In Zion’s Kolob Canyons, the South Fork of Taylor Creek offers something that’s surprisingly hard to find in the park—reliable solitude paired with towering, sheer canyon walls. There’s no official trail here, which keeps most visitors away, but a clear use path leads you straight into a narrowing corridor of deep red rock that feels both intimate and wild.

The route begins just across from the parking area and follows the creek upstream through a mix of open riparian terrain and gradually tightening canyon walls. Early on, the walking is easy and flat, with enough space to wander and take it in, but it doesn’t take long before the canyon begins to close in. As the walls rise higher and closer together, the experience shifts—less like a casual walk, more like being drawn into the canyon itself.

The use trail is generally easy to follow, though it can be a bit steep or overgrown in short sections. The creek flows gently through much of the route, supporting a surprising amount of plant and animal life for such a seemingly harsh environment. After a while, the canyon becomes increasingly enclosed, eventually leading to boulders and dryfalls that mark the end of easy travel for most hikers. This upper section has also become a spot for canyoneering and rappelling, but for hikers, the reward is simply reaching that narrowing, enclosed space and turning around when it feels right.

Because there’s no maintained trail, this hike naturally filters out crowds. Even on busier days in Zion, it’s common to find yourself alone here—something that feels rare elsewhere in the park.

Don’t miss…

Keep going until the canyon truly tightens and the walls begin to feel close and enclosing—that transition is where this hike really comes alive. It’s easy to turn around too early, before the canyon reveals its most dramatic character.