Middle Fork of Taylor Creek Trail

Route Description for Middle Fork of Taylor Creek Trail

The Middle Fork of Taylor Creek Trail will lead hikers down a narrow box canyon with towering cliffs of Navajo sandstone on either side. This hike is family-friendly, and the dozens of stream crossings provide a fun challenge for kiddos. This canyon is shady in the morning hours and heats up quickly once the sun peaks over the canyon’s edge. Hikers should be ready for temperature changes and bring layers, sunscreen, and lots of water. The bugs can also be irritating along this trail, so it’s not a bad idea to bring some bug spray along with you. Water levels in Taylor Creek are generally low, and creek crossings are doable without getting your feet wet, but if you are intimidated by these crossings, are a bit of a klutz, or hate wet feet—bringing an extra pair of socks isn’t a bad idea either.

The Taylor Creek Trail is a great hike to do in the early morning as the soft light of the rising sun illuminates the canyon walls, enveloping you in the warm glow of the Navajo sandstone. This hike is absolutely stunning during autumn as the fall foliage compliments the vibrant geology of the Taylor Creek trail.

From the Trailhead parking lot on the north side of Kolob Canyons road, follow the trail east down a set of steep wooden stairs. The trail itself follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek and crisscrosses back and forth over the creek more than 40 times. Luckily, the creek is usually at a low volume, and strategically placed rocks will afford you dry feet. About 1.6 km in from the trailhead, just before the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of Taylor Creek, there is a short spur trail on the left (north) side of the creek. A short walk up this trail will bring you to the historic Larson Cabin. If you follow the main trail up the creek another half mile, you will come upon the Fife Cabin located on the right (south) side of Taylor Creek. These cabins were built by Branch Agricultural College academics Gus Larson and Arthur Fife in 1930 before Kolob Canyons became part of Zion National Park. Following the trail, another mile will bring you to the Double Arches Alcove. This double arch will take your breath away and is definitely picture-worthy. After snapping a few shots, follow your footsteps back along the creek and make sure you’ve saved some energy for the steep stairs up to the parking lot.

Trail Highlights

Larson Cabin and Fife Cabin

The Larson and Fife Cabins were built by Gus Larson, a seminary school teacher and historian, and Arthur Fife, a geologist and engineer who both worked at the Branch Agricultural College. The two men built their homesteads along Taylor Creek in the summer of 1930. The two cabins are in a very fragile state, and hikers should not venture inside them.

Insider Hints for Middle Fork of Taylor Creek Trail

• This hike is in the shade in the morning but gets very hot once the sun starts warming the canyon, so be prepared for a big temperature change.
• This hike can be buggy—we recommend bringing bug spray
• The water in the creek is not safe to drink, even when filtered. Bring along more than enough water for your hike and save some for the final set of stairs up to the parking lot at the end of your hike.