Kolob Canyons Zion National Park
A tranquil, separate district of Zion National Park featuring stunning red rock canyons and fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Kolob Canyons Zion National Park
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, separate district of Zion National Park featuring stunning red rock canyons and fewer crowds.
"Kolob Canyons offers Zion-level views with no crowds – a true hidden gem!"
🚗 Access via I-15
Kolob Canyons is easily accessible from I-15, making it a convenient detour.
🚶♀️ Less Crowded Hikes
Enjoy trails like Timber Creek Overlook and Taylor Creek with significantly fewer people than Zion's main canyon.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 278 reviews
Type
Scenic Spot
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Drive
Kolob Canyons Road
A breathtaking 5-mile drive revealing towering red rock formations and panoramic vistas.
+1
Timber Creek Overlook Trail
End of scenic drive
An easy 1-mile roundtrip hike with jaw-dropping, expansive views of the canyons.
+1
Taylor Creek Trail
Trailhead near visitor center
A moderate 4.8-mile hike through lush canyons, crossing a creek multiple times to reach a double arch alcove.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Crowds: Kolob Canyons
Plan Your Visit to Kolob Canyons
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Access via I-15
Kolob Canyons is easily accessible from I-15, making it a convenient detour.
🚶♀️ Less Crowded Hikes
Enjoy trails like Timber Creek Overlook and Taylor Creek with significantly fewer people than Zion's main canyon.
Visitor Center First
Stop at the visitor center for maps, trail conditions, and friendly advice from staff.
Check Trail Conditions
Especially in winter, check for snow and ice; microspikes might be needed for some trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Access via I-15
Kolob Canyons is easily accessible from I-15, making it a convenient detour.
🚶♀️ Less Crowded Hikes
Enjoy trails like Timber Creek Overlook and Taylor Creek with significantly fewer people than Zion's main canyon.
Visitor Center First
Stop at the visitor center for maps, trail conditions, and friendly advice from staff.
Check Trail Conditions
Especially in winter, check for snow and ice; microspikes might be needed for some trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking, expansive views and the peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere of Kolob Canyons. Many appreciate it as a less-visited alternative to the main Zion Canyon, offering stunning red rock scenery and accessible trails. Some note that it's a separate area and not all of Zion's famous landmarks are visible from here.
"Kolob Canyons comes in like Zion’s secret sibling who doesn’t bother with crowds, lines or drama and just whispers “hey, wanna see something gorgeous without fifty tourists breathing on your neck?”
Amazing it is.
You roll up and the place immediately hits you with those huge red walls that look like someone sliced open the earth just to show off the layers. The views are bold, sharp and stupidly pretty. Every corner gives you that “ok, this is my new favourite spot” feeling until the next corner steals the title.
It’s quieter, calmer, cleaner and somehow feels more personal than the main Zion canyon. Like the park invited you to the VIP lounge and didn’t tell anyone else.
Great views. Zero nonsense.
Kolob absolutely delivers."
Wade Wilson
"Absolute beauty on the West side of Zion National Park. This is the quiet side of the park - absolutely worth a visit. Camping along La Verkin Creek is exquisite, fresh water readily available via two different springs - this area has everything to love for a day hike, a single night backpack, or as a stop along the Zion Traverse."
Sarah Hibit
"Visited October 20, 2024
October 20, 2024 Ashley and I drove up Kolob Canyon a 5 mile drive up to the overlook and drove back some. We stopped at different pull offs to see the different views in Zion National Park."
Dani MCDonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kolob Canyons is a separate district of Zion National Park, located about an hour's drive north of the main Zion Canyon. You'll typically access it via I-15.
Yes, Kolob Canyons is a distinct district within Zion National Park, offering a different perspective and fewer crowds than the main canyon.
Absolutely! A 5-mile scenic drive winds through the heart of Kolob Canyons, with numerous pull-offs and overlooks.
It's located right off I-15, but it's often missed because it's not visible from the interstate. Look for the signs for the Kolob Canyons exit.
Zion Canyon is the most popular area with iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Kolob Canyons is more remote, less visited, and offers a unique, quieter experience with its own stunning landscapes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, your standard Zion National Park pass is valid for entry into the Kolob Canyons district. The pass is typically valid for 7 days.
Yes, the standard Zion National Park entrance fee applies. You can purchase this at any of the park's entrance stations or online.
The Kolob Canyons scenic drive and trails are generally open year-round during daylight hours. The visitor center has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
Unlike some popular hikes in Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons does not typically require advance reservations for general access or the scenic drive.
Yes, your America the Beautiful Pass is accepted for entry into Kolob Canyons, as it is a national park site.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the easy Timber Creek Overlook Trail (1 mile RT), the moderate Taylor Creek Trail (4.8 miles RT) leading to a double arch, and the challenging Kolob Arch Trail (14 miles RT). +1
Yes, Kolob Canyons is generally kid-friendly. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is short and easy, and the scenic drive offers many opportunities for short walks and enjoying the views.
You can experience the scenic drive and a short hike in 2-3 hours. For longer hikes like Taylor Creek, plan for a half-day or more.
Restrooms are available at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center and at some trailheads along the scenic drive.
Keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and various bird species. Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The Timber Creek Overlook offers stunning panoramic shots. The pull-offs along the scenic drive provide unique angles of the towering red rock formations.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting on the red rocks. Midday can be harsh but still offers vibrant colors.
Drone usage is restricted in all National Parks, including Kolob Canyons, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Please check the NPS website for current regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The view from Timber Creek Overlook is iconic. The winding road itself, with the canyons as a backdrop, also makes for memorable shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit