The Taylor Creek Trail in the lesser visited Kolob Canyons of Zion National Park follows the Middle Fork Taylor Creek up to the beautiful Double Arch Alcove. Along the way, you pass two cabins, the Larson Cabin and the Fife Cabin as you cross the creek numerous times. Short, mostly level walk with some great topography and history make for a nice hike in Zion National Park
We parked at the parking lot for the Taylor Creek Trail and dropped down along Taylor Creek. While we encountered a few people, it paled in comparison to other parts of Zion which made for a nice hike. We followed the creek up which, at the beginning, offers little shade. The trail turns up the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek and we cross numerous times on our way up. During our trip, we were able to jump, skip, and hop over the creek and not get our feet wet. Recent rain or spring runoff might change that, but most likely, you can hike it without getting your feet wet.
Two historic cabins, the Larson Cabin and the Fife Cabin, are along the trail giving you a window into Zion National Park’s past before it became a national park. These old buildings are wonderful little bonuses along the trail.
As we worked our way up the creek, we began to really get into the canyon. The red rock walls began to tower over us. The vegetation changed to be more lush and it was much cooler. Forest birds flitted in the bushes, climbed up and trees, and scampered over rocks. Eventually we made it to the Double Arch Alcove.
One arch is higher up. It isn’t a free-standing arch just yet. Eventually, it looks to be similar in shape to the Kolob Arch. Since it is not as high up, it seems cooler with its proximity. Below this arch is the alcove. It’s an echo-y place with vegetation climbing up its walls. Both are carved from the bright, red sandstone and are extremely beautiful. We had periods of sharing the arch and having it all to ourselves. Great trail for the whole family.
Leave a Reply