Double Arch Alcove is located 2.6 miles from Taylor Creek Trailhead in the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park.

The Taylor Creek Trail follows Middle Fork through a narrow, high-walled canyon to a large grotto topped by a sandstone arch. The Taylor Creek Trail features a luxuriant riparian corridor framed by colorful rock formations all along its path:

The trail winds down from the parking area into the stream bed and turns right (east) up the south bank. Cottonwood, maple, oak, pinyon, juniper, ponderosa and fir form a loose canopy over the trail.

In .2 miles you'll be led over the creek, the first of many crossings up to the Larsen Cabin and North Fork - Middle Fork confluence (1.1 miles : 5,626'). Continue east along the Middle Fork.

In 1.5 miles the crimson walls of Tucupit Point (north - 7,698') and Paria Point (south - 7802') rise dramatically over the trail. The peak behind Tucupit is Horse Ranch Mountain (8,726'), the highest in Zion National Park.

Travel intensifies through heavier brush, a good place to look for deer, turkey, skunk, coyote and mountain lion. Be particularly mindful of rattlesnakes in these cluttered sections.

Just past Fife Cabin (2.1 miles : 5,810') the trail drops into the creek and travels upstream a short distance. Entry-exit points to the creek are subtly marked but intuitively found.

Once back on the trail it soon fades and spills into a wide berth confined by tall canyon walls and boulders at the base of Double Arch Alcove (2.7 miles : 5,975').

While the alcove is immediately obvious, the arch above it is not; scramble back north in this atrium-like setting for better perspective and a good view of both features.

The grotto is coated with striking colors drawn from minerals in the rock. Snow melt and seeping waters from above trickle over the grotto's ledge, forming mist and conditions that support hanging gardens.

Honor the Park's request not to enter the grotto; there's plenty of space to explore at its base. The upper canyon is heavily obstructed, and further travel is ill-advised.