Taylor Creek Trail

Red sandstone cliff face with an alcove at the bottom and an arch above.

Taylor Creek Trail descends into a narrow box canyon where you'll scramble over boulder steps up to 26 inches high and cross the creek multiple times—spring and winter crossings are cold. The 5.2-mile round trip gains 800 feet and tests scrambling confidence; the payoff is the Double Arch Alcove, a natural sandstone formation sculpted by erosion. Historic homestead cabins from the 1930s mark the wilderness transition. This is not a walk in the park; this is grit.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 5.2
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Moderate with technical scrambling challenges
Elevation Gain Feet: 798.7

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 5.2
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Moderate with technical scrambling challenges
Elevation Gain Feet: 798.7
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours round trip, or 5-6 hours if you're scrambling slowly or stopping for photos
Trail Surface: 58.6% firm soil, 38% soft sand, 2.1% very soft sand, 1.3% hard rock. Boulder steps up to 26 inches tall with 7-inch gaps between rocks. Staircase sections with steps up to 14 inches. Creek crossings with seasonal water level changes.
Trail Features: Double Arch Alcove
Historic homestead cabins (1930s-era)
Kanarraville Fold geologic formation
Narrow box canyon
Taylor Creek
Trail Highlights: Double Arch Alcove features natural rock openings carved by erosion in towering Navajo sandstone walls—dramatic frame and shelter from sun. Two historic homestead cabins built in the early 1930s appear 0.3 miles before the alcove, marking the wilderness boundary. The narrow canyon provides visual drama and periods of shade relief.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Taylor Creek Trailhead at Kolob Canyons Scenic Road, near New Harmony, Utah. From Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, drive east along Kolob Canyons Road to the signed trailhead. Located approximately 1 hour north of Zion Canyon area.
Parking Fill Time: Typically fills mid-to-late morning on peak season weekends. Kolob Canyons is less crowded than main Zion Canyon; mid-morning arrivals usually find parking.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service in Kolob Canyons. Self-drive required. Parking at Taylor Creek Trailhead. Kolob Canyons section is separate from Zion Canyon with no connecting shuttle service; allow 1 hour travel time between the two areas.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permit required. Wilderness Rules apply: Group size strictly limited to maximum 12 people that share the same affiliation (family, friends, club, school, colleagues, or combination thereof). Groups exceeding this limit cannot split up and hike the same drainage on the same day.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (valid 1-7 days); $20 per person for pedestrians/cyclists; youth 15 and under admitted free
Trail Status: Open year-round
Seasonal Closures: No seasonal closures. Winter conditions (icy water crossings, slippery rock) may deter hikers but trail remains open. Creek crossings in spring (April-May) are deepest and coldest; approach with caution.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Taylor Creek provides water en route (must be filtered or chemically treated). Water fountain at Kolob Canyons Visitor Center—fill here before hiking. No reliable water sources elsewhere on trail; creek is your only option.
Accessibility: Rooty and steep. Boulder steps (26-inch maximum with 7-inch gaps), narrow tread (minimum 12 inches in places), cross-slopes up to 25.7%, grades to 55%. Not wheelchair or even crutch-friendly. Scrambling ability and confidence on exposed rock required.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Boulder scrambling with 26-inch steps
Creek crossings with seasonal water level changes
Steep grades up to 55%
Narrow tread width (minimum 12 inches)
Slippery wet rock
Cold water immersion (40-50°F spring/early summer)
Flash flood risk in narrow canyon
Exposure to sun
Boulder gaps up to 7 inches wide
Hazard Details: Boulder obstructions create steps up to 26 inches tall with gaps up to 7 inches wide—requires scrambling confidence and careful foot placement. Creek crossings are mandatory and frequent; water depth changes seasonally. Spring and early summer water is cold (40-50°F) and will soak your feet. Steep grades reach 55%, with 31% of trail exceeding 10%—demands trekking poles for descent. Tread width narrows to 12 inches in places; exposed edges exist. Rock is slippery when wet. Flash flood risk is real in the narrow canyon during heavy rain. Upper sections have zero shade; sun exposure is significant. Cross-slopes reach 25.7%.
Crowd Level: Moderate solitude. Kolob Canyons is significantly less crowded than main Zion Canyon area. Expect moderate traffic on peak weekends, light traffic on weekdays.
Peak Crowd Times: Spring and early autumn weekends (March-April, September-October) see heaviest use. Weekdays are considerably quieter. Avoid peak tourist season weekends if you want isolation; mid-week visits offer more solitude.
Best Season: Late spring through early fall (May through October). Winter crossings are icy; summer heat is intense at lower elevations. Autumn (September-October) offers most stable weather and comfortable temperatures.
Best Time To Visit: Arrive at Kolob Canyons Visitor Center by 8:00 AM to fill water and beat afternoon heat. Start the hike by 8:30 AM. Late September through October (autumn) offers stable weather and moderate temperatures. Spring (May) is good but creek water is cold; summer means heat and deeper crossings; winter crossings are icy.
Tips Advice: Carry minimum 2L water—fill at Visitor Center before starting, filter creek water en route.
Boulder steps demand scrambling confidence—test your grip on each step. Tighten boots.
Spring and early summer crossings mean cold water (40-50°F); wear neoprene socks or accept wet feet.
Trekking poles are essential for descent; boulder fields are hard on knees.
Turn back immediately if dark clouds develop—flash flood risk in narrow canyon.
Make noise if concerned about wildlife (mountain lions, coyotes roam here).
Group size limit strictly enforced: maximum 12 people sharing affiliation.
Bring map or GPS; trail is established but wilderness rules mean sparse signage.

