Guide to Kolob Canyons | Zion National Park
Most of those who visit Zion National Park tend to be familiar with Zion Canyon, where most of the main attractions of the park are located. However, in the shadow of Zion Canyon lies the quieter but equally beautiful Kolob Canyons. What are Kolob Canyons? Where is it and how to get there? We will answer all these questions.
Updated: 6/9/2026
This article is not endorsed by anyone, or any governmental agencies like the National Park Service.
What is Kolob Canyons?
The Kolob Canyons is a more remote part of Zion National Park. It is generally unknown to most people because of its less developed, wilder and quieter environment. However, the section of the national park offers similar scenery as the Zion Canyon, and many opportunities for hiking, as well as unique landmarks.
Historically, the Zion National Park and Kolob Canyons were two different monuments. Zion had been established as a National Park in 1919 while Kolob Canyons was a separate monument, a Zion National Monument. However, in 1956 Kolob was incorporated into the national park. Today, both sections have their own entrance and visitor center.
Currently, no road within the park allows to join the two areas with a vehicle. To get from Kolob to Zion, people must get out of the park and drive to the other side.
Picture by Ken Lund | Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons License 2.0
Kolob Canyons vs Zion Canyon
At this point, you might wonder; Is Kolob Canyons or Zion Canyon better? The answer is that they are both great, but offer different experiences.
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Zion Canyon is better for:
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Postcard Scenery
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Comfort / Adventure compromise
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Convenience
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Greater variety of activities
​Zion Canyon is the most popular section with gorgeous scenery coupled with unique trails like The Narrows or Angels Landing. It is also the most developed section of the part, including a visitor center, museum and paved roads/walkways. In addition to that, Zion Canyon is more convenient for lodging, with the nearby town of Springdale.
Kolob Canyons is better for:
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Quieter environments with less people.
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Real adventure in the wilderness.
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Variety of scenery.
Kolob Canyons is a group of canyons, making it feel different but equally majestic to Zion Canyon. It is a generally wilder part of Zion National Park with more dirt roads, more primitive trails and less options for conveniences. But like its neighbor, Kolob Canyons feature some great hiking trails and landmarks like the Kolob Arch, Larson Cabin or Double Arch Alcove.
How to get to Kolob Canyons?
To access Kolob Canyons, visitors cannot take the same road as for Zion Canyon. Kolob Canyons is located near Cedar City, and can be accessed by exiting the I-15 at E Kolob Canyon Rd (exit 40). From there, the visitor should be able to immediately see the visitor center.
Contrarily to Zion Canyon. Kolob Canyons has no gate or tolls. To pay for the entrance, you will need to stop at the visitor center.
​Address of Visitor Center: 3752 E Kolob Canyon Rd, New Harmony, UT 84757
Driving time from:
St. George - 35min
Cedar City - 20min
Las Vegas - 2H15min
Salt Lake City - 3H50min
Staying at Kolob Canyons
If you would like to stay around Kolob Canyons, the best option is probably to stay at Cedar City or St. George. Those are the closest towns with many lodging options thanks to the popularity of the area. No developed campsite is currently present at Kolob Canyons. Visitors can do some wilderness camping, but need a permit that needs to be picked up at the Zion Canyon visitor center.
What is the entrance fee for Kolob Canyons?
The entrance fee for Kolob Canyons is the same as for the rest of Zion National Park.
U.S Residents:
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Private Vehicle - $35
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Walking - $20
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Motorcycle - $30
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America the Beautiful Pass - $80
Non U.S Residents:
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All the prices above with an additional $100 fee per person.
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America the Beautiful Pass - $250
Things to Do in Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park
​The main activity in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park is hiking. The area features amazing hiking trails that mix both beautiful scenery and technical aspects. Some easier hiking trails are also available for those looking for shorter trails. Climbing and wild camping is also possible.
Drive Around the Scenic Drive
If you want to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Kolob Canyons without hiking, it is possible! The scenic drive of the park is a one way, 5 mile long, paved road taking you through the canyons, and passing near viewpoints and major hiking trails.
Note that during winter months, the scenic drive might be closed due to weather. We encourage you to check the NPS website before you visit.
Taylor Creek Trailhead
Taylor Creek is a 2.6 mile (for one way, 5.2miles in total) trail that takes about 4 hours to complete. The trail features two cabins along its path, and a narrow box canyon that takes hikers to the Double Arch Alcove, a beautiful opening within the Navajo sandstone.
Direction
The trail begins at the designated parking, which should be on your left when driving from the visitor center.
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The Double Alcove Arch
Timber Creek Overlook Trail
The Timber Creek Overlook trail is an easy 1.2 miles trail leading to an overlook with a great view of Kolob Canyons. It’s a great trail if you would like something short.
Direction
The trailhead is at the very end of the scenic drive, right across the Kolob view point.
View from Timber Creek Overlook
Kolob Arch Trail via La Verkin Creek Trail
The Kolob Arch is the sixth longest natural arch in the world. Courageous hikers may get there using two different hiking trails for a total roundtrip of 14.2 miles.
Direction
The trail to get to the Kolob Arch is a mix of multiple trails. We highly encourage careful planning before getting there. Most hikers like to begin the trail at the Lee Pass Trailhead which is located along the Kolob Canyon Road. From there, people get down Lee Pass trail until they reach La Verkin Creek Trail. From there, La Verkin Creek Trail goes from a couple of miles and eventually intersects with Kolob Arch Trail. To reach the arch, hikers need to take that arch. This is an out and back path.
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The Kolob Arch
So, is Kolob Canyons Worth it?
Yes, of course Kolob Canyons is worth it! It offers visitors a completely different experience than Zion Canyon with different scenery and adventures.
