Zion's Kolob Hiking

Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace sections of Zion National Park are situated in the northwestern corner of Zion. These areas are less visited areas than the east side of Zion or Zion Canyon and set at a higher elevation.

Kolob Terrace
The Kolob Terrace is accessed off Highway 9 in the small town of Virgin. The year-round running water in the Kolob Terrace draws hikers from all over the world. Zion's famous Subway, semi-technical slot canyon route, is found in the Kolob Terrace as well as a few other stunning routes like the Right Fork of North Creek. The popular West Rim Trailhead is found along this road at Lava Point. Hikers begin at the point and make their way into Zion Canyon, past the Angels Landing Trail to the Grotto picnic area. In the winter and spring call the visitor center before attempting to drive the roads. Roads may be closed from November to May.

Mileage from Highway 9 & the Kolob Terrace Road
Right Fork Trailhead - 6.9 miles
Grapevine Trailhead - 7.3 miles Smith Mesa Road - 7.7 miles
Left Fork Trailhead 8.2 miles
Hop Valley Trailhead - 12.8 miles
Wildcat Canyon Trailhead 15.8 (Russell Gulch, Subway Trailhead)
Lava Point turnoff (to West Rim Trailhead) 20 miles
Lava Point and West Rim Trailhead 24 miles

Kolob Canyons
The Kolob Canyons part of the park is accessed off I-15 at exit 40 near Cedar City. Kolob Arch is a landmark of this area. The trail to the Kolob Arch is a 14 hour round trip hike, ends at one of the world's longest free standing arch. Kolob Arch measures 287.4 ', making it about three feet shorter than the world's largest arch, Landscape Arch. This could change however as Landscape Arch is near the end of its lifecycle. The hike to the Kolob Arch can be done as a backpack or a long day hike. To add to the backpacking fun at Kolob Canyons, include a trip to Beartrap Canyon, Willis Creek and Hop Valley. A charming visitor center is found at the entrance to the Kolob Canyons section of the park.

Kolob Hiking	miles/km roundtrip	Ascent ft/meters	Average Time roundtrip	Kolob	Kids Bikes Accessible	Difficulty
Timber Creek	1/1.6	100'/305	1 hour	Canyons	K	Easy
Northgate Peaks	4/6.4	slight	2 hours	Terrace	K	Moderate
Middle Fork Taylor Creek	5.4/8.7	276'/84	4 hours	Canyons	K	Moderate
South Fork Taylor Creek	3.2/5.15	300'/91	2 hours	Canyons	-	Moderate
North Fork Taylor Creek	7.5/12	376'/115	6 hours	Canyons	-	Moderate
Kanarra Creek	3.2/5.2	470'/143	4 hours	Canyons	Slot Canyon	Moderate
West Rim from Lava Point	14/22.5	-3140'/957	10 hours	Terrace	Backpack	Strenuous
Kolob Arch	14/22.5	699' /213	8 hours	Canyons	Backpack	Strenuous
Left Fork of North Creek	10/16	250'/76	7 hours	Terrace	Slot Canyon	Strenuous
The Subway	9.5/15.3	Dec. - 2200' Asc. + 500'	7 hours	Terrace	Slot Canyon	Technical
Right Fork of North Creek	11.6/1.7	Des. - 300' Asc. + 800'	11 hours	Terrace	Slot Canyon	Strenuous
North Guardian Angel	2.8/4.5	585'/178	4 hours	Terrace	Climbing	Technical
Icebox Canyon	12.3/19.8	+-2700'/823	15 hours	Canyons	Slot Canyon	Technical
Kolob Canyon	10/16		13 hours	Terrace	Slot Canyon	Technical
Zion National Park Hiking

Key: [East/South of Canyon Junction off hwy 9] [Cliff-side: Exposed scramble or ledge] [Slot: Slot or Narrows] [Boulders: Climbing over boulders or up steep slabs] [ Scrambling: Hiking/Climbing up or down steep slick rock] [Semi-Tech: Rope and climbing skills] [Technical: Advanced climbing or canyoneering.

Hiking Equipment - The kind of gear you will need for your visit to the Kolob depends on which trails you plan to hike. Comfortable hiking shoes and quality socks are a must. Painful blisters and sore toes can ruin your plans. If hiking the Subway is on your vacation itinerary you might want to invest in a good pair of aquatic shoes and a dry bag for your gear. A daypack and hydration system are also essential. If you are heading into the canyons like the Subway, consider buying a draining backpack. Imlay Canyon Gear carries equipment that has been developed by Tom Jones, a well known canyoneer and engineer, to make adventures through slot canyons easier. If you have ever hiked out of the Subway with a backpack full of water you get the idea.