More details

Park Area: Kolob Canyons
Trail Markers: Trail is well-established and worn. Cairns mark the route in creek drainage sections. Bring a topographic map or download GPS track; wilderness designation means less frequent signage than main park trails.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not allowed on any trail in Kolob Canyons. The only pet-friendly trail in Zion National Park is the Pa'rus Trail in Zion Canyon.
Shade Level: Mixed exposure. Narrow canyon provides dappled shade in mid-route sections, but upper sections and lower elevations are fully sun-exposed. Midday sun is intense; bring sun protection and hat.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 for emergencies. Non-emergency assistance: Contact ranger at Kolob Canyons Visitor Center or Zion National Park rangers at the trailhead. Assume poor or no cell service in the canyon; don't rely on cell phone for rescue.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Winter conditions typically December through February. Snow and ice can make water crossings hazardous and rock extremely slippery. Most snow falls at higher elevations; lower canyon may have icy patches.
Mud Season: Spring (April-May) when snowmelt runs high. Creek crossings become deeper and colder. Muddy sections possible near water sources; footing is more treacherous.
Insider Tips: Fill your water bottle completely at the Visitor Center before starting—don't underestimate thirst on the climb out.
Boulder steps require careful foot placement; don't rush. Stop and plan each step before committing weight.
Spring water is shockingly cold (40-50°F); neoprene socks make creek crossings tolerable. Without them, your feet will be numb for the rest of the hike.
The homestead cabins appear around Mile 2.3 (one way)—they signal you're close to the alcove payoff.
Turn back immediately if dark clouds develop; flash flood risk in the narrow canyon is real and fast.
The descent through boulder fields is harder on knees than the ascent; use trekking poles, go slow.
Bring a headlamp even for day hikes—getting delayed in the canyon at dusk is dangerous.
The Kanarraville Fold geologic feature is visible partway up; it's an easy landmark for pacing yourself.
Recent Updates: Trail last assessed April 10, 2025 (NPS Accessibility Report). No recent closures or major maintenance reported. Wilderness rules and group size limits remain strictly in effect.
Family Friendly Notes: Boulder steps up to 26 inches high demand careful footing and scrambling confidence—challenging for children under 10. Cold creek crossings can be shocking for young hikers; spring water runs 40-50°F. Group size limit of 12 people. Older kids (12+) with solid hiking experience and scrambling skills may enjoy this if closely supervised on technical sections. Not recommended for families wanting a casual walk.
Nearby Facilities: Kolob Canyons Visitor Center provides water, restrooms, and maps. Pit toilets at Taylor Creek Trailhead, South Fork parking, and Kolob Canyons Viewpoint. No food, lodging, or supplies at trailhead. Nearest town services: New Harmony, Utah (15 minutes by car) offers grocery stores, gas, and lodging.
Review Summary: Hikers report this trail as genuinely moderate difficulty but with serious technical challenges that separate casual walkers from committed hikers. Boulder scrambling and mandatory creek crossings are not trivial. Those who complete it consistently praise the Double Arch Alcove payoff and wilderness solitude; they say wet feet and burning quads are worth the effort.

Frequently asked questions

Is this really a moderate hike? It sounds hard.

Yes, moderate difficulty with technical challenges. The 800-foot gain and boulder scrambling aren't extreme, but they're not trivial. If you've done Angels Landing or similar scrambles, you can handle this. If you're a first-time hiker, start with easier trails like Pa'rus Trail in main Zion Canyon first.

How bad are the creek crossings?

Mandatory and frequent. In spring and early summer, water is cold (40-50°F) and knee-deep. You will get wet feet. Wear neoprene socks or accept the cold. Fall and late summer crossings are shallower and warmer. Winter crossings are icy and require crampons or serious caution.

Do I need trekking poles?

Highly recommended, almost mandatory. The boulder descent is tough on knees and ankles. Poles reduce impact and help with balance on slippery rock. Don't skip them.

Can I do this alone?

Yes, but not recommended for safety. If you do solo, tell someone your exact plan and expected return time, carry a whistle, and start early. Cell service is spotty; assume you're on your own if injured.

What's the best time to hike this trail?

Late September through October (autumn) is ideal: stable weather, cooler temperatures, manageable water levels, and solitude. May is good but busier and water is cold. Avoid winter (icy crossings) and summer heat. Spring is beautiful but creek water is shocking.

Do I need a map or GPS?

Yes. The trail is established and marked with cairns, but a topographic map or downloaded GPS track is smart for wilderness hiking. Zion paper maps are available at the visitor center. Don't rely only on memory or guidebook descriptions.