Trip Date: 5/22/2017
Location: Zion National Park
Permit/Pass: Private Vehicle: $30. Valid for 7 days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park, including both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon areas. Motorcycle: $25. Valid for 7 days. Admits one non-commercial motorcycle to Zion National Park, including both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon areas. Per Person: $15. Valid for 7 days.
Trail maps: NPSmap
Directions: Follow Interstate 15 just north of the town of St. George about thirty miles north to Exit 40 (watch for Kolob Canyons signs), turn right (east) and drive a few yards to the entrance to the Visitor Center. You'll need to show your pass or pay here, then you can drive up the scenic road to its end (five miles in and up) where you'll find a circular parking area and a trailhead on the northeast side.
Synopsis: A short, easy, scenic walk to a point with great views all around, but especially to the east toward the red-rock buttresses of Kolob Canyons. This area of Zion is beautiful, much less crowded and well worth the extra effort and time. There is a bit of climbing and some rocky trail, but it's fine for kids.
Trail sequence: Timber Creek Overlook trail
Type: Out and back
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation: Min. - 6217', Max. - 6363'
Profile:
Rating: Easy (factors: heat)
Notes: If you're like us, this overlook is going to whet your appetite for future explorations of Kolob Canyons. Perhaps it's best to do this little walk at the beginning of summer so you don't have to wait long for the opportunity.
Track: Timber Creek Overlook - Zion NP: Alltrails, GaiaGPS
Turn by Turn:
-- From the trailhead walk past the interpretive sign and immediately turn toward the west. Soon the trail veers toward the south as you at first cross a drainage area then head into the pinyon and juniper habitat.
-- You continue heading south, at some point climbing a few steps, others negotiating a bit of rocky trail. After a little over a half-mile you reach the observation area. There are no particularly steep drop-offs here, but the scenes are gorgeous nonetheless.
-- When ready, retrace your steps back to the parking area.
Photos: Flickr