Kolob Terrace Road
Kolob Terrace Road
4.5
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A winding road that climbs to a high elevation with beautiful scenery and very few visitors
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terri19712020
Baton Rouge, LA16 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
If you are looking for a less touristy way to go to Zion and avoid the heavily congested entrance this is it. The scenery is beautiful and when you get to the end you get to the reservoir. Lots of kayaking and fishing going on. We went to the Wildcat Canyon trailhead which joins up with the Northgate Peaks Trailhead. The views from this trail were unreal. Absolutely stunning. We stayed at Zion Wildflowert in a “glamping” tent located at the bottom of Kolab Terrace Road. At night we saw meteor showers since there is very little light pollution in this area. Beautiful area to explore without all the people.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NatParkLove
Peoria, IL1,906 contributions
Jul 2021
I visited the main canyon, Kolob Canyon and Kolob Terrace Rd on my recent visit, and this was my favorite part of the park. The start of the road is probably 20 min from the main canyon. We got here early in the morning, before 7 AM. The drive up the road is very scenic and not much car traffic. There are some windy, twisty, steep sections but nothing a regular car can't handle if road conditions are good (no snow).
There are several hikes you can do from this road. We chose the Wildcat Canyon trailhead and hooked up with Northgate Peaks. This is the same place that some Subway hikers begin. Beautiful hike! We only saw two other people the entire time - what a change from the main canyon! I highly recommend this hike. There are pit toilets in the parking lot.
Afterwards, we drove up to Lava Point Overlook. It is two miles down a gravel road but the road is maintained very well and easy to drive. This overlook is stunning and looks down over the main Zion canyon. There's a picnic table there as well.
There are several hikes you can do from this road. We chose the Wildcat Canyon trailhead and hooked up with Northgate Peaks. This is the same place that some Subway hikers begin. Beautiful hike! We only saw two other people the entire time - what a change from the main canyon! I highly recommend this hike. There are pit toilets in the parking lot.
Afterwards, we drove up to Lava Point Overlook. It is two miles down a gravel road but the road is maintained very well and easy to drive. This overlook is stunning and looks down over the main Zion canyon. There's a picnic table there as well.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madelyn
Atlanta, GA16 contributions
May 2023 • Family
This is quite literally the best thing to do in Zion National park. Views on all sides of the car are amazing, and there were tons of areas to pull off and appreciate the park. Lava point is not to be missed!!! It is a breathtaking overlook, and there is ample space to have a picnic! Ride took about 40 minutes from the turnoff to the overlook, get some music playing and just enjoy. This scenic drive is not to be missed. We saw a California condor on the way as well!!! Truly fantastic.
Written May 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joni T
Los Angeles, CA9 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
While we only went as far as Lamb’s Knoll, it was a beautiful 10.6 mile drive up there. I have an intense fear of heights and was able to do the drive easily. It is mostly flat land on the sides of the road with only a few parts that have drop offs. It can be winding in places, but I would definitely say it is not a scary drive.
Written May 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike p
Colchester, UK83 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Great national park to visit but a little different to many of the others because it seems more packed than the others Some tips if you go in June::
We arrived at 7.30 and there were still places in the main car park. I suspect if you arrive after 8.00 they are all taken and you have to park in the town which is ok because there is a free shuttle.
I like to take the shuttle from the main visitor centre to the last stop and then work my way down. When you get there early the temperatures are still ok but it does warn up so early or late is better and the light is better for pictures. The shuttle has about five stops. If you work your way up the shuttle can be very full.
We noticed that everybody had big poles and the same shoe on the bus. We had no idea why (should have done the research). They were to cross the streams at the top to get into the canyon. In June the water gets up to your knees when you cross the steam first, we managed it... Just, but couldn't do it further up because we needed a big pile and waterproof shoes. It was up to your waist or higher forget up the steam. Hire poles and shoes😂
Otherwise it's a great day. Lots to do and see
We arrived at 7.30 and there were still places in the main car park. I suspect if you arrive after 8.00 they are all taken and you have to park in the town which is ok because there is a free shuttle.
I like to take the shuttle from the main visitor centre to the last stop and then work my way down. When you get there early the temperatures are still ok but it does warn up so early or late is better and the light is better for pictures. The shuttle has about five stops. If you work your way up the shuttle can be very full.
