For as many times that I’ve been to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, I had never entered the Kolob Canyons backside of the park. The lesser known entrance is quite far from the main entrance. On my annual drive to see family for Thanksgiving in 2024, I decided to try hiking from this side of Zion’s.

After quickly showing my National Park Pass to the ranger’s at the gate, I head up and find the LaVerkin trailhead. There is hardly a soul out here, which is a welcome contrast to the throng’s of people you find at the Main entryway to Zion’s National Park.

I completed a ten mile round trip hike, complete with solitude, majestic views and wonderful red rock scenery. The weather was a hodge podge of rain, clouds and sunshine.
If you are looking for a much less crowded experience in Zion’s, especially after Labor Day, I would try your hand at exploring Kolob Canyons.

