Kolob Canyons Viewpoint + Timber Creek Overlook Trail

Most visitors to Zion National Park skip the Kolob Canyons area because it is accessed by a different entrance that is quite far from the main canyon and park campgrounds. For those driving on Utah Highway 89 between Zion and Cedar City to the north, this area is well worth the 10-mile detour to the scenic outlook at the end of the road. This is an area of narrow parallel box canyons with 2,000-foot walls.

Kolob Canyons offers something for everyone: backpackers and hikers can find several trailheads leading into the spectacular parallel canyons of the Kolob Canyons Wilderness; day hikers have some choices for one- to four-hour hikes, and those who would rather not stray far from their vehicle also have the chance to see some deep canyon scenery unlike any other in the park.

The first stop should be the visitor center right off Highway 89 to learn more about the area. The scenic road is just 5 miles long, and along the way are the trailheads for Taylor Creek and La Verkin Creek. At the end of the road is a large parking area with great views and restrooms. The short half-mile round trip trail to the Timber Creek Overlook is a great way to get closer to the interesting landscape of this high desert and stand on a point with a view that extends all the way to the Grand Canyon on a clear day.