Taylor Creek Middle ForkHiking Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2.50 mi
Trail Traffic
Light
Route Type
Out and Back
Highlights
Trail Surface
Native
Accessibility
Bathrooms Available
Suitability
Recommended Use
Hiking
Directions
Accessible all year round, you can reach the trail by taking Kolob Canyons Road (exit 40 from Interstate 15).
Description
Another child-friendly trail, this gem of a hike offers a great reward – the Double Arch Alcove. Here you’ll see a spectacle of nature as you enter a giant alcove in the Navajo sandstone eroded by water, where the dripping water has left multi-colored patterns on the walls. It’s not all in the destination, though. You and your family will also enjoy the journey! The trail is lush with vegetation and things to see, including two historic homestead cabins built in the 1930’s; first the Larson homestead and further up the trail, the Fife homestead. You’ll pass the geologic formation of the Kanarraville Fold, a fascinating bit of rock with a natural chevron pattern, seemingly trying to fold itself up. You’ll also see marine fossils limestone, waterfalls, and you can count how many time you criss-cross over Taylor Creek throughout the journey (hint – it’s somewhere near 60 times!)
Once you’re done resting at the Double Arch Alcove, you can start walking back, or you can continue a little further upstream for about 10 minutes where you’ll come upon a 30 foot waterfall. The best time to come is early morning because it’s not too hot and the quality of light is just gorgeous – with everything reflecting a beautiful orange glow.
Pictures
