Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

While camping in Parowan with our friends we had 9 days to explore two of Utah’s National Parks – Bryce and Zion. Since Zion National Park Kolob Canyons was not far from the Petroglyphs, we decided to take a drive through to get our first taste of Zion NP.

Welcome to Kolob Canyons at Zion National Park

Our first glimpse of the beauty that was to follow!

Red rock peak, trees and curve on the road in Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

Just one of the majestic peaks at Kolob Canyons

The rosy red rock formations were truly astounding and beautiful! I was sitting in the front seat with Steve driving. Each time we turned another bend I would gasp and alarm Steve. But I couldn’t help myself. That’s how magnificent those mountains are!!!

Layers of red rock and trees against a deep blue sky at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

Breathtaking scenery!

Layers of red rock and trees at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

Jaw dropping formations at every turn

Zion National Park is huge. It covers nearly 150 THOUSAND acres. And Kolob Canyons is over an hour south from the area of Zion best know for the Narrows and Angels Landing. We were saving that for part of the park for another day, all its own.

Sleeping Lion

Multiple red rock peaks along a hiking trail at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

This way to the Trailhead!

Our visit took us on a five mile scenic drive along the Kolob Canyons Road. that gave us the opportunity to view the purple red canyons and scenic viewpoints.

Fortress-like red rock formations in the distance with trees and other green plants at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

The Fortress

Odd shaped red rock formations, trees and blue sky with puffy clouds at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

Study in Pink and Green

Kolob Canyons are in the northwest corner of Zion National Park. In this area there are narrow box canyons that run parallel to each other. These parallel canyons are cut into the wester edge of the Colorado Plateau to form monumental peaks and 2,000 foot cliff walls.

Zion Wilderness

Cathedral shaped red rock formation with trees in foreground at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

Ancient Cathedral

Red rock peaks and distant purple mountains at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons with trees in front

Mountains for Miles

It’s important to note that the canyons of Kolob are designated as Wilderness. That means they are protected for their pristine and primitive environments. If you are hiking in Kolob Canyons you will be given the opportunity for solitude and tranquility in a breath taking desert setting.

Red rock mountains that look like they've been chiseled by an artist at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

Mountains carved by weather

Red and purple mountains with blue sky and trees at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

Castles in the Sky

This unique area of Zion NP, Kolob Canyons gives you the amazing experience of viewing soaring peaks of Navajo sandstone, canyon streams and cascading waterfalls.

Various mountains and greenery at Zion National Park Kolob Canyons

A Patchwork of Beauty

Before you go, and I encourage you to go, just be aware that all guests need to stop at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to show an Interagency Park Pass or pay the Zion National Park entrance fee. We’re so happy that we have our National Park Pass! Having it has saved us mucho dinero at the many National Parks that we have visited over the years. We paid $10 for ours!!!