Kolob Arch Trail, Zion National Park

This creek-side walk leads the way to what is possibly the world’s largest natural arch. The trail follows Timber and La Verkin Creeks through a rolling riparian flood plain, surrounded by huge cottonwood trees and towering walls of red sandstone. Near the arch, the path breaks away from the creek bed and climbs a short distance to the base of the Arch, viewable through gaps in the pine boughs overhead. A great day hike or overnight backpacking trip.

Trailhead: From Springdale, drive west on SR 9 until you reach the town of LaVerkin. At the Chevron/Farmer’s Market intersection, turn right. Drive through Toquerville, to Interstate 15. Drive north on I-15 for 13 miles to exit 40, the entrance to the Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park. Follow Kolob Canyons Road to the marked trailhead at Lee Pass.

Mileage: 13.8 miles (22.2 km), round-trip

Elevation Gain: 375 feet (114 meters)

Approximate Hike Time: 6.5 - 9 hours, round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Crowds: Savvy backpackers head to Kolob Canyons for quiet camps and trails. You’ll find some of these folks along this trail, the only one in Kolob with designated campsites.

Best Times of Day:
• Leave early (5:30 - 7:30 a.m.) on summer mornings, or later when temperatures are more reasonable cool down.

Best Times of Year:
• This is a fantastic hike any time of year. Autumn brings golden foliage along the length of the trail. When snow does not block the path, this hike is a perfect winter sojourn in solitude.

• When the wildflower show dries up in Zion Canyon at the end of May, head to Kolob where higher elevations cause the flowers to bloom a few weeks later
• Backpackers may combine a trip to Kolob Arch with a journey into Beartrap Canyon for a fun two- or three-day adventure.

Water Sources: Spring-fed La Verkin and Timber Creeks provide year-round water along the length of the trail. For your safety, purify all water before drinking it. Horses regularly use this trail.

Camping: This is the only area in Kolob Canyons where you can camp overnight. Choose from one of 20 possible designated campsites when you purchase your overnight backcountry permit, available at the Zion Canyon or Kolob Canyons Visitor’s Centers

Note: This hike is the first section of the famous “Trans-Zion Trek,” an epic 47-mile trip across the length of Zion National Park.