Kolob Canyons is the northwestern district of Zion National Park, with a separate entrance off Interstate 15 and a scenic drive through sandstone peaks and deep canyons. From Springdale, plan it as its own park outing: the drive, pullouts, and trails offer a different way to see Zion’s landscape.
- Location: northwest Zion, accessed at Interstate 15 Exit 40.
- Scenic drive: five miles, open to personal vehicles, with canyon-view pullouts.
- From Zion Canyon Visitor Center: approximately 42 miles and one hour by car.
- Entry: show an Interagency Park Pass or pay the Zion National Park entrance fee at the visitor center.
Where Kolob Canyons Fits in a Zion Visit
Kolob Canyons is a distinct Zion outing, not an extension of the main Zion Canyon area. Narrow, parallel box canyons cut into the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, framed by sandstone peaks and cliff walls reaching up to 2,000 feet.
The National Park Service places the area about 40 miles north of Zion Canyon and 17 miles south of Cedar City.
Its setting and access make it a useful addition if you’re planning more than one part of the park. For a broader look at getting around Zion Canyon, the Zion shuttle and scenic-drive guide covers that area’s visit logistics.
How do you get from Springdale to Kolob Canyons?
From Zion Canyon Visitor Center, the National Park Service route to Kolob Canyons takes approximately one hour by car and covers about 42 miles. Travel west on Highway 9 to La Verkin, head north on Highway 17, then take Interstate 15 to Exit 40.
At Exit 40, follow the access road to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. All visitors must stop there to show an Interagency Park Pass or pay the Zion National Park entrance fee. There is no shuttle bus in Kolob Canyons, so plan to use a personal vehicle for the scenic drive.
If you’re staying in Springdale, you can make this a separate day out from an inn in Springdale, rather than treating it as a stop along the Zion Canyon route.
Viewpoints and Short Walks
The five-mile Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive has pullouts where you can stop to view the canyons. For a short hike, Timber Creek Overlook Trail follows a ridge to views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. The trail is included for winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail is 0.6 mile one way, with 117.3 feet of elevation gain and 103.2 feet of elevation loss. If you want a longer outing, Middle Fork of Taylor Creek Trail passes two homestead cabins on the way to Double Arch Alcove.
The hike is estimated at 3–4 hours; it is 2.6 miles one way and includes creek crossings where shallow-water crossings are typically required. Water levels change seasonally.
La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch starts at Lee Pass. The hike takes 7–9 hours and covers a seven-mile walk to a spur trail leading to an arch viewpoint. Affiliated hiking groups larger than 12 people are permitted only on Timber Creek Overlook Trail in the Kolob Canyons area.
Road, Weather, and Visitor Center Conditions
Kolob Canyons Road is open for most of the year but frequently closes in winter. Snow or ice can close the road, and pedestrians are prohibited from walking on it during snow-plow operations.
The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center’s hours are 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–5 p.m.; check the official site before you go, since hours and road access can affect your plans. Wilderness permits are not available at this visitor center; pick up all Wilderness permits at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center instead.
Summer daytime temperatures in Zion regularly exceed 100°F (38°C), and mid-to-late summer monsoons increase flash-flood risk. Winter daytime temperatures typically range from 30°F (-1°C) to 60°F (16°C). For park-road updates, use the National Park Service current-conditions page; for other Utah road conditions, UDOT provides updates by phone at 866-511-8824.
Planning the Outing From Springdale
Allow time for the drive, the visitor-center stop, and whichever trail or pullouts you choose. A quick scenic-drive visit can focus on the road’s viewpoints, while the Taylor Creek or La Verkin Creek hikes call for a substantially longer outing.
If you’re arranging other activities around your stay, the guide to things to do in Springdale covers options in town.
Check road access before leaving, particularly in winter, and account for seasonal water levels if you plan to cross creeks. If you’re carrying out a wilderness trip, collect the required permit at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center rather than the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.
FAQs
Is there a shuttle in Kolob Canyons?
No. There is no shuttle bus in the Kolob Canyons area, and the scenic drive is open to personal vehicles.
Do you need to pay to enter Kolob Canyons?
All visitors must show an Interagency Park Pass or pay the Zion National Park entrance fee at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.
Can you get a wilderness permit at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center?
No. The National Park Service directs visitors to pick up all Wilderness permits at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.