Kolob trail makes for quick jaunt

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Kolob Canyon lies in the northwestern corner of Zion National Park in Utah. The area not only is faster and easier to get to than Zion's main canyon, but less crowded, better for hot weather and will still treat you to Zion's signature red Navajo sandstone cliffs.

Although this section of the park makes an ideal jumping-off place for full-day or extended hikes to Zion's backcountry, it's also a perfect place to take a short break if you are traveling on Interstate 15. In just minutes, you can access a variety of official trails.

One hike, easily done in less than 30 minutes, is the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. The trail is only one mile, round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 100 feet, but it has the best views in this section of the park. With a starting elevation of about 6,200 feet, it also will be a bit cooler than many area trails including those in the more familiar part of Zion.

Children will enjoy the trail, but there are a few rocky sections, along the final segment, with uneven footing. The overlook itself has some drop-offs, but that shouldn't be an issue as the area is roomy, so the hazards are easily avoided. With lots of flat sandy areas and smooth boulders to use as seats and tables, the overlook is an ideal place for a picnic lunch.

From the trailhead, hike up the obvious trail for about 30 yards until the trail forks. To the right is a short spur trail that leads to a shaded picnic area with tables. For this hike, though, go left, and follow the well-worn trail, which will take you up the middle of a wide ridge.

The route leads through a woodland of pinyon pine and juniper, interspersed with some Gambel oak. Most of the showy wildflowers have passed their bloom, but when I visited a few weeks ago, some prickly pear cactus and penstemon were still flowering. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, ground squirrel and black-tailed rabbits all live here. Redtail hawks and golden eagles often soar above.

A mere one-half mile from the trailhead, you will reach the overlook, where you'll be rewarded with a view that would have been worth a much longer hike. Below you to the northeast lies Timber Creek Valley, some of it supporting a healthy riparian habitat including mature cottonwood and box elder trees.

Towering above Timber Creek Valley are prominent cliffs of Navajo sandstone, rivaling those found in Zion Canyon itself. Looking from north to south at the most outstanding landmarks, you will see Paria Point, Nagunt Mesa and Shuntavi Butte, the prominent spire closest to the overlook. Above these lie the tree-covered Horse Ranch Mountain, the highest elevation in the park, at 8,726 feet, and Timber Top Mountain at 8,055 feet.

On clear days, you will be able to see all the way south to the Arizona Strip, spying Mount Trumbull in Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument and southeast to the Kaibab Plateau, near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Looking west, you'll have partial views of the Pine Valley Mountains.

Keep in mind afternoon thunderstorms are common in Kolob Canyon. Because this is an exposed hike, either go in the morning or keep a keen weather watch, heading back to the car at any sign of gathering clouds. Also, if it already has rained just prior to your hike, this trail becomes extremely muddy.

Deborah Wall is the author of "Great Hikes, A Cerca Country Guide," published by Stephens Press. She can be reached at Deborabus@aol.com.