Kolob Arch Hike(edit)

Overview

This is a moderately strenuous trail in Zion National Park that is a total of 1600 miles with 1,600 ft elevation gain/loss as shown on the map. The trail starts on the left side of Kolub Canyon Road (see the Getting Started notes below). The trail goes downhill past easy, if spare campsites until meeting La Verkin Creek where it finds Campsite 4 on the left.The junction location has nice small waterfalls and pools and is a great and popular destination in itself (10 mile round trip.) The trail as shown here then winds gently uphill along the left side of the creek until passing Campsite 9. After that, it turns up the Kolub Arch Canyon for another one mile until crossing the creek and reaching the uncertain endpoint under the arch. Folks then scramble around to get the best view possible of the giant arch far far above, have a snack on the pretty red rocks, and return along the same path to their cars.

Do be cautious about temperatures, this is the desert and generally more water is needed then you would expect.

This trail goes by Campsite 1, Campsite 2, Campsite 3, Campsite 4, Campsite 5, Campsite 6, Campsite 7, Campsite 9, and Campsite 8.

Getting Started

The trailhead is the western area of Zion National Park accessed from Hwy 15. Exit the freeway and go to the Visitor Center. Get any paperwork done and fees paid, the roll up the hill past the trailheads for the Middle Fork and South Forks of Taylor Creek. The trailhead will be soon thereafter on the left side pullout (there is no separate lot, just nose in angle parking.)

Taking Children

This is a longish hike for kids, but the I would definitely recommend the 5 mile hike (10 total!) to La Verkin Creek and Campsite 4 for tweens and teens. The route drops down 1000 ft to the creek where there are nice rocks and pools to play in. The route as-shown goes to Kolub arch for a total of 16 moderate miles with about 1,500 ft elevation gain and loss.