Pack It Up: Kolob Canyons
Description:
You like to get of the beaten path, explore, and not jostle elbow-to-elbow with the rest of the madding crowds. Then hie yourself to the north end of Zion and check out the Kolob Canyons! Accessed by car via a different entrance, the views are still amazing, but the crowd factor is way, way down. Take serious advantage of this lesser-traveled section of the Park and really get in there. Even a short overnight backpack will convince you of Zion's rugged beauty. Not many people see famed Kolob Arch up close, but you're adventuresome that way. Don't want to put in all the effort of planning and organizing? Hire one of the great local guiding companies to take you out there. When you're done having your excellent adventure, to ease the aches and pains of the trail, retreat to the truly luxurious Red Mountain Spa & Resort a short drive down in St. George afterward, and pamper yourself. Aahhh....
Author: Julie Trevelyan
Day 1 - Zion National Park, Springdale, Ivins
Backpacks on, get set, hike! This gorgeous section of the Trans-Zion Trek gets remote, totally uncrowded, and allows you to explore a part of Zion just as breathtaking as the more popular south end. Make sure you have your overnight permit in hand before your trip. Get to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center early in the morning to take a look around. Head to the well-marked Lee Pass trailhead, abandon your car, and get on the trail. You'll see towering rock walls, sandstone vistas, and untrammeled backcountry. You can make it to Kolob Arch (7 miles one-way) and marvel at one of North America's largest free-standing natural arches. Set up camp for the night at one of the 20+ designated campsites along bubbling La Verkin Creek and enjoy eating dinner under the stars. *Note: this can easily be a 3-day trip, if you don't want to push the hike in back-to-back days. A middle day of layover leisure can afford more exploration up to places like Beartrap Canyon with its lovely falls.
1
Kolob Arch
Location:
view in google mapsZion National Park
Zion National Park, UT 84767
Phone:
(435) 772-32562
Zion Rock & Mountain Guides
Location:
view in google maps1458 Zion Park Blvd.
PO Box 623
Springdale, UT 84767
Phone:
(435) 772-33032
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
Location:
view in google maps1100 Tuacahn Drive
Ivins, UT 84738
Phone:
435-652-32002
Zion Adventures
Location:
view in google maps36 Lion Blvd.
At the corner of Lion and Zion Park Blvd. (SR9)
Springdale, UT 84767
Phone:
435-772-1001Day 2 - Ivins
There's nothing like waking up outside, surrounded by beautiful sandstone vistas and clean air. Have a hearty breakfast, break camp, and head back down the trail, taking pictures of the views that look so different than yesterday when you approach from a different direction. When you reach the trailhead, hop back in your car and aim for civilization in St. George. Unwind at the fabulous Red Mountain Spa & Resort, where massages, yoga, and rooms with a view are all yours. After you roll out of one of their included dinners (try the Blue Corn Crusted Wapiti Elk) with a full belly, debate your need for sleep versus your need for entertainment. If the latter wins out, take in a show at the cool outdoor Tuacahn Amphitheater.
2
Red Mountain Spa & Resort
Location:
view in google maps1275 E. Red Mountain Circle
Located about 7 miles north of St. George via Utah 18 and Utah 8
Ivins, UT 84738
Phone:
1-877-246-HIKE