Timber Creek Overlook
Short, gentle trail to a vista point offering sweeping park panoramas of Kolob Canyons.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Timber Creek Overlook
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Short, gentle trail to a vista point offering sweeping park panoramas of Kolob Canyons.
"Spectacular views of Kolob Canyons without a strenuous hike."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Trail can be rocky and muddy, especially during snowmelt. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check trail conditions
Spring snowmelt can make the trail very muddy and slick. Avoid if possible.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 120 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Address
Website
nps.gov/zion/index.htmHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kolob Canyons Vista
End of the trail
Sweeping panoramas of Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace, and Pine Valley Mountains. A true feast for the eyes!
Desert Wildflowers
Along the trail
Vibrant desert wildflowers bloom in spring and early summer, adding splashes of color to the landscape.
Distant Grand Canyon Glimpse
Southern horizon
On a clear day, spot Mt. Trumbull 100 miles away, near the Grand Canyon's North Rim.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views, Minimal Effort
Trail Conditions & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Trail can be rocky and muddy, especially during snowmelt. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check trail conditions
Spring snowmelt can make the trail very muddy and slick. Avoid if possible.
📸 Arrive early for photos
Beat the crowds and capture the best light for stunning panoramic shots.
🧺 Picnic with a view
Ample parking, picnic tables, and restrooms available at the trailhead.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Trail can be rocky and muddy, especially during snowmelt. Good grip is essential!
💧 Check trail conditions
Spring snowmelt can make the trail very muddy and slick. Avoid if possible.
📸 Arrive early for photos
Beat the crowds and capture the best light for stunning panoramic shots.
🧺 Picnic with a view
Ample parking, picnic tables, and restrooms available at the trailhead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Timber Creek Overlook for its stunning, expansive views that are disproportionate to the short, gentle trail. While some find the views comparable to roadside pull-offs, most agree the journey and the unique perspective are well worth the effort. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions during spring snowmelt.
"This is a beautiful short trail that is not small on expansive views. We did this back in 2016, and it did not disappoint.
From Alltrails:
The relatively flat Timber Creek Overlook Trail follows along a small ridge with spectacular views of the Kolob Canyons, the Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. From the trailhead looking north, from left to right you can see an 8,000 ft. mountain ridgeline comprised of Horse Ranch Mountain, Paria Point, Beatty Point, Nagunt Mesa, Timber Top Mountain, and Shuntavi Butte. At trail end, looking south on the far horizon, you may see Mt. Trumbull 100 miles away at the north rim of the Grand Canyon. During spring and early summer months, the Timber Creek Overlook Trial is covered in a beautiful display of desert wildflowers. You may see rare colorful collared lizards along the trail. Parking is ample at the trailhead along with picnic tables and bathroom facilities, and another small picnic area is located 100 yards from the trailhead."
Jesse Chappell
"The hike is maintained but rough in places, with rocky sections and some slick sections. If you were going to go and hike it out and back without taking in the views it is a quick hike "
Katie Klas
"Beautiful views, medium/moderate terrain but short and to the point! Can be done with children >3....would do again if it had a body of water attached. Check this place out if you're crossing Zion off your bucket list."
Erika McDougall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Timber Creek Overlook is located in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. Access is via the Kolob Canyons Road, which branches off I-15. The trailhead is at the end of this scenic drive.
Yes, Timber Creek Overlook is a popular viewpoint and short hike within the Kolob Canyons district of Zion National Park.
The most direct access to Kolob Canyons is via Exit 40 off Interstate 15. Follow signs for Kolob Canyons Road.
Kolob Canyons Road is generally open year-round, but it can be subject to closures due to snow or ice, especially in winter. Always check park conditions before your visit.
Timber Creek Overlook is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Springdale, the main gateway town for Zion's South Entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid Zion National Park entrance pass is required to access Timber Creek Overlook and the Kolob Canyons area. Passes can be purchased at park entrances or online.
There are no additional fees specifically for the Timber Creek Overlook trail beyond the standard Zion National Park entrance fee.
Timber Creek Overlook is accessible during park operating hours, which are typically dawn to dusk. The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center has specific hours.
Tickets are not required for Timber Creek Overlook; it's an open access point within the park. You only need your general park entrance pass.
Crowds can vary. It's less busy than the main Zion Canyon but can get popular during peak season. Visiting early or late in the day can help avoid crowds.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Timber Creek Overlook trail is a short 1-mile round trip hike, typically taking about 40 minutes to complete.
The trail is considered moderately challenging due to its rocky and sometimes slick sections, though it's relatively flat.
Expect spectacular, sweeping panoramic views of the Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace, and Pine Valley Mountains. You might even see Mt. Trumbull in the distance.
Yes, many find it suitable for children over 3 years old, provided they can navigate rocky terrain.
Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the trailhead parking area.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the landscape's colors.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive panoramas. A polarizing filter can help manage glare and enhance sky colors.
The main vista point at the end of the trail offers the most iconic views. However, the ridgeline itself provides numerous opportunities for framing shots.
Drone usage is restricted in Zion National Park, including the Kolob Canyons area. Check the official NPS website for current regulations.
Be mindful of the delicate ecosystem. Stay on the trail and avoid trampling the wildflowers to preserve them for others.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit