In this article, I will share some options for Zion National Park hikes as an alternative to The Narrows.
I have hiked along Zion’s most celebrated trails, including The Narrows top-down and bottom-up, see my article on hiking the Narrows. The iconic hike is as beautiful and worth doing, however, the popularity of The Narrows comes with challenges; the trail can become overcrowded and, depending on the weather and conditions, even hazardous or might be closed.
If you are looking for Zion National Park hikes that are less crowded or The Narrows is closed, I have some options for you, Kanarra Falls and Taylor Creek.
In this guide, I am happy to share some remarkable alternatives to The Narrows that offer an equally stunning experience.
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Zion National Park Hikes Instead of The Narrows
Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail (Out and Back)
In the lesser-visited, but still popular Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail offers a wonderful hiking experience away from the main tourist areas. This hike leads deep into a box canyon.
Taylor Creek Trail Hike Outline
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Taylor Creek Trailhead
Time: 3-4 hours to Double Arch Cove and Back
Length: 5 Miles
Elevation Change: 450 feet
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer, and Fall (you can also hike in winter unless snowfall impedes access)
Permits: No permits required
Pets Allowed: No
Taylor Creek Hike
- Getting There: Taylor Creek Trailhead on the Kolob Canyons Road. The trailhead is about 50 minutes from the Zion’s Visitors Center. Click here for driving directions.
- Trail Features:
- Trail Start: The trail starts with a short but steep hike down to Taylor Creek. The trail then levels out and follows the small stream to the end.
- Stream Crossings: The trail crosses Taylor Creek several times, making for a fun and engaging hike as you hop from one side of the creek to the other.
- Historic Cabins: Along the way, hikers will encounter two historic homestead cabins, the Larson Cabin and the Fife Cabin, which offer a glimpse into the early 20th-century pioneer life in the area.
- Canyon Views: The trail is framed by the high cliffs of the Kolob Canyons, providing red rock scenery that is typical of Zion.
- Endpoint: Double Arch Alcove, a stunning natural feature that is not arches but more of an alcove dug into the solid canyon.
What to Pack for Taylor Creek Hike
- Daypack or Hydration Pack
- Trash Bag: pack it out!
- Water and Snacks
- Proper Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes or trail running shoes, and if weather permits I prefer hiking sandals.
- Dress in Layers: Appropriate for the weather and moisture-wicking bottom layer.
- Sun Protection: Lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
- First aid kit
- Hiking poles (optional but handy)
Kanarra Falls Hike (Just Outside Zion)
Kanarra Falls is about an hour’s drive from Zion Visitors Center just outside the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. This beautiful river hike is about 3.5 miles round trip. The hike is through a narrow canyon to a series of waterfalls, with the most famous being a photogenic cascade with a ladder leading up.
Kanarra Falls Hike Outline
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: East of Kanarraville, Utah
Time: 2-4 hours
Length: 4.5 Miles Roundtrip (to the end past 1st waterfall)
Elevation Change: 700 feet
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-Round
Permits: Yes $15.00 / 200 per day – Get one online here
Pets Allowed: No
Kanarra Falls Trail Description
- Getting There: The trailhead is easily accessible from the town of Kanarraville, just outside of the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park. Parking is available near the trailhead. Get directions here.
- Trail Features:
- Trail Start: The trail starts with a dirt path toward Kanarra Canyon. You enter through a gate and follow an old road for about a mile up Hurricane Cliffs past the water tanks. The trail then enters the lower sections of the canyon and crosses the stream several times – good water hiking shoes/boots are a must.
- Trail Continues: This part of the trail is overgrown and you will be hiking in the stream through water most of it, about a half of a mile.
- Slot Canyon 1: Once you reach this beautiful, photogenic slot canyon you are almost at the first waterfall.
- First Waterfall (1.7 miles): This is the fall you see all the photos of, Kanarra Falls. To progress past the first main waterfall about a mile and a half in, hikers must climb a 20 ft. ladder that is installed beside the falls. These can be slick due to the mist, so caution is advised. Note, that the one in my image has been replaced with a more secure ladder with a handrail.
- Waterslide/Small Waterfall (1.8 miles): Just beyond the first waterfall is a small waterfall/waterslide and a pool it empties into. To continue you will need to climb the right side of the large boulder.
- Slot Canyon 2: The narrow slot canyons offer dramatic photography opportunities with their striated rock walls and light beams filtering down.
- Last Waterfall (2.0+ miles): The last waterfall is in a narrow slot canyon and is the end of the hike. Do not go beyond this point as it is private property.
What to Pack for Kanarra Falls Hike
- Daypack or Hydration Pack
- Trash Bag: pack it out!
- Water and Snacks
- Proper Footwear:
- Neoprene Socks
- Sturdy Waterproof Hiking Shoes or Canyoneering Boots
- Dress in Layers: Appropriate for the weather and moisture-wicking bottom layer.
- Sun Protection: Lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
- First aid kit
- Hiking poles or a walking stick (optional but handy)
Hiking the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail and Kanarra Falls are an excellent way to spend your time in and around Zion National Park. Both of these trails promise to be a memorable journey, making it a perfect alternative for the popular Narrows.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Canyon Overlook Zion National Park: Everything You Need to Know
Zion National Park: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring and Photographing
Zion’s Angels Landing: From Permits to the Summit
Hikers Ultimate Guide to The Narrows in Zion
Awesome Zion Hikes to Do Besides the Famous Angels Landing