We noticed that everybody had big poles and the same shoe on the bus. We had no idea why (should have done the research). They were to cross the streams at the top to get into the canyon. In June the water gets up to your knees when you cross the steam first, we managed it... Just, but couldn't do it further up because we needed a big pile and waterproof shoes. It was up to your waist or higher forget up the steam. Hire poles and shoes😂
Otherwise it's a great day. Lots to do and see
Written June 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie D
Michigan48 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Beautiful drive with winding roads and stunning scenery. My husband and I took the road a little ways past the Kolob Reservoir. The temps were about 20+ degrees cooler than down below. Definitely worth the drive! Be aware you will not have cell service and you should turn around at the Kolob Resevoir.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunshine32941
verona, kentucky1 contribution
Our trip to southeast Utah was highlighted by a trip up Kolob terrace road, or Kolob reservoir road as i had saw it on a map of Zion n.p. The entire route was spectacular,from red rock views to high mountan scenery, lots of wildlife including elk and deer and virtually no traffic! The road was in good shape, but a high clearence vehicle, with four- wheel drive gives a sense of security and could be needed after rain..We used this route to go from Zion , to Cedar Breaks , and on to Bryce canyon. The extra time it took was well worth it.
Written December 30, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve5863
Avon, OH12,812 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
Only about 12 miles west of Springdale on UT-9, this road climbs north for about 20 miles up to the high plateau above the Zion Canyon past some amazing views of sandstone domes of various colors and other rock formations into an alpine forest of aspens and evergreens. The road is narrow and full of curves as it cuts in and out of the national park and private ranch lands and offers few places to stop safely without trespassing for a better look so sit back and enjoy the ride and the views. Despite its close proximity to Zion’s main canyon and the large crowds, it was virtually deserted during our drive and the altitude provides for a much cooler climate; in fact, there was considerable amount of snow near the top when we visited in spring even though the main canyon below had already reached 90F. There are also a number of longer but relatively flat hikes as one walks along the top of the plateau usually to a viewpoint overlooking a canyon. The most popular is probably the Northgate Peaks trail which is 5 miles round trip. This part of the park should not be missed even though most do.
Written June 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LPWilliams
London, UK1,042 contributions
May 2011 • Solo
I drove up the Kolob Terrace Road as far as was reasonably possible in my trusty low-clearance 2WD 'compact' hire car, including an almost disastrous attempt at circumnavigating the spur 'Lava Point Road', during my multi-day visit to Zion NP as part of my month-long tour of the Utah/Arizona natural attractions last year. I have posted separate reviews for several individual trails plus an 'introductory' review for the NP as a whole under the TA webpage entitled 'Zion's Main Canyon'.
I have compiled an extensive Trip Advisor 'Trip List' for my tour, which includes 'extra' attractions and also has links to the other individual TA reviews I've contributed for the accommodation/attractions I visited - it has been made a Trip Advisor 'Itinerary'; I hope it is of interest and use to you - I plan to add visitor information sections/viewable media sections..... The most direct way to access it is by clicking my review-count below my profile name to the left of this review text. Alternatively, see after my review below the dashed line...
You can also access my other Zion reviews that way...
I think that the Kolob Terrace Road is a hidden gem within the Zion NP area and clearly not enough people visit it nor know about it - but they should ! It offers an enjoyable drive into the 'wilderness' and some magnificent views of a separate area of the NP, as well as looking 'behind' the peaks that surround the main canyon.
There's no fee to drive the route - it's not inside the main canyon area....
Firstly, it's pertinent to mention now that aside from road conditions, in poor weather I wouldn't bother driving the road as you'll be in the clouds = no views ! The Zion website has a 'weather conditions' page for the road area, which is more to do with snow/mud etc - the Internet link is in my TL.
As long as you drive sensibly, the overwhelming majority of the road right up to the reservoir is drivable with ease - the condition of the usable portion of the road surface is perfectly driveable BUT there is no kerb to speak of so you really need to keep in the middle when possible Bear in mind that you the area is not only remote but mostly unpopulated.....
The main problem is stopping, as whilst there are lay-bys I found most of them far too risky to drive into (which is quite an apt word to use !) as they were mostly pothole-ridden, with BIG undulations I felt sure would 'beach' my little Nissan....The road isn't really wide enough to park on the side to allow for 2-way traffic to pass normally (lorries quite often use the road) and park rangers touring around in their SUVs are bound to catch you doing so = a telling off (as happened to me !). So if the lay-bys are also tricky for you, you'll just have to grit your teeth and stop when a decent/safe place crops up instead - spookily, I did find a small stopping area with a picnic table under a shady tree on the western side about 2/3 of the way north which made for a very pleasant stop !
And you will want to stop, as there are some great views on offer looking over relatively large distances with some magnificent vistas to behold.
