Kolob Canyons is the quiet, often-overlooked corner of Zion National Park — a cluster of soaring red-and-maroon sandstone “finger” canyons in Zion’s remote northwest section, reached from its own entrance off I-15 rather than from Zion Canyon itself. A 5-mile scenic drive, a handful of well-marked trails, and a dramatic overlook make it possible to see the area in as little as an hour, or spend a full day hiking to a 287-foot natural arch. This guide covers the viewpoints, the hikes, and exactly how to plan a visit to Kolob Canyons, including the one thing that trips up most first-time visitors: it is not connected by road to the rest of Zion.
Table of Contents
- Where Is Kolob Canyons and How Is It Different From Zion Canyon?
- Getting to Kolob Canyons
- Kolob Canyons Visitor Center and Entrance Fees
- Kolob Canyons Road: The Scenic Drive
- Kolob Canyons Viewpoint
- Best Hikes in Kolob Canyons
- Best Time to Visit Kolob Canyons
- Photography and Golden Hour
- Planning Your Visit: Half-Day vs. Full-Day
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is Kolob Canyons and How Is It Different From Zion Canyon?
Kolob Canyons is a separate, lesser-visited district of Zion National Park, tucked into the park’s northwest corner near Cedar City, Utah. The sandstone finger canyons here were carved by the same forces as Zion Canyon’s famous walls, but on a quieter stage — crowds are a fraction of what you’ll find at the main entrance in Springdale, and there’s no shuttle system because none is needed.
Important: there is no park road connecting Kolob Canyons to Zion Canyon. Despite being part of the same national park, the two areas are roughly 40 miles apart by car, and the only way between them is to exit the park and drive around via I-15 and SR-9. If you’re planning a visit that includes both areas of Zion, budget separate time (and a 45–60 minute drive) for each.
Getting to Kolob Canyons
The Kolob Canyons entrance sits directly off Interstate 15 at Exit 40, which makes it one of the most convenient national park stops to reach by car.
- From Cedar City: about 17–20 miles south on I-15, roughly 20 minutes.
- From St. George: about 30 minutes north on I-15.
- From Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Springdale): about 40 miles / 45–60 minutes via SR-9 and I-15.
- From Las Vegas: roughly 2.5 hours via I-15 north — often done as a detour for travelers already driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park.
There’s no public transit or shuttle to this part of the park, so a car is required. The exit is well signed directly from the interstate, and the visitor center is visible from the off-ramp.
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center and Entrance Fees
The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is small compared to the main Zion Canyon Visitor Center, but it has restrooms, a bookstore, exhibits on the area’s geology, and rangers who can advise on trail conditions. There’s no gas, food, or lodging here, so fill up and pack supplies before arriving.
A Zion National Park entrance fee or pass covers Kolob Canyons — there’s no separate ticket. The standard fee is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, and it’s valid at both this entrance and the main Zion Canyon entrance. An America the Beautiful annual pass also works here. Wilderness permits for overnight trips are not issued at this visitor center; those need to be arranged in advance through recreation.gov or picked up at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Kolob Canyons Road: The Scenic Drive
From the visitor center, Kolob Canyons Road (also called the Kolob Fingers Road Scenic Byway) climbs 5 miles into the canyons, gaining elevation and passing a series of pullouts with views of the red finger canyons and, eventually, the Pine Valley Mountains and Hurricane Cliffs in the distance. The road ends at a parking area for the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
The drive itself takes about 20–30 minutes round trip if you stop at the main pullouts, though many visitors spend longer. Because of its elevation, Kolob Canyons Road can close temporarily for snow or ice in winter — check current conditions on the NPS website before a cold-season visit.
Kolob Canyons Viewpoint
At the end of the scenic drive, Kolob Canyons Viewpoint sits at roughly 6,000 feet elevation and looks out over the finger canyons’ 2,000-foot cliff walls. On clear days, views extend more than 100 miles to Mount Trumbull near the Arizona border. The viewpoint has restrooms and a picnic area, and it’s an easy stop for anyone short on time — you can take in the view just steps from the parking area.
Best Hikes in Kolob Canyons
Compared to Zion Canyon’s famous (and often crowded) trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows, Kolob Canyons hiking is quieter and covers a wide range of effort levels.
Taylor Creek Trail
The most popular hike in Kolob Canyons, Taylor Creek Trail is a 4.9–5.1 mile round trip, moderately difficult route that follows a creek bed between narrowing canyon walls to Double Arch Alcove, a large natural amphitheater. Along the way it passes two historic homestead cabins, the Fife and Larson cabins. Expect about 800 feet of elevation gain and 3–4 hours round trip for most hikers.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail
A short, easy trail starting right at the road’s end parking area, Timber Creek Overlook Trail is about 1.1–1.2 miles round trip with roughly 200 feet of gain — a 30–60 minute walk suitable for most fitness levels and families. It ends at an overlook with panoramic views south across the finger canyons toward Kolob Terrace and, on clear days, the Pine Valley Mountains.
