault line which gives rise to the great plateau in which Zion was born. Each pullout gives you a different angle on the canyon walls, and the color and scale of the scenery keep changing as you climb.
The road gains over 1,000 feet in elevation from the visitor center to the end. Plan to stop often, because the views reward patience.
Hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail
This is the most accessible hike in Kolob Canyons, and it punches well above its weight in terms of views.
The trailhead is located approximately two miles from the Visitor Center along the Kolob Canyons Road. Distance is about one mile round-trip. Plan about a half hour. The trail follows the ridge top to a small peak. Timber Creek Trail offers views of the Timber Creek, the Kolob Terrace, and Pine Valley Mountains.
The payoff at the top is a panoramic view of the Kolob finger canyons stretching out below you. It’s genuinely one of the best easy hikes in southern Utah. Anyone with reasonable fitness can handle it.
Hike the Taylor Creek Trail
If you want more time on the trail, Taylor Creek is the hike to do. This is a kid-friendly, moderate, 5-mile round-trip hike to Double Arch Alcove, so named because water has eroded away the sandstone in a huge, cave-like arch. The trail follows along Taylor Creek so kids will have fun jumping over it and skipping through it.
The Taylor Creek Trail, which heads up the middle fork of Taylor Creek, is the most popular trail in Kolob Canyons. It’s popular for good reason. The canyon narrows as you go deeper, the creek crossings are fun, and the alcove at the end feels like a genuine discovery.
Hike to Kolob Arch
For those willing to put in serious miles, the backcountry trail to Kolob Arch delivers one of the most rewarding experiences in the entire park system.
The La Verkin Creek Trail starts at Lee’s Pass and follows the LaVerkin Creek into the Kolob wilderness to the world’s largest free-standing arch. LaVerkin Creek, Willis Creek, and Hop Valley trails offer excellent backpacking opportunities and connection to backcountry trails into some of the Zion main canyons. Permits are required for backcountry camping and are issued at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
This is a 14-plus mile round trip, so plan accordingly. Bring plenty of water, and check conditions with the rangers before you go.
Best Time to Visit Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons is open year-round, but sees most of its visitors March through November. Average highs in the area hover around mid-60°F in October, and, as a bonus, fall colors are in full swing.
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. The weather is comfortable, the light is stunning, and the crowds are manageable even by Kolob’s already-quiet standards.
Summer visits are perfectly doable thanks to the higher elevation, but the road can close without notice in winter. Kolob is at a higher elevation than Zion Canyon, so winter snowfall frequently leads to road closures. Always check current conditions through the National Park Service’s official Zion page before heading out.
One photography tip worth noting: as the cliffs largely face west, the better time to visit is after noon so the sun shines brightly on the beautiful cliffs and their color will pop.
What to Know Before You Go
Here are the practical details to keep your visit smooth:
- Entrance fee: Your standard Zion National Park entrance fee covers Kolob Canyons. An America the Beautiful annual pass also works here.
- No shuttles: You drive your own vehicle on Kolob Canyons Road. No shuttle system is required.
- Visitor center: The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center has an information desk staffed by a park ranger, a bookstore, and interpretive exhibits. Note that the center does not have services.
- Backcountry permits: These are not issued at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. Please go to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center for all wilderness permits.
- Water: Day hikers should bring all the water they need. There are no water fill stations along the scenic drive.
- Pets: Check current NPS rules regarding pets on trails before bringing your dog.
Make the Most of Your Trip by Staying Close
Kolob Canyons sits at the northwest corner of Zion National Park. The main park entrance near Springdale is about 40 to 45 minutes away. Many visitors try to see both areas on the same trip, and that’s very doable if you have a comfortable home base.
Zion River Cabins puts you right in the heart of Virgin, Utah, about 12 miles from the main Zion park entrance. The property spans 71 acres along the banks of the North Fork Virgin River, and the cabins come fully equipped with kitchens, Wi-Fi, and private outdoor spaces. Staying here gives you easy access to both the main Zion Canyon and the drive out to Kolob Canyons without wasting your mornings on a long commute.
If you prefer more space for a group or want hookups and full amenities, Zion Vacation Village offers RV sites and cabin rentals right along the Virgin River. There’s even a pool for cooling off after a long day on the trail, which feels especially welcome after summiting the Timber Creek Overlook in the afternoon sun.
Booking early is always a smart move. Spring and fall dates fill up fast in this part of Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kolob Canyons
Is Kolob Canyons part of Zion National Park?
Yes. Kolob Canyons is a district within Zion National Park. Your standard Zion entrance fee covers access. It has its own visitor center, its own road, and its own trailheads, but it shares the same park boundaries.
How far is Kolob Canyons from the main Zion Canyon?
Kolob Canyons is located at Exit 40 on Interstate 15, 40 miles north of Zion Canyon. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour from the main visitor center in Springdale.
Do I need a shuttle to visit Kolob Canyons?
No. Unlike the main Zion Canyon, you drive your own vehicle along Kolob Canyons Road. There is no shuttle system here, which makes it easy to stop, explore, and move at your own pace.
Can I camp in Kolob Canyons?
There are no campgrounds in Kolob Canyons. Only permitted backcountry camping at designated sites exists. Visitors interested in backcountry camping or canyoneering require a wilderness permit. You can reserve permits through recreation.gov or pick them up in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Is Kolob Canyons good for families with young kids?
Absolutely. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is easy enough for older kids, and the Taylor Creek Trail keeps younger children entertained with creek crossings and interesting terrain. The drive itself is impressive enough to keep everyone engaged without requiring any hiking at all.
What is Kolob Arch, and how do I get there?
Kolob Arch is located along the La Verkin Creek Trail and is considered one of the world’s largest free-standing arches. The trail is 14-plus miles round trip from Lee Pass Trailhead, rated strenuous, and best suited for experienced hikers or backpackers with an overnight permit.
When is Kolob Canyons Road closed?
The road occasionally closes in winter due to snow and ice. Always check current conditions at the NPS Zion Current Conditions page before making the drive.
The Bottom Line
Kolob Canyons doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it so good. You get the geology, the color, the scale, and the wilderness feeling of Zion without the logistics and the crowds. Whether you stop for an hour to drive the scenic road or plan a full day of hiking, it rewards every minute you give it.
If you’re already heading to the Zion area, there’s no good reason to skip it. Check out cabin and RV options at Zion Vacation Village and make Kolob Canyons a real part of your itinerary. You won’t regret it.