Hiking in the Kolob sections of Zion National Park

Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace sections of Zion National Park are situated in the northwestern corner of Zion. These areas are less visited areas than the east side of Zion or Zion Canyon and set at a higher elevation so access is not always possible during the winter months.

Subway, a semi-technical slot canyon route, is found in the Kolob Terrace as well as the stunning Right Fork of North Creek. The popular West Rim Trailhead is found just off the Kolob Terrace Road at Lava Point. Hikers begin at the point and make their way into Zion Canyon, past the Angels Landing Trail and down to the Grotto picnic area in Zion Canyon. In the winter and spring call Zion Visitor Center before attempting to drive the roads. The road may be closed from November to May. There is camping in the area and the closest lodging would be in Hurricane or Springdale.

Mileage from SR-9 and
the Kolob Terrace Road
Right Fork Trailhead - 6.9 miles
Grapevine Trailhead - 7.3 miles Smith Mesa Road - 7.7 miles
Left Fork Trailhead 8.2 miles
Hop Valley Trailhead - 12.8 miles
Wildcat Canyon Trailhead 15.8 (Russell Gulch, Subway Trailhead)
Lava Point turnoff (to West Rim Trailhead) 20 miles
Lava Point and West Rim Trailhead 24 miles

Kolob Canyons
The Kolob Canyons, sometimes called Kolob Fingers, part of Zion National Park is accessed offI-15, at exit 40 near Cedar City, Utah. Red Navajo canyons landscape the area. Kolob Arch, the world's second longest arch, is a landmark of this area. The trail to the Kolob Arch is a 14 hour round-trip hike, ending at a free standing arch. Kolob Arch measures 287.4 ', making it about three feet shorter than the world's longest arch, the fragile Landscape Arch. This could change however as Landscape Arch is near the end of its lifecycle and will crumble long before Kolob Arch. The hike to the arch can be done as a backpack or a long day hike. A charming Visitor Center is found at the entrance to the Kolob Canyons section of the park. There is no camping in Kolob Canyons but you can find a year-round campground in Kanarraville. The closest lodging is Utah's Cedar City.

Kolob Technical Canyons - Kolob Canyon, or often times called Kolob Creek so it is not confused with the section of Zion called Kolob Canyons, is one of Zion's greatest adventures. Canyoneers must wear heavy wet suits to survive the cold water in the canyon, as they navigate the narrow slot canyon.

Zion Photo: A canyoneer is seen rappelling down a waterfall in Kolob Canyon to the left and I am seen above - both in heavy wetsuits. Kolob Canyon is one of the most outstanding technical slot canyons in Zion National Park.

Routes in and on the edge of Kolob, listed in order of difficulty Routes are trails that are not maintained or are off the beaten path. Route finding skills are needed. Few people will be seen along this route - usually none. A moderate or strenuous route is far more difficult than a moderate or strenuous classic route. Do not attempt routes beyond your skill level Your safety is always YOUR responsibility!
Trail or Route	miles round trip	Ascent Descent	Average Time	Location	Kids Bikes Accessible	Difficulty
Timber Creek	1	100'	1 hour	Canyons	K	Easy
Northgate Peaks	4	slight	2 hours	Terrace	K	Moderate
Middle Fork Taylor Creek	5.4	276'	4 hours	Canyons	K	Moderate
South Fork Taylor Creek	3.2	300'	2 hours	Canyons	K	Moderate
North Fork Taylor Creek	7.5	376'	6 hours	Canyons	Stream crossing	Moderate
Kanarra Creek	3.2	470'	4 hours	Canyons	Slot Canyon	Moderate
West Rim to Cabin Spring	10	+/-2400'	6 hours	Canyon	drop-offs	Cliff-Side
West Rim from Lava Point	14	-3140'	10 hours	Terrace	Backpack	Strenuous
Kolob Arch	14	699'	8 hours	Canyons	Backpack	Strenuous
Left Fork of North Creek	10	250'	7 hours	Terrace	Slot Canyon	Strenuous
Subway	9.5	- 2200' + 500'	7 hours	Terrace	Slot Canyon	Technical
Right Fork of North Creek	11.6	- 300' + 800'	11 hours	Terrace	Slot Canyon	Strenuous
North Guardian Angel	2.8	585'	4 hours	Terrace	Climbing	Technical
Icebox Canyon	12.3	+/-2700'	15 hours	Canyons	Slot Canyon	Technical
Kolob Canyon	10	+/- 2811'	13 hours	Terrace	Slot Canyon	Technical
Key: [Cliff-side: Exposed scramble or ledge] [Slot: Slot or Narrows] [Boulders: Climbing over boulders or up steep slabs] [Scrambling: Hiking/Climbing up or down steep slick rock] [Semi-Tech: Rope and climbing skills] [Technical: Advanced climbing or canyoneering] Hiking Equipment - The kind of gear you need for your visit to Zion National Park depends on which trails you plan to hike. Comfortable hiking shoes and quality socks are a must. Painful blisters and sore toes can ruin your plans. If hiking the Subway is on your vacation itinerary you might want to invest in a good pair of aquatic shoes and a dry bag for your gear. A day pack and hydration system are also essential. If you are heading into the canyons like the Subway, consider buying a draining backpack

East Zion

Best Western
East Zion Lodge

Reservations
1-435-648-2203

Zion National Park Lodging

East Zion Lodge
Vacation House
Group Lodging
East Zion Golf
East Zion RV Park
Vacation Packages
Family Reunion
Bus Tours
Business Retreat

Mileage from
Mt. Carmel Jct.
Zion National Park 12
Bryce Canyon 60
Grand Canyon 85
Cedar Breaks 45
Grand Staircase 9
Dixie Forest 22
Sand Dunes 11
Coyote Butte 57
Red Canyon 47
Tuweep 90

Stay in the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah.

In these pages you will find insiders information on Zion National Park lodging & camping. This guide includes maps, pictures and even information on Zion's hidden treasures.

Kolob Canyons

Kolob Terrace