There are trailheads marked on the Zion NP map but I never planned to do any so cannot say how you get information on them - it certainly doesn't leap out at you when surfing the Zion area of the NPS website....The trailheads usually have turnoffs and 'parking areas' - a loose description as I found them to be just as potentially dangerous as the lay-bys and rarely ventured into them. Several times I found they were only 1 vehicle wide with no turning area, so there is also an excellent opportunity to either get blocked-in or unable to exit easily in anything other than an SUV-type vehicle...
Do remember that you can view trail details (in this case a road of course) on the various Zion NP maps which you should get when visiting but are are also online. Please see my TL for the relevant 'Visitor Information', which includes the Internet link to the specific NPS webpage where they 'live' - I might also add annotated maps for poorly covered trails such as this one. For my tour I had a hiking guide which I found useful to get an idea of the trail highlights and any pitfalls which might exist.
Finding the start of the road is probably the trickiest part of the whole journey, as it's not obviously signposted. It's at the westerly end of the town of Virgin as you approach the NP on Highway 9 - the whole road route is well shown on the Zion NP map and you can use Internet maps to locate it more precisely - I seem to remember that coming from the west the sign is part of a group of brown placards, with the left turn marked as 'Kolob Reservation'. I think there's also another sign lurking around which annotates it as the terrace road, but don't expect a huge direction sign with a massive arrow pointing you in the right direction - once you know you're in the right area keep your eyes peeled or use satnav !
Once you've left the civilisation of Virgin, heading north on the road you'll soon come to a Kolob TR entrance sign - you are now officially enroute and the only way is up ! Enjoy the drive, stop when you can, soak up the often fantastic views and, unless you've a very suitable vehicle, avoid Lava Point Road like the plague !
The total route is a good 20miles one-way to what the map shows to be a deadend at the reservoir, but I've seen reference to joining it from the north....So, effectively you'll need to turn around then enjoy the drive back with the same terrain, but different views as you're now looking the other way !
I will add any relevant photos/videos after this review is posted by TA.
----------------------------
As well as the method described near the start of this review my TA 'Trip List' can also be accessed from the 'Utah Itineraries' link on the right of the Utah Forum page. Or the direct link is :
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/GoListDetail-i24850-Las_Vegas_to_Zion_Bryce_and_other.html
Alternatively, to search via TA, it is entitled 'Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce and other SUtah Natl Parks + Monument Valley-May 2011'.
Please feel free to send me messages with any questions.
I have compiled an extensive Trip Advisor 'Trip List' for my tour, which includes 'extra' attractions and also has links to the other individual TA reviews I've contributed for the accommodation/attractions I visited - it has been made a Trip Advisor 'Itinerary'; I hope it is of interest and use to you - I plan to add visitor information sections/viewable media sections..... The most direct way to access it is by clicking my review-count below my profile name to the left of this review text. Alternatively, see after my review below the dashed line...
You can also access my other Zion reviews that way...
I think that the Kolob Terrace Road is a hidden gem within the Zion NP area and clearly not enough people visit it nor know about it - but they should ! It offers an enjoyable drive into the 'wilderness' and some magnificent views of a separate area of the NP, as well as looking 'behind' the peaks that surround the main canyon.
There's no fee to drive the route - it's not inside the main canyon area....
Firstly, it's pertinent to mention now that aside from road conditions, in poor weather I wouldn't bother driving the road as you'll be in the clouds = no views ! The Zion website has a 'weather conditions' page for the road area, which is more to do with snow/mud etc - the Internet link is in my TL.
As long as you drive sensibly, the overwhelming majority of the road right up to the reservoir is drivable with ease - the condition of the usable portion of the road surface is perfectly driveable BUT there is no kerb to speak of so you really need to keep in the middle when possible Bear in mind that you the area is not only remote but mostly unpopulated.....
The main problem is stopping, as whilst there are lay-bys I found most of them far too risky to drive into (which is quite an apt word to use !) as they were mostly pothole-ridden, with BIG undulations I felt sure would 'beach' my little Nissan....The road isn't really wide enough to park on the side to allow for 2-way traffic to pass normally (lorries quite often use the road) and park rangers touring around in their SUVs are bound to catch you doing so = a telling off (as happened to me !). So if the lay-bys are also tricky for you, you'll just have to grit your teeth and stop when a decent/safe place crops up instead - spookily, I did find a small stopping area with a picnic table under a shady tree on the western side about 2/3 of the way north which made for a very pleasant stop !
And you will want to stop, as there are some great views on offer looking over relatively large distances with some magnificent vistas to behold.
