Zion National Park, Part 6: Taylor Creek Trail
The Taylor Creek Trail in the Kolob Canyon section of Zion is an easy little 5 mile out and back the follows the creek up the canyon to double arch alcove. When Tom and I hiked there in October the trail was highlighted with the glow of yellow-tinged cottonwoods and the golden leaves of scrub oak – an introduction of another color into the palette of red sandstone, blue sky, and dark green firs. It was ridiculously pretty. The path gradually climbs towards the convergence of the canyon walls, crossing the broad stream more than a dozen times, and providing different angles at which to view the high walls. Interestingly there are two small cabins dating from the 1930’s, evidence of some of the few hardy settlers who tried to make a living out here.
It was an incredibly enjoyable hike and we took our time hiking up the canyon, stopping to admire the thousand foot sandstone walls and the lovely creek. On the return the sun had moved enough to illuminate different sections of the walls and canyon floor, revealing gorgeous patterns in the rock and lighting up even more of the yellow leaves.
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Larson cabin, Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Double Arch Alcove, Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Double Arch Alcove, Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
Me taking pictures, Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah
We had a super fun time with our kids on this hike. I think its a fantastic hike for kids and adventure.
http://www.nationalparkadventurekids.com/2017/02/zions-best-kept-hiking-secret-taylor.html
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What, in your opinion, are the must-do hikes at Zion for a person who will be there only two full days. I really want to do the Narrows on of those days of course, the one that does not require a permit.
Ok, I’m not the authority on Zion despite now having a home base that’s really close because we can’t take the dog. But, the Narrows should definitely be done. I’ve hiked upstream of it but I heard the actual Narrows are spectacular. As for the other day I’d really recommend doing a hike up to the top of the canyon to look down. The popular one is Angel’s Landing but I’d strongly recommend Observation Point, which brings you 1,000 feet above the landing and to the rim of the canyon. It’s 8 miles, 2,000 feet elevation gain but not a difficult hike (I have a post on it if you want to look). Another really short hike that can be done on either day is the Canyon Overlook Trail (maybe 1.5 mi roundtrip). There are a bunch of other short hikes that can be tacked on, but just driving through Zion and stopping at pullouts to take photos will take a few hours and is totally worth it. Hope this helps! So excited for your trip!
Yes, we want to hike the Narrows in the river for sure! I think we’ll do Angel’s Landing as well. I’d like to do Hole in the Rock road on our way down to Flagstaff. Hopefully we’ll have time for all of this. Either way I know it will be amazing, since we’re used to nothing but FLAT. 😀
Sounds like an awesome plan at Zion. Hole-in-the-Rock isn’t between Zion and Flagstaff though – it’s east of Bryce on Route 12. From Zion you’d be on 89A (or 89) going through the southern portion of Grand Staircase Natl Monument. If you’re making the “loop” from Zion north and east to Bryce then stopping at Hole-in-the-Rock then going south you’d pass it. I hope I didn’t confuse you! If you’re going the south route on 89 there’s plenty of awesome stuff there too though. Whatever you do, it will absolutely be amazing. If you want of more info on something off 89 I’m happy to help.
Ohhh…can I just hire you as my tour guide? Haha! I’m going to take another look at the map route and get back with you on 89 😉
Sure thing 😉 Seriously though, I’m happy to give you any input I may have!
Okay, we will actually be staying in Virgin, Utah. We would have to make a pretty far trek North to Bryce to get to Hole in the Rock. Maybe we will take the “loop” you speak, I totally understand! Thank you! If there’s time we’ll make it happen 🙂
Yeah, if you’re staying in Virgin and then going south, Hole-in-the-Rock is pretty far out of your way. Taking 89 through Page, AZ to Flagstaff is an awesome drive too. Off 89 is House Valley Rock Rd which leads to numerous trailheads such as Wire Pass (awesome slot canyons) and Buckskin Gulch. It’s also the trailhead for The Wave which issues permits day-of. You can find lots to do down that way- you won’t be missing anything!
I got permits yesterday for Lower Antelope Canyon! 🙂
Yay, you’ll love it! I forgot, when is your trip? If you’re there before the third week of September you can see the shaft of sunlight come through that everyone takes a picture of. It’s such an amazing place.
middle of June
Awesome, you’ll get lots of daylight!
The oranges and the reds take my breath way! And, that cabin… I totally want to spend a month living there. How much fun would that be?!
I would absolutely take a month in that cabin! The only downside is that the trail now goes by it, ha.