Summary:
A descent through beautiful canyon scenery leads to a view of 310 ft Kolob Arch, possibly the largest free-standing arch in the world.

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.

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).

Summary:
A delightful walk through a beautiful canyon, ending at peaceful Double Arch Alcove.

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.

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.

Summary:
Fantastic close up views of pink and golden rock formations with expansive views of the canyon and beyond.

The trail ascends through switchbacks to a high point overlooking the canyon. There are great views, marred only by a power line (we can only wonder what possessed the powers-that-be to string a power line through this beautiful canyon, rather than along the main road). The trail descends through forested slopes, and you follow a wash for a short distance before picking up the trail again (very clearly signed).

Ascend once more, to reach amazing 360° views of canyons, coral pink formations, woods and Utah stretching beyond. There is a very real feeling of solitude at this high point, with the expansive vistas and high winds whipping over the ridge. It is hard to tear yourself away, but take some warm clothes if you want to linger. Due to altitude, the trail can be cold in these exposed places, even in summer.

The trail descends, and briefly levels outs. Just as you think you have left the climbs and glorious views behind, you reach a final set of ascending switchbacks to the top of the Buckhorn trail. At the three-way junction, take the left spur along a narrow ridge, again with fantastic views on either side. There are sheer drops here, and a very narrow path, but this spur is definitely recommended unless you are no good with heights.

Retrace your steps to the three-way junction and continue ahead. Descend for just under a mile through forested slopes to the campground. While you are in the canyon it is easy to forget that you are so close to ‘civilization’. A short walk through the campground and left along the road will take you back to the visitor center.

Despite being just a short distance from the main road to Bryce Canyon, this trail was surprising deserted. Most people seem to stop at Red Canyon for just a few minutes to take pictures before moving on. We hiked the trail in the middle of the day in mid-June – the weather was beautiful and we passed just one other couple. A great trail if you looking for fantastic scenery without the crowds.

Directions: Hwy 89, then Route 12 east for approximately 3 miles.

Trailhead: From the parking lot at the visitor center, follow the Pink Ledges Trail adjacent to the highway for 500 ft and cross the road to the parking pull-out and trailhead opposite.

Length: 4.7 miles / 7.5 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 3.5 hours

Trail Condition: Clearly defined.

Features: Rock formations, views.

Climate: Warm days April to October. Thunderstorms in Summer.

Accommodation: Campsite at Red Canyon. Plenty of motels in nearby communities of Hatch, Panguitch and Tropic.

Trail Notes: Narrow paths and steep drop-offs in places – take care if fearful of heights.