Taylor Creek Trail

Overview

Taylor Creek Trail is the signature day hike of the Kolob Canyons section - the remote northwest corner of Zion reached from its own entrance off I-15, well away from the crowds of Zion Canyon. Over a 5-mile round trip, the trail follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek up a narrowing canyon, passing two historic homestead cabins before ending at Double Arch Alcove.

At 450 feet of elevation gain over five miles, the climb is gradual rather than steep, which is why the trail earns a moderate rating instead of a strenuous one. It is long enough to feel like a real hike and to thin out the crowds well before the end, but forgiving enough for a reasonably fit family to complete in a morning or afternoon.

What sets Taylor Creek apart from a typical canyon walk is the mix of history and geology packed into one route. The two homestead cabins along the way are a rare human-history stop inside the park, and Double Arch Alcove at the far end delivers the kind of sandstone drama Zion is known for - a payoff that has made this one of the most highly regarded hikes in the Kolob Canyons district.

The Route

From the trailhead off Kolob Canyons Road, the trail follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek into a gradually narrowing canyon. Expect the route to bring you close to the creek repeatedly along the way, with some crossings - conditions and water levels vary by season, so shoes that can get wet are worth planning for.

Along the way, the trail passes two historic homestead cabins, remnants of the era before this land became parkland. They're a rare reminder that this canyon had a working human history before it was a hiking destination. The trail continues on to its end point at Double Arch Alcove, a large sandstone hollow that marks the turnaround point - there is no loop here, so the return trip retraces the same route back to the trailhead.

What to Bring

• Water - this is a multi-hour hike with real distance; carry more than you think you'll need, even though the trail follows a creek.
• Shoes you don't mind getting wet - creek crossings are part of the route, and conditions vary with the season.
• Sun protection and a hat - shade varies along the canyon, and a several-hour hike deserves real sun protection.
• A trail snack or lunch - at 3 to 4 hours round trip, this is long enough to want a break partway, especially at the cabins or the alcove.

Best Time to Go

Because Kolob Canyons sees far lighter visitation than Zion Canyon in general, Taylor Creek rarely feels crowded even on a nice weekend - a contrast to the shuttle-fed trails in the main canyon. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures for a multi-hour hike with creek crossings, and the trail is also flagged as a solid winter option when snow and ice aren't blocking the route, since the elevation gain is modest for the distance.

Safety

• Creek crossings - water levels and footing vary with the season and recent weather; check current conditions before you go and be prepared to get your feet wet.
• Distance awareness - at 5 miles round trip, this is long enough that fatigue, not technical difficulty, is the main risk; pace yourself and turn around if you're running low on time or water.
• Weather changes in a canyon - narrow canyon terrain can change quickly with storms; check the forecast, since flash flood risk rises with rain upstream even on days that start clear at the trailhead.
• Respect the historic cabins - they are fragile remnants of the park's homestead era; view them without climbing on or disturbing the structures.