Reservation6/10
Imlay Canyon cancellations
Technical canyoneering permit for Imlay Canyon in Zion National Park....
La Verkin Creek / Kolob Arch Overnight Permit
Zion National Park · Utah
Booked one camp per night, in order
Overnight camping on the La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch in Kolob Canyons. 13 designated campsites.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Kolob Arch Overnight were gone within 10 minutes.
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Kolob Arch Overnight Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Kolob Arch Overnight Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Kolob Arch Overnight in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation.
- The Kolob Arch Overnight route covers 14 miles with 950 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Cancelled Kolob Arch Overnight permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
14 miles
Elevation Gain
950 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
1-2 nights
Difficulty
ModerateElevation Range
5,050 - 6,080 ft
Highlights
- •14 miles round trip to Kolob Arch and back
- •13 designated campsites along creek
- •Perennial water in La Verkin Creek
- •Less than 1,000 feet elevation change
- •Solitude. Few other hikers.
Best Time to Visit
March-May and September-November. Summer is hot but hikeable with early starts. Winter access depends on road conditions.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Flash floods in creek drainage during storms
- !Poison ivy along creek (stay on trail)
- !Mountain lion habitat (travel in groups)
- !Hot in summer. Limited shade on initial descent.
- !Creek crossings can be slippery
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand3/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Backpackers seeking solitude and world-class scenery without technical terrain. Good introduction to Zion backcountry.
Recommended Experience
Basic backpacking experience. No technical skills required.
Not Recommended For
Those expecting the crowds and developed facilities of the main canyon. This is wilderness.
About This Permit
La Verkin Creek Trail provides access to Kolob Arch (287-foot span) and some of Zion's most remote backcountry. The 14-mile out-and-back route passes through red rock canyon country with 13 designated campsites along La Verkin Creek.
This area sees a fraction of main canyon visitors. Permits are easier to obtain and solitude is nearly guaranteed.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Kolob Arch spans 287 feet, making it one of the largest natural arches on Earth. Yet most Zion visitors never see it. The La Verkin Creek Trail accesses this remote section of the park, where the famous crowds disappear and the canyon feels like a secret. The 13 designated campsites along the creek offer a wilderness experience that the main canyon simply cannot match.
The Route
From Lee Pass (the only access point), the trail drops 800 feet through pinyon-juniper forest before reaching Timber Creek. The route follows this drainage through Shuntavi Butte and Gregory Butte, massive red rock formations that dwarf anything in the main canyon.
At mile 4, the trail reaches La Verkin Creek, a perennial stream that flows year-round. Campsites are scattered along the next 3 miles, with the Kolob Arch viewpoint at mile 7. The spur trail to the arch adds 1 mile round trip.
Many hikers make this a lollipop loop by returning via the Hop Valley connector (adds 4 miles).
The Feeling
The first glimpse of Kolob Arch stops you cold. You've hiked 7 miles through quiet canyon country, and suddenly this impossible span of red rock appears, suspended between two cliffs like a bridge to nowhere. Camp here and you'll have it to yourself at sunset. Watch the arch glow red, then orange, then purple as the light fades. No shuttles. No crowds. Just the sound of La Verkin Creek and a sky filling with stars.
Rules & Regulations
- •Backcountry permit required
- •Camping only at designated sites
- •Maximum 12 people per group
- •No fires in backcountry
- •Human waste packed out (WAG bags)
- •Food storage in animal-proof containers
Gear Checklist
Required
- Water filter (creek is primary source)
- Bear canister or provided food storage
- WAG bags for waste
- Sun protection
- Rain gear (thunderstorms common in summer)
Recommended
- Camp shoes for creek crossings
- Binoculars for arch viewing
- Camera with telephoto for arch detail
- Trekking poles for rocky terrain
- Layers for temperature swings
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Kolob Arch Overnight
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Key Landmarks
↑
950ft
Gain↓
950ft
Loss⛰️
6,080ft
High📏
7.5mi
Distance📐
2.4%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•9 landmarks
Landmarks (9)
Kolob Arch Overnight FAQ
How do I get a Kolob Arch Overnight permit?
Kolob Arch Overnight permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Kolob Arch Overnight?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Kolob Arch Overnight permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Kolob Arch Overnight permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Kolob Arch faces west and glows orange-red in evening light. Arrive at the viewpoint by 5pm in summer for best color.
Best Light
Afternoon and evening provide the warmest light on the arch. Morning light illuminates the eastern canyon walls.
Beat the Crowds
Kolob Canyons receives 3% of Zion's visitors. Weekday trips offer complete solitude. Sites 8-13 are more remote.
Classic Shots
- 📍Kolob Arch at sunset
- 📍Hikers dwarfed by Shuntavi Butte
- 📍La Verkin Creek with fall colors
- 📍Gregory Butte from the trail
- 📍Camp setup with red rock backdrop
- 📍Arch framed by canyon walls
Can't Get a Kolob Arch Overnight Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Hop Valley Loop
Similar ExperienceConnect La Verkin Creek to Hop Valley for a 20-mile loop. Requires Hop Valley permit as well.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Longer route with sandy sections in Hop Valley. More variety but more challenging.
Kolob Arch Day Hike
Easier AlternativeSame trail as a 14-mile day hike. Long but doable for fit hikers.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
No permit needed but a long day. Miss the sunset experience at the arch.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Kolob Arch Overnight trip
Very HardIn Demand26 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand3 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand57 sitesDevils Garden Campground
Arches National Park
Book campsite
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