South vs. Middle Fork, Kolob Canyons, UT

January 7th, 2006 Summit

If you look at a map provided to you by the NPS as you enter the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park you will see the North, Middle, and South Fork Canyons labeled but only a listed trail (Taylor Creek Trail) for the Middle Fork. My wife and I tried the Taylor Creek Trail and the South Fork. (Has anyone tried the North Fork?) If I had to decide between the two I would spend my time on the South Fork.   

Middle Fork:

The Taylor Creek Trail is five miles round trip to the Double Arch Alcove and the trail is very well kept. The beginning of the hike wasn’t that great but eventually we got into the big red cliffs which were spectacular.

South Fork:

The next day we took our climbing gear and headed up the South Fork of Kolob Canyons. There is no posted sign but there is a parking lot at the most eastern part of the Kolob Canyons Road as it loops by the entrance of the South Fork. Park here and then cross the road. The beginning of the trail is marked by a chunk of sandstone that is about knee height.

I liked the South Fork more than the Middle Fork because you are between the walls of the canyon much sooner. It is a very quiet and peaceful canyon. I also liked it because of the sport climbing in the canyon. We climbed a nameless 5.10 that was awesome. The bolts were often 10 feet apart and I felt like the sandstone fins that I was grabbing were going to break off at any minute. However, it was a really fun climb. I wanted to try some of the others on the wall (like the Namaste) but we were short on time (and endurance.) Fortunately, we did have a little time for a few king swings off off the 5.10. Fun as usual.

Entry Filed under: Climbing, Hiking