The Ultimate Southwest Vacation includes Zion National Park, Utah!
Stay in Mount Carmel Junction, the heart of the parks, and
visit the treasures of the Southwest.
Zion Park 12 miles
Grand Staircase 9 miles
Sand Dunes 11 miles
Dixie Forest 22 miles
Cedar Breaks 45 miles
Red Canyon 47 miles
Coyote Butte 57 miles
Bryce Canyon 60 miles
North Rim 85 miles
Toroweap 90 miles
Plan your Zion National Park Vacation with our Utah Maps and
Information
In these pages you will find insiders information on Zion National
Park lodging, adventures and hikes. This detailed guide includes road maps, park
maps, pictures, trail beta, backpacking, history, fees, geology, flora, fauna,
campgrounds, things for kids to do and even information on Zion's hidden treasures.
Making summer memories in the Utah National Parks and National
Monuments.
Directions to Zion National Park From Salt Lake City: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver.
Exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to Zion's east
entrance. From Arizona: Travel 89A through Fredonia, Arizona
and Kanab Utah. Follow US-89 to to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to the east
park entrance. From Las Vegas: Travel I-15 north. Take exit 16 and
travel through Hurricane. Make a right on U-9 at the second traffic light in
LaVerkin. Continue on U-9 to the south entrance of the park. U-9 through Zion
National Park is always open and is also called the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
Beta: Coordinates and other trail and canyoneering information
by Zion Park search and rescue veteran team member Bo
Beck and www.zionnational-park.com author Tanya Milligan.
To post trip reports, offer corrections, updates, or for more
information please visit the Zion
National Park Forum
Suggested
Gear: A sturdy pair of shoes are recommend to hike the trails in Zion National
Park. Many quality shoes will help grip the rocks and prevent injury. Experienced
Zion hikers and canyoneers like the La Sportiva Exum Ridge. This shoe is great
for hiking, bouldering and canyoneering.
North Fork Taylor Creek
This is a nice 7.5 mile (round trip) hike away from crowds. The path is an unmaintained route that follows the North Fork of Taylor Creek. The route begins at the more heavily traveled Middle Fork of Taylor Creek Trail and turns off at the confluence with the North Fork and ends at the end of the canyon between Horse Ranch Mountain and the orange-red cliffs of Tucupit Point. Hematitem, an iron oxide, provides the distinctive color of the cliffs. Along the hike note the freestanding natural arch, Pico Rosado, high up on the cliff. Toward the end of the hike bouldering is required. The hike ends where the canyon walls narrow and the footing becomes precarious.
North Fork Taylor Creek at a Glance
Photo Album: North Fork Taylor Creek Pictures Trail Map: Taylor Creek Trail Map
Day hike: Yes Trail Distance: 7.5 miles/12km round trip Average hiking time: 6 hours Difficulty: Moderate. Little elevation change, but its a long trail. Bouldering near the end of the trail. Sun Exposure: Winter hiking is shady and cold. Snow accumulates at the end of the canyon. The rest of the year some sun and some shade. Permits: No Trail Conditions: Dirt path with some stream crossing and bouldering. There is no developed trail. The path can be muddy after rains or snow.
Trailhead: Two miles past the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. Trailend: Same as trailhead Trail access: Year-round. Best Season: March to November
Off the beaten path: Yes Classic Zion Park hike: No Larsen Cabin: 5674'/1729m Highest Elevation: 6050'/1844m Restrooms: Kolob Canyons Visitor Center Water Availability: Taylor Creek is a year-round spring -fed stream.
The Kolob Canyons is accessed off I15 (exit 40), about 90 minutes from the south entrance of the main section of Zion National Park. The Kolob Canyons section of the park is also known as the finger Canyons. The fingers are tall, orange colored rock formations with narrow canyons between them.
Trailhead: Drive 2 miles past the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center and pull into the marked parking area. The Middle Fork of Taylor Creek Trail and the North Fork of Taylor Creek share the same trailhead.
Trail Beta: Follow the well marked Middle Fork of Taylor Creek Trail, crossing the stream numerous times. paria point is to the right and Tucupit Point is the left.
Larsen Cabin: The Larsen Cabin is located among a grove of Pines and of Juniper trees 1.2 miles up the trail, a little off the trail on the left. The 1930s cabin marks the confluence of the two forks. Leave the main trail at the cabin and head towards the North Fork of Taylor Creek. Tucupit Point towers above the cabin. To the left of this point is the North Fork of Taylor Creek. The limestone capped mountain behind Tucupit is, Horse Ranch Mountain, the highest point in Zion National Park at 8726'/2660m.
North Fork Taylor Creek: Follow the beaten path along the creek. The path does crisscross back and forth from side to side. Gamble Oak, horse tails and Junipers are evident. The second confluence of an intermittent creek is 2.4 miles into the hike.
Pico Rosado Arch: 2.5 miles, at the third confluence with a intermittent creek, look up to the north east and locate the free standing arch. A large blind arch is below the natural arch.
End of Canyon: Continue following the creek bed. Bouldering is required toward the end of the canyon, but take care not to continue past where it is safe and the footing is a problem.
The Trail: Rattlesnakes are common along this trail during the hotter months of the year. The Larsen homestead cabin was built in 1930 and was lived in by Gustav Larson until 1933. The Pico Rosado Arch was given the name due to its delicate appearance from the North Fork of Taylor Creek hike. Pico Rosado means "pink spire" in Portuguese.
Best Trail Features: This trail is off the beaten path. The freestanding natural arch is a nice feature.
This land is your land. this land is my land. From California to the New York island. From the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters. This land was made for you and me.
