Kolob Arch via LaVerkin Creek, Zion National Park

LOGISTICS
Rating	A moderately strenuous hike
Preferred Season	Spring, summer, fall
Length	4.4 miles (7 km) each way to the first campsites. 6.7 miles (11 km) each way to the Kolob Arch viewpoint.
Time Commitment	6 to 10 hours
Altitude Gain	Descends 1070 feet (330 m) to La Verkin Creek, then climbs 320 feet (100 m) to Kolob Arch viewpoint. So keep in mind, you hike UPHILL from La Verkin Creek at the end of the day.
Shade	Most of the hike is in the full sun, making Spring and Fall the best seasons for this trail.
Access	Starts and finishes at Lee Pass Trailhead, in the Kolob Canyons section of the Park.
Permit Required?	Only if you are camping overnight along LaVerkin Creek.
EQUIPMENT
Essentials	Sturdy hiking shoes, ample water, and food for a full-day hike.
Drinking Water	Water is available to purify, but it is usually easier to pack sufficient water in the first place.
DIFFICULTIES
Considerations	A long hike that ends in a steep climb at the end of the day.

SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS

Spring - Expect higher and colder water flowing due to springtime runoff. Crossings may be deeper. Neoprene socks are nice if getting feet wet.

Summer - HOT! Leave early to avoid the heat and be aware the hike out is in full sun.

Fall - Generally a great time to hike this trail. Great fall photography along the creek.

Winter - When there is no snow, this can make for prime hiking conditions, as the sand gets firm and easy to walk on. When there is snow on the trial, however, its best to have skis or snowshoes... or find another hike.

Leaves turning along LaVerkin CreekGetting There

LaVerkin Creek is located in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion, about 60 minutes from Springdale. From Springdale, drive 19 miles south and west on Route 9 to LaVerkin. Turn Right, and proceed 6 miles north on Highway 17, through Toquerville, to Interstate 15. Head north on I-15 13 miles to the Kolob Canyons exit. Check in at the Kolob Visitor Center, then drive 3.6 miles to the well-marked Lee Pass Trailhead on the left. (Drive another 1.5 miles to the end of the road to get a good view of Timbertop Mountain).

The Hike

From Lee Pass, descend steeply down the wide trail to the bottom of Timber Creek. Cross the small drainage at the bottom and find the trail on the other side. Continue south into the main Timber Creek valley and follow along the (often dry) streambed. There are several campsites (#1-4) in this area, but they are far from water in most seasons.

After a couple miles, the trail climbs away from the streambed and up through the woods. The trail is easy to lose here, so pay attention and follow the most-worn path over a shallow hill, then down into the LaVerkin Creek valley, eventually meeting the creek. LaVerkin Creek gushes with beautiful, clear water.

Beartrap Canyon FallsCampsites are found along LaVerkin Creek for several miles, from where the trail meets the creek to a few miles past where Waterfalls Canyon comes in on the left. The prettiest campsites are the furthest in.

To visit the Kolob Arch viewpoint, turn left at the signed junction and follow the trail for half a mile to where Kolob Arch can be seen to the west through the trees. For additional fun, continue up the canyon on the right (northwest) past the Kolob Arch Viewpoint. A half-mile of slow, rough hiking takes the intrepid adventurer to the base of an un-named triple waterfall. A trail to the right may be used to reach the top of the 400-foot (120 m) waterfall system.

Hike alongside LaVerkin Creek east for a couple miles to a stream coming in on the left. This is Waterfalls Canyon, where you can explore to find... waterfalls! Past Waterfalls Canyon, LaVerkin Creek and Beartrap Canyon offer further delights.

Return the way you came.

PDF Canyon Guide A printable canyon description and map you can take with you.

Zion: Canyoneering Have all Zion's classic canyons in one convenient book.

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Detailed Route Maps Click on any map to browse a larger view, then right-click to save and print.