Overview: This mellow, creek-side walk leads the way to what is possibly the world's largest 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. This is a great day hike or over-night 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 Tocquerville, eventually reaching Interstate 15. Drive north 13 miles on I-15 to exit 40 and the entrance to the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park. Follow Kolob Canyons Road 3 or 4 miles to the well-marked trailhead at Lee Pass.
Mileage: 13.8 miles (22.2 km), round-trip
Elevation Loss: 375 feet (114 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 6.5 - 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Times of Day: Leave early (5:30 - 7:30 a.m.) on summer mornings.
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.
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.
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 over-night. Choose from one of 20 possible designated campsites when you purchase your over-night backcountry permit, available at the Springdale or Kolob Visitor's Centers.
Don’t Miss:
Special Notes:
- Backpackers may combine a trip to Kolob Arch with a journey into Beartrap Canyon for a fun two-day adventure.
- This hike is the first section of the famous "Trans-Zion Trek," an epic 47-mile trip across the length of Zion National Park.
