Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park

Heading to Vegas?  Maybe even traveling that stretch between Vegas and Salt Lake City?  Heading towards Zoin National Park?  Then I have the perfect stop for you.  I bet you didnt know about Kolob Canyons, and I'm sure you didnt know this park is actually a part of Zion National Park.  It is the northwestern section that is accessible off exit 40 on I-15 (READ: you cannot access this section through the Main Zion entrance).  It is the beautiful, quiet part of Zion that no one really talks about... but should.

Passing through Arizona on the way home

The park is literally right off the highway- making it an awesome pit stop for the 6 hour drive from Vegas to Salt Lake City.  You will see the signs right off the highway and it is about a minute drive from the highway.  Don’t forget, this is a National Park so you will be responsible for the $25 park fee (or your yearly park pass).  If you were at Zion within 7 days, the pass you bought there will work here too. 

Kolob Canyons are 40 miles north of Zion Canyon and 17 miles south of Cedar City. The main scenic road through the park is a five-mile scenic drive along the Kolob Canyons Road.  Here you can view the crimson canyons and gain access to various trails and scenic viewpoints.

Familiar red roads of Zion National Park

Kolob Canyons

Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

In the northwest corner of the park, narrow parallel box canyons are cut into the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, forming the peaks and 2,000 foot cliff walls. 

Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

Trails at Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

The trails are really easy to follow.  

We did the 2 mile out and back trail at the end of the road winding through the park. 

Trails at Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

Viewpoint from the end of the trail, Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

Snow covered mountains, views from Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

This was a gorgeous little spot and a great pit stop to stretch out legs and see another section of Zion.  It is right off the highway, making it a perfect pit stop for anyone traveling along I-15.  If you are visiting the main Zion Canyon and heading north after, add Kolob Canyons to your list.