Hiking the Timber Creek Overlook Trail in Zion National Park
Distance: 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is arguably the best day hike in the Kolob Canyons District of Zion National Park!
I say this because the short 1.0-mile (1.6 km) out-and-back trail is one of the best effort-to-reward day hikes outside of Zion Canyon, especially if you plan to stick around for sunset at the Timber Creek Overlook!
Timber Creek Overlook Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Timber Creek Overlook Trail is located at the very end of Kolob Canyons Road in the Kolob Canyons District of Zion National Park.
That being said, the Timber Creek parking area can be one of the more congested trailheads in the Kolob Canyons District, but if you plan to hike the trail for sunset, as I highly recommend, finding a place to park is typically less of an issue.
Google Maps Directions: Timber Creek Overlook Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Zion
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Zion National Park.
Hiking the Timber Creek Overlook Trail
Located across the parking lot from Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, the Timber Creek Overlook Trail begins, climbing roughly 100 ft (30.5 m) from the trailhead to the highest point on the ridge.
Timber Creek Overlook-Picnic Area Junction
After only 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Timber Creek Overlook Trail splits, with the path that leads to the picnic area, located just off the main trail.
After the split, the Timber Creek Overlook Trail simply follows the ridge out to the southernmost point, which is where I recommend catching sunset on a clear evening!
This rocky section is generally thought of as the most 'challenging' part of the entire trail.
Timber Creek Overlook
After just 0.5 miles (0.8 km), the Timber Creek Overlook Trail ends where the ridge suddenly cliffs out above Timber Creek, down in the valley below.
This panoramic viewpoint, with the Kolob Canyons to the east, is exactly where I recommend catching sunset because when the light begins to fade during golden hour, the best views of the towering peaks to the east really begin to glow.
That being said, be sure to hike with a quality headlamp for the Timber Creek Overlook Trail or any trail in Zion National Park that you plan to hike for sunrise or sunset. A good one can really come in handy, especially if you plan to hike other trails, like Angels Landing early, which I highly recommend learning more about in my separate article.