There are trailheads marked on the Zion NP map but I never planned to do any so cannot say how you get information on them - it certainly doesn't leap out at you when surfing the Zion area of the NPS website....The trailheads usually have turnoffs and 'parking areas' - a loose description as I found them to be just as potentially dangerous as the lay-bys and rarely ventured into them. Several times I found they were only 1 vehicle wide with no turning area, so there is also an excellent opportunity to either get blocked-in or unable to exit easily in anything other than an SUV-type vehicle...
Do remember that you can view trail details (in this case a road of course) on the various Zion NP maps which you should get when visiting but are are also online. Please see my TL for the relevant 'Visitor Information', which includes the Internet link to the specific NPS webpage where they 'live' - I might also add annotated maps for poorly covered trails such as this one. For my tour I had a hiking guide which I found useful to get an idea of the trail highlights and any pitfalls which might exist.
Finding the start of the road is probably the trickiest part of the whole journey, as it's not obviously signposted. It's at the westerly end of the town of Virgin as you approach the NP on Highway 9 - the whole road route is well shown on the Zion NP map and you can use Internet maps to locate it more precisely - I seem to remember that coming from the west the sign is part of a group of brown placards, with the left turn marked as 'Kolob Reservation'. I think there's also another sign lurking around which annotates it as the terrace road, but don't expect a huge direction sign with a massive arrow pointing you in the right direction - once you know you're in the right area keep your eyes peeled or use satnav !
Once you've left the civilisation of Virgin, heading north on the road you'll soon come to a Kolob TR entrance sign - you are now officially enroute and the only way is up ! Enjoy the drive, stop when you can, soak up the often fantastic views and, unless you've a very suitable vehicle, avoid Lava Point Road like the plague !
The total route is a good 20miles one-way to what the map shows to be a deadend at the reservoir, but I've seen reference to joining it from the north....So, effectively you'll need to turn around then enjoy the drive back with the same terrain, but different views as you're now looking the other way !
I will add any relevant photos/videos after this review is posted by TA.
----------------------------
As well as the method described near the start of this review my TA 'Trip List' can also be accessed from the 'Utah Itineraries' link on the right of the Utah Forum page. Or the direct link is :
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/GoListDetail-i24850-Las_Vegas_to_Zion_Bryce_and_other.html
Alternatively, to search via TA, it is entitled 'Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce and other SUtah Natl Parks + Monument Valley-May 2011'.
Please feel free to send me messages with any questions.
Written April 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
loradan
Santa Cruz, CA96 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
The last time I visited Zion National Park, I was disappointed to find this road closed.
This visit, it was open and we drove as far as the Lava Point Lookout, with many stops and hikes along the way. The view from the lookout point is awesome. There's a campground, picnic area and restrooms here as well.
Along the way, you'll pass desert, cultivated ranch land, cattle, pine forests, and quaking aspen. During our visit the 2nd week of October, many of the quaking aspen were bright yellow, and many at the higher elevations had lost their leaves.
This is an isolated area, so if you tire of the crowds in Zion Canyon, make a visit to Kolob Terrace and the only sound you'll hear is the breeze through the trees. Absolutely serene. Make sure your gas tank is full as there are no services along this road.
This visit, it was open and we drove as far as the Lava Point Lookout, with many stops and hikes along the way. The view from the lookout point is awesome. There's a campground, picnic area and restrooms here as well.
Along the way, you'll pass desert, cultivated ranch land, cattle, pine forests, and quaking aspen. During our visit the 2nd week of October, many of the quaking aspen were bright yellow, and many at the higher elevations had lost their leaves.
This is an isolated area, so if you tire of the crowds in Zion Canyon, make a visit to Kolob Terrace and the only sound you'll hear is the breeze through the trees. Absolutely serene. Make sure your gas tank is full as there are no services along this road.
Written October 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would a 25 ft class C RV be able to handle this road? Would it be able to make it out to the campground on Lava Point? Is there camping for this size RV at Kolob or Blue Springs Reservoir? I know...I ask a lot of questions.
Much thanks!
Written September 4, 2018
As for the Kolob Terrace Road - it’s windy and scenic, and suitable for a small RV. As for the road to Lava Point, I wouldn’t recommend even a small RV on this road. It’s gravel/dusty, tight fit, with limited parking and even more limited areas to turn around.
Written September 5, 2018
We will be staying in Zion on 5/7-5/8/2018. We have a sports car. Is this road gravely? Smooth?
Written May 2, 2018
Is there scenic bicycle riding at Kolob?
Written September 29, 2016
Hello heading out from Las Vegas on a motorcycle to Bryce Canyon, Zion national park, n kola terrace rd, wanna spend one night, can it be done n is Bryce Canyon worth it? Thanks
Written November 23, 2015
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