La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch
For a full-day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, La Verkin Creek Trail leads to Kolob Arch, one of the largest freestanding natural arches in the world at roughly 287 feet across. From the Lee Pass trailhead, it’s about 7 miles one-way (14 miles round trip) with around 1,037 feet of elevation change. A wilderness permit is required for overnight camping along the route, and the arch itself is seen from a viewing area rather than up close. This is a serious undertaking — carry enough water, as there’s limited reliable access along the way in dry months.
Best Time to Visit Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons is accessible from roughly March through November, with Kolob Canyons Road subject to winter closures after snow or ice. Fall, particularly October, tends to offer comfortable hiking temperatures and some foliage color along the creek-bed trails. Summer brings hot afternoons, especially on exposed stretches of Taylor Creek Trail, so an early start is worthwhile. Because this district sees far fewer visitors than Zion Canyon, arriving by mid-morning is usually enough to find parking at the trailheads, even in peak season — a different parking situation than the main park, which is covered in more detail in this guide to Zion National Park in winter.
Photography and Golden Hour
Kolob Canyons’ red and maroon sandstone responds dramatically to low-angle light. Late afternoon light rakes across the finger canyons and lights up the cliff faces visible from Kolob Canyons Viewpoint and the pullouts along the scenic drive, making the last two hours before sunset the strongest window for photos. Mornings can work well at Timber Creek Overlook Trail, since it faces south and catches even light through midday. Because the canyons run roughly east–west, check a sun-position app or map before a dedicated photography trip — a side canyon in shadow at the “wrong” time of day can look flat compared to the same view an hour later.
Planning Your Visit: Half-Day vs. Full-Day
Kolob Canyons scales well to however much time you have:
- Short on time (1–2 hours): drive the scenic road, stop at the main pullouts, and walk Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
- Half day (3–4 hours): add Taylor Creek Trail to Double Arch Alcove.
- Full day or overnight: hike or backpack La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch.
Because Kolob Canyons sits right off I-15, it pairs naturally with other stops in the region. Travelers connecting Zion to Bryce Canyon can detour here without much added driving time, and anyone based in St. George is only about 30 minutes away. If you’re planning the rest of your time in the park’s main section, see this complete Zion National Park planning guide or browse the best hikes in Zion National Park for trails in the main canyon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kolob Canyons part of Zion National Park?
Yes. Kolob Canyons is a separate entrance and district within Zion National Park, located in the park’s northwest corner off I-15, about 40 miles from the main Zion Canyon entrance.
Is Kolob Canyons worth visiting?
Yes, especially for visitors who want dramatic canyon scenery without the crowds of Zion Canyon. Even a short stop at the visitor center and viewpoint is worthwhile if you’re already driving along I-15.
How do you get to Kolob Canyons from Zion Canyon or Las Vegas?
From Zion Canyon, drive via SR-9 and I-15 (about 45–60 minutes); there’s no direct park road. From Las Vegas, it’s roughly 2.5 hours north on I-15.
Is there a shuttle in Kolob Canyons?
No. Unlike Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons has no shuttle system — you drive your own vehicle along Kolob Canyons Road and park at the trailheads.
How long does it take to see Kolob Canyons?
A drive-through visit with a stop at the viewpoint takes about an hour. Adding Timber Creek Overlook Trail brings it to 1.5–2 hours, and including Taylor Creek Trail makes it a half-day visit.
What is the best hike in Kolob Canyons?
Taylor Creek Trail is the most popular and rewarding moderate hike, ending at Double Arch Alcove. For an easy option, take Timber Creek Overlook Trail; for a full-day challenge, hike toward Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail.
Is Kolob Canyons Road open year-round?
It’s open most of the year but can close temporarily during and after winter storms due to snow and ice at elevation. Check current NPS road status before visiting between November and March.
Do you need a permit to visit Kolob Canyons?
No permit is needed for day hikes or the scenic drive — a standard Zion entrance fee or pass covers access. A wilderness permit is only required for overnight backpacking, such as camping along La Verkin Creek Trail.
How far is Kolob Canyons from Cedar City and St. George?
Kolob Canyons is about 20 minutes from Cedar City and about 30 minutes from St. George, both via I-15, making it an easy stop for travelers based in either town.
Final Thoughts
Kolob Canyons rewards travelers willing to make the separate drive: a short scenic road, a handful of trails for every effort level, and views that rival the main canyon with a fraction of the crowds. Whether you have an hour to spare off I-15 or a full day for the trek to Kolob Arch, it’s one of the easiest ways to add genuine Zion scenery to a Southern Utah road trip without the lines.
Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons): “Kolob Canyon Road” by Zion National Park (Public domain); “Paria Point from Taylor Creek Trail” by Aaron Zhu (CC BY-SA 3.0); “Kolob Arch 4” by Andrew K. Smith (CC BY 2.0); “South from southern end of Timber Creek Overlook Trail” by An Errant Knight (CC BY-SA 4.0); “Kolob Canyons” by Ben P L (CC BY-SA 2.0).
