Timber Creek Overlook

Timber Creek Overlook is the southern endpoint of a short, rocky ridge trail in Zion’s Kolob Canyons district. It opens onto a broad view across Timber Creek toward Shuntavi Butte, Kolob Terrace and the Pine Valley Mountains. Allow 30–60 minutes and expect about 0.6 mile to the endpoint. It’s a good stop if you want to leave the road and reach the ridge; if time is tight, the separate road-end viewpoint gives you canyon scenery without the walk.

From the west end of the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint parking area, the path passes a small picnic area and continues south along the ridge. The walk is short, but loose rock, steep or narrow stretches and steps up to 18 inches make it rougher than a smooth, easy stroll. Take care when the dirt is wet, and use shoes with grip. There’s a public restroom at the trailhead; fill water at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, since it isn’t available at the trailhead. Pets aren’t allowed on Kolob Canyons trails.

From the rocky ledges, pick out Shuntavi Butte above Timber Creek’s wooded drainage, then follow the view toward Kolob Terrace and the Pine Valley Mountains. On a clear day, Mount Trumbull may sit far out on the southern horizon. Late afternoon brings the last direct light onto the finger canyons; give yourself time to turn around and get back before dark.

This northwest corner of Zion sits along the western edge of the Colorado Plateau. The five-mile scenic drive passes a set of parallel box canyons whose peaks and cliff walls rise as much as 2,000 feet. The overlook’s open ridge gives you a different angle on that folded line of red rock than the drive-side stops.

The area’s prominent Navajo Sandstone formed about 185–180 million years ago, when windblown dunes spread across an ancient desert. Look closely at the slanted bands in the cliffs: those cross-beds preserve layers of migrating sand and the direction the wind carried it.