Kolob Arch - 14.5 Miles Round-Trip

Kolob Arch is located 7.25 miles from Lee Pass Trailhead in Zion National Park. At 287.4' across it's considered the world's second longest freestanding rock span, just behind Landscape Arch (290.1') in Arches National Park. Kolob is a word from the Book of Mormon used to describe the star nearest the Throne of God, signifying a high and exalted place.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

While Kolob Arch is geologically noteworthy, the hike along rare perennial desert streams, towering promontories and crimson cliffs is compelling in itself.

Higher elevations, natural shade and running water make this an ideal peak-summer hike when others in Zion Canyon are prohibitively hot:

The trail heads south down a high, narrow ridge between Timber Creek and the red walls of Beatty Point (7,780'), Nagunt Mesa (7,785') and Timber Top Mountain (8,055'). Pinyon-juniper stands line the way but provide little shade. Note numerous side canyons to the west on this descent.

The trail reaches Timber Creek and levels in a wooded plateau (1.0 mile : 5,603'). Though Timber Creek is not perennial, pockets generally linger year round. You may filter stagnant pools, but better off waiting for the flowing waters of La Verkin Creek.

Intervals of cottonwood, oak, and maple form a partial canopy and modicum of shade on the southward trek down canyon. Anticipate many wash-stream crossings on this section.

The gentle down-slope turns uphill and away from the creek past Backcountry Campsite #2 (3.1 miles : 5,350'), cresting on a ridge over Backcountry Campsite #3 (3.65 miles : 5,425') with good views of the Timber and La Verkin Creek gorges.

The trail bends east around Gregory Butte while dropping in spurts through juniper plots to La Verkin Creek (4.75 miles : 5,035'). Here it bends east beside the creek for 2.4 miles to the spur for Kolob Arch.

La Verkin Creek supports cottonwood, oak, maple, pinyon, juniper, manzanita, and a variety of cacti and grasses. Look for deer, turkey, coyote, skunk and ringtail in its lux banks and side canyons. The trail passes a cascade and pool near Campsite #6 (5.6 miles : 5,048'), and negotiates tangled vegetation from Campsite #8 (6.35 miles : 5,108') to Campsite #10 (6.45 miles : 5,165').

A natural spring that seeps across the trail near #10 is a good water source should La Verkin Creek run dry or heavy with sediment. The trail edges back to the creek and Backcountry Campsites #11, 12 and 13 (6.55 miles : 5,137'); a few steps away is the Kolob Arch Trail (6.6 miles : 5,150'), which turns north up a small stream into a side canyon.

The spur trail - intermittently rugged and obscured by runoff, terrain and overgrowth - follows the stream to the base of Kolob Arch. The trail generally favors the creek's west side, but makes several unmarked crossings. An intuitive heading with little room for deviation ensure you stay on track.

The trail ends on a steep knoll at Kolob Arch Overlook (7.25 miles : 5,268') - with a partial look at the formidable canyon head and Kolob Arch .4 miles away.

Limited views from this distance belie Kolob Arch's true size and scale; while hikers are discouraged from traveling further, risking injury and disturbing vegetation, it's possible to follow the ravine up-canyon to a better vantage. Do not attempt travel up canyon walls; it's quite possible to become 'cliffed out', and descents can be more perilous than the climb.