In early November of 2021, the world was still grappling with the after-effects of COVID-19. As travel restrictions began to ease, my friend Jeff and I embarked on a journey to Zion National Park, eager to explore the rugged beauty of one of America's most breathtaking natural wonders. With COVID-19 still a looming concern, we were cautious yet excited to see how the world of travel had adapted to the ongoing pandemic.
After flying into Las Vegas, we made our way to Hurricane KOA, a picturesque campground nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of southern Utah. As we set up camp for the night, we marveled at the starry skies overhead, feeling grateful for the opportunity to escape the chaos of city life and immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature.
The next morning, we set out early to explore Kolob Canyon, a lesser-known but equally stunning section of Zion National Park. Starting at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, we spoke to the rangers to get more information about the hiking trails we planned to explore along with getting my travel passport stamps. The rangers were extremely helpful and provided us with detailed information about the area, including the various trails available, the level of difficulty, and the time required to complete each hike. Our plan for the day was ambitious - to hike the Middle Fork and South Fork Taylor Creek trails, followed by the famous Timber Creek Overlook trail.
Middle Fork Trail
After having left the visitor center, we head to the Middle fork trail parking lot. As we started the trail, we immediately realized that we would be crossing the creek multiple times throughout the hike. We couldn't help but turn this into a fun game, so we kept track of how many times we crossed the creek, which came out to almost 48 times. This added a playful element to our hike, and we found ourselves eagerly anticipating each crossing as we traversed through the stunning landscape. As we continued the trail, we were struck by the natural beauty of our surroundings. The towering sandstone walls of the canyon loomed above us, their majestic presence almost otherworldly in its grandeur. We walked through a dense forest of pine, juniper, pinyon, and cottonwood, taking in the fresh scent of the wilderness and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Larson Cabin
Along the trail, we came upon two log cabins - the Larson Cabin and the Fife Cabin - that were used by homesteaders in the 1930s, before the Kolob section was included in the national park area. These cabins were a fascinating insight into the history of the area, and we marveled at their rustic charm and simplicity. Despite being over 90 years old, the cabins still stood strong, casting an air of old west Utah upon the forest.
As we continued along the trail, our anticipation grew as we knew we were getting closer to the end - the famous Double Arch Alcove. And finally, we reached our destination, greeted by the majestic sight of the towering arches that loomed above us. We took a moment to refresh ourselves and bask in the glory of the natural wonder that lay before us. We clicked some pictures, capturing the moment for posterity, and marveled at how lucky we were to be experiencing this in such a unique time. The weather was perfect, and we didn't encounter many other hikers, allowing us to enjoy the scenery at our own pace. We had the alcove to ourselves for a while, basking in the stillness and serenity of the place.
But as all good things must come to an end, we eventually had to make our way back to the parking lot. As we headed back, we were fortunate enough to run into a ranger, with whom we chatted at length about the area and the efforts they take to preserve the pristine environment for future generations to enjoy. We were impressed by their dedication to protecting the land and wildlife and ensuring that the park remained a haven of natural beauty and tranquility.
Double Arch Alcove
After a satisfying hike at Middle Fork Taylor creek trail, we headed towards the parking lot for the south fork Taylor creek trail. The trail is known for its diverse landscape and striking views. We took a short break to refuel with a quick lunch before embarking on the next adventure. The sun was high up in the sky, casting its scorching rays on us. However, we were grateful for the trees that provided us with a much-needed respite from the heat. The trail meandered through lush greenery and rugged terrain, giving us a taste of the wild beauty of Zion National Park. As we walked, the sound of the gushing creek could be heard in the distance. Soon enough, we found ourselves hiking right next to a towering vertical sandstone face, a sight that left us in awe. The cool breeze of the canyon and the shade provided by the tall cliffs were a welcome relief from the heat.
As we progressed further, we came across a group of climbers who were scaling the towering cliffs. Jeff, being an avid climber himself, was disappointed that he had not packed his climbing gear for the trip. However, he was fascinated by the sight of these expert climbers maneuvering their way up the steep rock faces. We spent some time talking to the group and admiring their courage and skill.
After learning that the trail from thereon would require climbing equipment, we decided to head back toward the parking lot. The hike was an exhilarating experience, and we were grateful for the opportunity to witness the beauty of the South Fork Taylor Creek Trail. We got back to our car and set out towards the Timber Creek Overlook. The road to the overlook was lined with numerous other viewpoints, each providing a unique vantage point of the stunning canyons that stretched out before us. We stopped at a few of these viewpoints to take in the breathtaking scenery and snap some pictures.
As we finally arrived at the Timber Creek Overlook, we were met with a breathtaking sight. The panoramic view from the overlook was absolutely spectacular, showcasing the natural beauty of the canyons in all their glory. From this high vantage point, we could even see the Grand Canyon at the edge of the horizon, appearing as a hazy blue line in the distance. We were both in awe of the magnificent views that surrounded us. We spent some time soaking in the sights, allowing ourselves to be fully present in the moment and taking in the natural wonder that lay before us. The peacefulness and tranquility of the area was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. After soaking in the views for a bit, we decided to head to our next destination- one that we would call home for the remainder of this trip- the Watchman Campground at Zion National Park.
Click here to read on for the rest of the journey…
Finger Canyon viewed from Timber Creek Overlook