| Zion National Park, Utah |
| Trail Name: Kolob Arch Summary: |
| Highly Recommended One Day Hike |
| Trail Description |
| The trail descends for the first mile or so, with incredible views of cliffs and forested valleys. The trail then levels and follows Timber Creek (almost dry when we hiked in June) for the next 2 miles.
More wonderful views mark the start of the descent to La Verkin Creek. The trail meets the creek at the 4-mile mark. The running water, green vegetation, impressive cliffs and peace and quiet make this a wonderful place to stop for a while. The trail levels as it follows La Verkin Creek through the valley for the next 2 miles or so. The long sandy stretches make for pretty tiring work, particularly in the heat and with the biting insects out in force (take repellent!). However, deep in this valley wilderness, surrounded by red cliffs and miles from the nearest road, there is a wonderful feeling of solitude – a total contrast to the crowds you often experience in Zion Canyon, the main part of the National Park. Eventually you reach a sign marking the side trail to Kolob Arch. This runs alongside a small creek, and some scrambling along the wash for 0.5 mile or so will lead to a view of the arch itself, high above you. Unfortunately you cannot truly appreciate the size of the arch, which is some distance away. However, further exploration to get a closer look is not advisable. There is no marked trail and it becomes increasingly difficult to walk through brush, vegetation debris and loose soil banks. Nethertheless, the arch makes a very satisfactory destination. The trail is out and back, so you need to retrace your steps for the 7 miles back to the trailhead. Obviously this gives you a second opportunity to soak up the beauty and serenity of the valley and high cliffs. The trail ascends on the return journey, and can be extremely hot in the summer months. The final ascent is particularly hard work, but the views more than compensate. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: In the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park, south-west Utah. The Park entrance fee is $20 per vehicle, good for 7 days.
Directions: I-15 exit 40, 17 miles south of Cedar City. Trailhead: Lee Pass, 3.5 miles from the visitor center along the Kolob Canyons road. Length: 14 miles / 22.4 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 699 ft / 213 m Duration: 7.5 hours Trail Condition: Clearly defined. Features: Canyon scenery. Climate: Extremely hot in summer. Spring and autumn are the best times for this hike. Accommodation: Lodging in Cedar City, Hurricane, St George, or in Springdale (recommended) at the entrance to the main section of the Park. Camping along the trail (permit required) but you obviously need to carry in all your gear. The hike is popular with overnight backpackers. Trail Notes: Take lots of water – temperatures can exceed 100 F in summer (June onwards). |
Popularity: 11% [?]
