La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch

Starting from Lee Pass in Zion's quiet northwestern corner, you'll drop through a series of sweeping canyon views that make the main park feel like a distant memory. The first couple of miles descend through juniper and pinyon pine with the red-walled Kolob Canyons towering on either side — this is the Zion that locals hoard for themselves. The trail crosses Timber Creek, then follows La Verkin Creek through a narrow, shaded canyon corridor where cottonwoods filter the light. Seven miles in, a spur trail leads to the payoff: a distant but jaw-dropping view of Kolob Arch, one of the largest freestanding arches on the planet, spanning nearly the length of a football field. The catch? This is a full-day, out-and-back grind — the return trip climbs everything you descended. Solitude seekers and backcountry enthusiasts who want to see a world-class arch without a single crowd will absolutely love this trail.