BEST HIKING  TRAILS NEAR KOLOB CANYONS

• Length: 1 mile round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation change: 100 feet

This is a short, very easy, out-and-back trail that the whole family can enjoy. The trail starts at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint parking lot and runs to the over sandy areas, ending up at the Timber Creek Overlook. As you might expect, the views at the overlook are spectacular. You'll be able to view Shuntavi Butte, Red Butte, and many other peaks and valleys. Timber Creek Overlook Trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed.

• Length: 5 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation change: 450 feet

The official Taylor Creek Trail, also known as the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail is one of Kolob Canyons most popular trails. It's perfect for the entire family, including kids. The out-and-back trail starts at the Kolob Canyon entrance. (Look for a parking lot at the left of the entrance.) It runs through a finger canyon and passes by a number of interesting sites, including two historical cabins–Larson Cabin, and Fife Cabin. The trail leads to Double Arch Alcove, and cave-type rock formation cut into the surrounding sandstone. Taylor Creek Trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed.

• Length: 4 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation change: 500 feet

The South Fork of Taylor Creek Trail is a little used, unofficial trail that follows the South Fork of Taylor Creek through Kolob Canyon. Even though it's an unofficial trail, it does have a parking lot just off Kolob Canyon Road, and some parts are well-maintained. The first part of the trail has the steepest sections.As you continue along the trail, you'll get fantastic views of massive orange canyon walls, coral colored sands, forested areas, and Namaste Wall, a favorite rock-climbing crag frequented by local climbers. Dogs are not allowed.

• Length: 5 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation change: 700 feet

The North Fork of Taylor Creek Trail is a relatively difficult out-and-back trail that continues where the Taylor Creek Middle Fork trail passes by Larson Cabin. The trail runs past Tucupit Point, through a scenic finger canyon with massive canyon walls, unique sandstone formations, and a small arch (Pico Rosado Arch). The North Fork of Taylor Creek Trail receives little traffic, so you may have it all to yourself. Note that rattlesnakes are common near the trail, so keep an eye out. Dogs are not allowed.

• Length: 14 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation change: 1,400 feet

La Verkin Creek Trail is a challenging out-and-back trail that features views of the iconic Kolob Arch. The trail starts just off Kolob Canyons Road, at the Lee Pass Trailhead. It requires a pretty substantial descent through Timber Creek Canyon to La Verkin Creek. Along the hike, you'll pass by beautiful finger canyons, stately cottonwoods, and plenty of Navajo sandstone. And, a short 0.5 mile detour will take you to Kolob Arch, one of the world's largest natural arches. La Verkin Creek Trail is open year-round, but winter snows can make the hike very, very difficult. Note that dogs are not allowed on this trail.

• Length: 13 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation change: 1,050

Hop Valley Trail is a seldom-used trail that connects La Verkin Creek Trail to the Hop Valley Trailhead. Hop Valley is a little cooler than other parts of Zion National Park, so this is an excellent hike for warmer months in Zion. The trail has plenty of wildflowers in the spring and stunning colors in the fall. Much of the hike is over sandy trails, and there's a good chance you'll have to walk through streams. Note that dogs are not allowed on this trail