Taylor Creek Trail Middle Fork
Discover the serene Taylor Creek Trail on Zion's west side, featuring historical cabins and the stunning Double Arch Alcove.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the summer heat
Taylor Creek Trail Middle Fork
Best Time
Beat the summer heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene Taylor Creek Trail on Zion's west side, featuring historical cabins and the stunning Double Arch Alcove.
"A beautiful, less crowded Zion hike with historical charm and a unique cavern reward."
🥾 Trail is Mostly Dry
You'll cross the creek multiple times, but it's often dry, so you likely won't get your feet wet! :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Mix of Sun & Shade
Enjoy a pleasant hike with alternating shaded and sunny sections, making it comfortable for most of the day. :sunwithface:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 93 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Double Arch Alcove
End of the trail
A stunning cavern-like area with impressive acoustics, offering a unique and memorable experience.
Larson Cabin
About 1 mile in
Discover a piece of history on this well-maintained trail, an easy first stop for families.
Fife Cabin
Mid-trail
Another historical landmark along the path, offering a glimpse into the past amidst beautiful scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check the Weather for Flash Floods
Best Time for a Cooler Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Trail is Mostly Dry
You'll cross the creek multiple times, but it's often dry, so you likely won't get your feet wet! :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Mix of Sun & Shade
Enjoy a pleasant hike with alternating shaded and sunny sections, making it comfortable for most of the day. :sunwithface:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Adventure
Great for families! Lots to see along the shallow creek, though some creek crossings might be a bit scrambly. :child:
🤫 Less Crowded Zion
Experience a quieter side of Zion National Park compared to the busier south entrance. :peace_symbol:
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Trail is Mostly Dry
You'll cross the creek multiple times, but it's often dry, so you likely won't get your feet wet! :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Mix of Sun & Shade
Enjoy a pleasant hike with alternating shaded and sunny sections, making it comfortable for most of the day. :sunwithface:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Adventure
Great for families! Lots to see along the shallow creek, though some creek crossings might be a bit scrambly. :child:
🤫 Less Crowded Zion
Experience a quieter side of Zion National Park compared to the busier south entrance. :peace_symbol:
📏 5 Miles Round Trip
A manageable out-and-back hike, perfect for a half-day adventure with rewarding sights. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Taylor Creek Trail's beauty, historical cabins, and the unique Double Arch Alcove. It's praised for being less crowded than other Zion hikes and offering a pleasant mix of shade and sun. Some note that creek crossings can be a bit scrambly, and flash flood potential requires caution.
"Wonderful out and back trail about 8.4km long, leading to the Double arch cove and following the river sometimes of sand, sometimes rock. Mild elevation and well maintained path accessible for all levels. Count less than 2 hours out and back at a good pace. You will have great views of the Canyon cliffs from the trail, while alterning shade and sun exposure
Beware that due to the geography and river bed, this trail is subject to flash flood, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and ask park rangers at the visitor center."
Mr Blue
"What an awesome hike! About 5 miles total. Lots of shaded parts, so it doesn't feel as hot. Opens up to a really cool cavern-like area that has some awesome acoustics. A lot less busy than the south entrance to Zion."
Amber Ferger
"Great place to hike! Well-marked and maintained trail, fairly shaded, and while there are some hills and sandy portions of the path, I wouldn’t consider it particularly difficult. You’ll walk beside a creek bed and need to cross through it quite a few times, though it was basically completely dry when I went, so I never got wet.
The full hike is 5 miles round-trip and there are 3 main landmarks, in this order:
*Larson Cabin
*Fife Cabin
*Double Arch Alcove
I just hiked up to Larson Cabin, which was a little over a mile and took me about 30-45 minutes. There’s no sign for it, but if you look off to the left you should be able to see it fairly easily."
Brigham Flint
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taylor Creek Trail Middle Fork is located on the less visited west side of Zion National Park. Access typically involves driving through the park and following signs for the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek. It's recommended to check with park rangers for the most current access information and road conditions.
Parking is generally available at the trailhead for Taylor Creek Trail. However, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, as parking lots can fill up.
No, Taylor Creek Trail is on the Kolob Terrace Road side of Zion, which is separate from the main Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You'll need to plan your route accordingly.
The west side of Zion, where Taylor Creek Trail is located, is best accessed via Kolob Terrace Road. This road is typically open seasonally, so confirm its status before your visit.
Unlike the main Zion Canyon, there are no shuttle services directly to the Taylor Creek Trailhead. You will need your own vehicle to access this area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance pass for Zion National Park is required to access Taylor Creek Trail. You can purchase passes at park entrance stations or online in advance.
Taylor Creek Trail is generally open year-round during daylight hours. However, access to Kolob Terrace Road, which leads to the trailhead, can be restricted during winter due to snow. Always check current park conditions.
There is no separate fee for Taylor Creek Trail itself; the standard Zion National Park entrance fee covers access to all areas of the park, including this trail.
Tickets or passes are for Zion National Park entry, not specific trails. You can purchase your park pass online in advance to save time at the entrance.
The most reliable way to check for trail closures, alerts, or weather advisories is to visit the official Zion National Park website or speak with a park ranger at a visitor center.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is generally considered easy to moderate. It's an out-and-back hike of about 5 miles round-trip with mild elevation changes and some sandy sections. Creek crossings are frequent but usually shallow.
At a good pace, the round-trip hike typically takes around 2 hours. However, you might want to allocate more time to explore the Double Arch Alcove and enjoy the scenery.
The three main landmarks, in order, are Larson Cabin, Fife Cabin, and the Double Arch Alcove at the end of the trail.
Yes, it's a great trail for kids! It follows a shallow creek with plenty to see. Some creek crossings might require a little scramble, but it's generally manageable for most children.
You'll enjoy beautiful views of canyon cliffs, walk alongside a creek bed, and experience alternating shade and sun exposure. The Double Arch Alcove at the end is a unique highlight.
🎫 💧 Safety & Conditions
Due to its geography and riverbed location, the trail is subject to flash floods. It's crucial to check the weather forecast and consult park rangers for current conditions before hiking.
If water levels are high or there's a risk of flash floods, do not attempt to cross. Turn back and seek higher ground or return to the trailhead. Safety is paramount.
The trail is generally well-maintained and marked, making it easy to follow.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are recommended, especially if you plan to cross the creek. While often dry, the creek bed can be rocky and sandy.
Yes, always bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. While the trail has some shade, it's essential to stay hydrated.
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