Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail to Double Alcove Arch

Taylor Creek

The Trail

This is a fairly easy 2.7 mile (one way) trail in Kolob Canyon with approximately a 525 foot elevation change. The elevation change is so gradual is is hardly noticed for most of the trail. The trail starts out dropping down to the creek bed. It continues along following the middle fork of Taylor Creek. Hikers will pass two cabins. The first is the Larsen Cabin, about 1.1 miles into the trail (which also marks the start of the unmaintained North Fork Taylor Creek Trail), and the second is the Fife Cabin about 2.1 miles into the trail. At the end of the trail hikers will find the Double Alcove Arch. As you approach, look up to see the top arch. The lower arch is known for its great acoustic qualities. As you head down into it, your voice will be amplified and echo against the walls. Please do not climb the back slopes of the grotto, as requested by the park, so that vegetation will continue to grow there and prevent erosion.

Lower Arch

This trail crosses the creek many times. We counted 56 crossings. The water is shallow though, particularly in the summer and fall, and crossing is not difficult. There are plenty of steeping stones along the way.

Moss in the Creek

There is some shade along the trail, but Kolob Canyon can get very hot, particularly in the summer. There are also numerous wildflowers to enjoy along the way. The trail itself is mostly hard sand, which is not difficult to hike on (unlike the deep soft sand found further up Kolob Canyon along the La Verkin Creek Trail as it follows the creek).

Dogs and livestock are not permitted on this trail. Group sizes for those hiking the trail are limited to 12 people. Beware of rattlesnakes in this area
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Topographical Map

Trail in Google Earth

Graph of Elevation

 

Double Alcove Arch

Directions

This trail is found in Kolob Canyon National Park in Southern Utah. From I-15 take exit 40 for Kolob Canyons. After paying the entrance fee at the visitor's center, continue up the main road about two more miles to the Taylor Creek Trail Head. There will be a parking area to the left for hikers using this trail.