La Verkin Creek Trail
Hike to Kolob Arch through the serene Kolob Canyons, offering a challenging yet rewarding escape into Zion's less-traveled wilderness.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
La Verkin Creek Trail
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to Kolob Arch through the serene Kolob Canyons, offering a challenging yet rewarding escape into Zion's less-traveled wilderness.
"A challenging trek to one of the world's largest arches, offering solitude and stunning desert landscapes."
🎒 Secure Overnight Permits
Backpacking La Verkin Creek requires permits. Book well in advance, especially for popular campsites like La Verkin #11.
💧 Carry Ample Water
The 14-mile round trip hike has significant elevation gain. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kolob Arch
End of La Verkin Creek Trail
Discover one of the world's largest natural arches, a breathtaking reward after a challenging trek.
La Verkin Creek
Along the trail
Hike alongside this scenic creek, offering beautiful riparian scenery and a refreshing atmosphere.
Toquerville Falls
Offshoot from La Verkin Creek Trail
A stunning waterfall accessible via a 4x4 trail, offering a picturesque detour for adventurous visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permits & Planning for La Verkin Creek Trail
Navigating Kolob Canyons & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Secure Overnight Permits
Backpacking La Verkin Creek requires permits. Book well in advance, especially for popular campsites like La Verkin #11.
💧 Carry Ample Water
The 14-mile round trip hike has significant elevation gain. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Footwear
Trekking through varied terrain, including potential creek crossings, requires durable and comfortable hiking boots.
🚗 4x4 for Toquerville Falls
Accessing Toquerville Falls requires a 4x4 vehicle due to rutted and challenging road conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Secure Overnight Permits
Backpacking La Verkin Creek requires permits. Book well in advance, especially for popular campsites like La Verkin #11.
💧 Carry Ample Water
The 14-mile round trip hike has significant elevation gain. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Footwear
Trekking through varied terrain, including potential creek crossings, requires durable and comfortable hiking boots.
🚗 4x4 for Toquerville Falls
Accessing Toquerville Falls requires a 4x4 vehicle due to rutted and challenging road conditions.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download trail maps and park information beforehand for navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Verkin Creek Trail is lauded for its stunning scenery, particularly the impressive Kolob Arch, and the relative solitude it offers compared to Zion's main canyon. However, hikers should be prepared for a strenuous trek with significant elevation gain on the return, and overnight trips require advance permit reservations.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The La Verkin Creek Trail is accessed from the Kolob Canyons area of Zion National Park. The trailhead is typically reached via the Kolob Canyons Road. Some visitors also access parts of the trail system from trailheads outside the park, like near Toquerville. 
The Kolob Canyons road is generally open year-round, but it's always a good idea to check the official Zion National Park website for any temporary closures due to weather or maintenance.
Yes, you can drive to the trailhead for the La Verkin Creek Trail in the Kolob Canyons section. However, be aware that some side trails, like the one to Toquerville Falls, require a 4x4 vehicle.
Kolob Canyons is a more remote and less-visited section of Zion National Park, offering a different, often quieter, experience compared to the bustling main Zion Canyon. It features its own set of stunning canyons and trails, including La Verkin Creek.
Unlike the main Zion Canyon, there is no mandatory shuttle system for the Kolob Canyons area. Visitors can drive their own vehicles to access trailheads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you plan to backpack or camp overnight along the La Verkin Creek Trail, you absolutely need a wilderness permit from Zion National Park. Day hiking does not require a permit.
Wilderness permits for La Verkin Creek can be obtained through the Zion National Park backcountry permit system. These are often competitive, so apply well in advance of your trip.
Zion National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for 7 days. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing.
Currently, there are no timed entry requirements for the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, unlike the main Zion Canyon during peak seasons.
While a small number of permits may be available for walk-up on the day of, it's highly recommended to secure your La Verkin Creek backpacking permit in advance through the lottery or reservation system, as they are often fully booked.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Kolob Arch via the La Verkin Creek Trail is approximately 14 miles round trip. This includes the 7 miles out to the arch and the 7 miles back.
Yes, the La Verkin Creek Trail is considered a challenging hike. The return trip involves nearly 1700 feet of elevation gain, making it strenuous.
Popular campsites include La Verkin #11, which is often cited as a good base for exploring the area. Research specific campsite locations and amenities when applying for your permit.
La Verkin Creek itself is a water source, but it's crucial to treat or filter all water collected from the creek before consumption. Carry enough water to supplement your needs between reliable sources.
You might encounter various desert wildlife, including deer, birds, and smaller mammals. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The trail offers stunning views of the Kolob Canyons, the unique rock formations, and the impressive Kolob Arch itself. The riparian areas along the creek also provide beautiful photographic subjects.
Yes, Toquerville Falls is a very photogenic spot, especially after rain when the waterfalls are more robust. Remember that access requires a 4x4 vehicle.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage is prohibited in all National Parks, including Zion, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
The primary viewpoint for Kolob Arch is at the end of the La Verkin Creek Trail. The trail itself offers various perspectives as you approach the arch.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Alternatively, families might find the main Zion Canyon more accessible, with options like the Pa'rus Trail (paved and stroller-friendly) or the Emerald Pools Trail (moderate difficulty with rewarding waterfalls). If venturing to Kolob Canyons, focus on the scenic drive and shorter viewpoints rather than attempting the full La Verkin Creek hike with younger children.
🎒 Backpackers & Wilderness Seekers
For those looking for extended trips, the La Verkin Creek Trail connects to other backcountry routes like Hop Valley and Wildcat Canyon, allowing for multi-day adventures and loop hikes. This area of Kolob Canyons provides a true escape into nature, far from the main park's crowds, offering a chance to experience Zion's remote beauty.
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Backpacking La Verkin Creek Trail
Planning is crucial for a successful backpacking trip. Permits are highly competitive and should be secured well in advance through Zion's backcountry permit system. Visitors should be prepared for desert conditions, carrying ample water and filtering any water from La Verkin Creek before consumption. The trail meanders through diverse landscapes, from sandy washes to forested areas, offering a true wilderness experience away from the crowds of the main Zion Canyon.
+1Beyond the main trail to Kolob Arch, the La Verkin Creek system connects to other trails like Hop Valley and Wildcat Canyon, allowing for longer, more complex backpacking loops for those with the necessary permits and experience. These connections offer opportunities to explore more remote areas of Kolob Canyons and experience the park's backcountry in its full glory.
Accessing Toquerville Falls
Despite the difficult access, the reward is a picturesque waterfall cascading into a pool, offering a beautiful spot for photos and a refreshing break. Many visitors combine a visit to Toquerville Falls with a hike on the La Verkin Creek Trail, either as a day trip or as part of a longer backpacking excursion. It's essential to assess your vehicle's capabilities and your comfort level with off-road driving before attempting this route.
+1When planning a visit to Toquerville Falls, consider the time of year. The falls are most impressive after periods of rain, so visiting in the spring or after significant rainfall can enhance the experience. Always check local conditions and be prepared for a rugged journey to reach this hidden gem.
Kolob Canyons: A Quieter Zion Experience
Kolob Canyons provides access to significant geological features, most notably Kolob Arch, which is accessible via the La Verkin Creek Trail. The scenic drive through Kolob Canyons itself offers breathtaking vistas and several pull-offs for short walks and photography. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the scale and grandeur of Zion's sandstone formations at a more relaxed pace.
While less developed than the main canyon, Kolob Canyons offers essential visitor services, including a visitor center and access to backcountry trails. It's a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the raw, untamed beauty of Zion National Park.
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