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

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

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

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

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

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

Me taking pictures, Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah