| Zion National Park, Utah |
 Trail Name:Middle Fork of Taylor Creek Summary: |
| Highly Recommended One Day Hike |
| Trail Description |
| The Kolob Canyon region is framed by towering orange-red cliffs that cradle the different tributaries of Taylor Creek meandering across the valley floor. On the trail you will hear the rush of flowing water, the hum of insects and warble of birdsong. In the red soil you can spot the tracks of lizards, rock squirrels, mule deer and possibly even mountain lion. Overhead you may spot a raven or a golden eagle.
The trail descends initially to follow Taylor Creek. The first landmark is a timber cabin, where Gustav Larson lived in the early 1930s raising pigs. Its walls are white fir logs and the roof and frames are constructed from timber brought from Cedar City, 23 miles away. At the old Larson cabin, the North and Middle Forks of Taylor Creek meet. The North Fork offers a less-used hike but lacks an established trail and an obvious destination. Our trail continues ahead, following the Middle Fork. You continue through the canyon of the Middle Fork, crossing the shallow creek on many occasions. The sheer cliffs, vegetation and clear, flowing water make this a very absorbing and beautiful place. In summer, there are large, yellow Monarch butterflies to be seen along the way. Follow the sound of gushing water and you encounter a small off-trail waterfall that makes a great spot to sit and enjoy the peace. Further on you reach a cabin built by college lecturer Arthur Fife, again in the 1930s. He raised goats here, but today maple, oak and fir trees surround the run-down building. Past the Fife cabin, the creek and trail veer to the right. The trail ends at Double Arch Alcove. The carved, colorful cliffs are like a natural mural, and provide a backdrop for the lush ferns and columbines that spread across the red soil. With its vivid colors and cooler temperatures, this is a great place to relax and enjoy one of Zion’s landmarks. |
| 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: 2 miles from the visitor center along the Kolob Canyons road. Length: 5.4 miles / 8.6 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 450 ft / 137 m Duration: 4 hours Trail Condition: Clearly defined. Features: Canyon scenery, river and cave. Climate: Pleasant weather spring and fall. Hot in summer, though shady in canyon. Accommodation: Lodging in Cedar City, Hurricane, St George, or in Springdale (recommended) at the entrance to the main section of the Park. Trail Notes: None. |
Popularity: 8% [?]
