Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This child-friendly route takes runners up one of Zion's many amazing canyons to a breathtaking alcove at its apex. Although beautiful, some people find this to be one of the less photogenic runs in the national park. Double Arch Alcove, however, is without a doubt a worthy destination, and the easy grade with multiple creek crossings are certainly an advantage when the weather is hot.

Start by parking at the Taylor Creek Trailhead. Begin running out of the parking lot heading north on a well-marked trail. Be prepared to get your feet wet, as this trail will cross Taylor Creek multiple times. The first section of the trail tends to be a bit busier, but as you continue onward it generally becomes quieter. You'll see several small cascades along the way, and mule deer are often spotted grazing along the creek. You'll also pass two well-preserved historic cabins from the 1930s.

Just about 2.5 miles in, the obvious trail leads to a deep, narrow box canyon and the Double Arch Alcove, where erosion has carved out beautiful features into the Navajo sandstone. This cave-like feature has hanging gardens and tends to seep with water throughout the year. Beyond the arch, the vertical walls of Tucupit and Paria tower 1700 feet overhead. Continue for a short distance to the head of the canyon, which makes a good place to rest in the shade before turning around and retracing your steps to the car.

The trail passes the geologic formation of the Kanarraville Fold and two historic homestead cabins built in the early 1930's.