Hiking Taylor Creek in Kolob Canyons - Zion National Park
Taylor Creek is a beautiful scenic hike located in the Kolob Canyons district of Zion National Park. With a small stream running along the trail, Taylor Creek is one of my favorite water hikes in Zion in the summer, but really it is a beautiful hike any time of the year.
Soaring peaks of Navajo sandstone line the trail and lush vegetation make for a cool and shaded summer hike. Taylor Creek features two historic cabins and a double arch alcove at the end. This is a great morning or afternoon hike. Take a sack lunch with you and eat under the alcove at the end.
Don't let the 5 miles round trip discourage you if you have kiddos. This hike is a great one to take slow and play as you hike. If you don't make it to the end, it is still 100% worth it.
LOCATION
The Kolob Canyons district of Zion National Park is located at Exit 40 on I15. Taylor Creek is a 20-minute drive from Cedar City, a 20-minute drive from Hurricane, and a 50-minute drive from Springdale.
Taylor Creek is the first hike you will come to along the 5-mile-long scenic drive in Kolob Canyons. CLICK HERE FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS
HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE
DIFFICULTY
The trail starts with a short and steep descent down to the canyon floor. It is easy to navigate with stairs and a well-maintained path, but hiking back out will get your heart pumping.
After reaching the bottom, you will hike along a stream for the majority of the hike with minimal elevation gain. There are plenty of ups, downs, and overs, but a well-worn path makes it easy to navigate without too much trouble.
LENGTH
Taylor Creek is a five mile round trip - out and back hike. The average hike time is 3-4 hours.
BEST TIME TO HIKE TAYLOR CREEK
Taylor Creek is best hiked in spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, from November through February, the trail can be icy and snowy. The Kolob Canyons road also often closes in the winter.
TRAIL DETAILS
The trail starts with a short and steep hike down to Taylor Creek. At the bottom of the canyon, the trail levels out and runs along the small stream all the way to the end.
The trail crosses the stream numerous times, and even though there is minimal elevation gain, you will be navigating over boulders and downed trees throughout the hike. Water shoes or waterproof hiking boots are necessary if you want to avoid getting your feet wet.
About 1 mile in, you will hit the first of two historic homestead cabins along the trail. Built-in the early 1930s, the first historical cabin is the Larson Cabin, and about another half mile up is the Fife Cabin.
It's fun to walk around the cabins, peeking into the windows and imagining what life was like for the settlers who built these remote cabins.
You'll know you have reached the end of the trail when you hit the Double Arch Alcove. The alcove is massive and cavelike, with a large wall of seeping water and lush green ferns.
Don't let the term double arch fool you; it's not a true open arch but the closed arches in the sandstone soaring high above are super cool.
After spending some time enjoying this beautiful and secluded section of Zion, give yourself a pat on the back, turn around and head back the way you came.
Always be respectful of the land. Leave no trace and pack in + out anything you bring with you. Leave nothing behind.
GOOD TO KNOW
All guests are required to stop at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to show your Park Pass or pay the Zion National Park entrance fee.
There is a pit toilet at the trailhead but no water. You can fill your water bottle at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.
This trail is sometimes referred to as Middle Fork of Taylor Creek. You can take two other longer hikes with this trail, but along the creek is the most popular and easy way to do it.
LIST OF THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU
HIKING SHOES OR HIKING SANDALS - Wear water shoes like Teva's or Chaco's when hiking Taylor Creek in the summer. Keen also has great water shoes for kids. Click here for my favorite hiking sandals on the planet.....I'm a Teva's girl!
HIKING CLOTHES - Wear comfortable, light and breathable clothes if visiting in the summer. If visiting in the spring/fall, bring a light jacket. Chances are it will warm up mid-day.
SUNSCREEN - Always take sunscreen with your wherever you go in the desert!
HAT & SUNGLASSES - The sun is intense. Having a hat and sunglasses is a must.
SNACKS, AND LOTS OF WATER - Always hike with snacks and plenty of water
HIKING DAY PACK - You will want a small backpack to carry snacks, water, camera & phone.
BEST PLACES STAY WHEN VISITING KOLOB CANYONS
I recommend staying a few days in the Hurricane Valley to explore all the different sections of Zion. There is so much to see and do.
The Hurricane Valley is located 30 minutes from the west entrance of Zion National park, 2 hours from Bryce Canyon, 2 hours from the north entrance of the Grand Canyon, and 30 minutes from Kolob Canyons.
15 HIKES + THINGS TO DO CLOSE TO TAYLOR CREEK/KOLOB CANYONS
2 - Hike Timber Creek Overlook Trail
4 - Hike Spring Creek Trail
6 - Hike Lambs Knoll
10 - Hike Watchman Trail
11 - E-bike The Canyon
13 - Hike Ashdown Gorge
15 - Canoe Navajo Lake
Hiking Taylor Creek is an amazing way to experience all the beauty that the Kolob Canyons section of Zion has to offer. This stunning 5-mile round trip hike is perfect as a day trip or water hike in the summer for families so get out and enjoy!.
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
