Kolob Reservoir Road Southern Utah Winter Ride

About 174 miles or an hour and a half in sport bike terms, is a great get away from the hustle of Las Vegas. Even in the ever increasing popular escape of the Zion National Park this is a getaway from the getaway.  While the  Kolob Reservoir Road is the least traveled of the main roads through Zion National Park, and provides an easy way to quickly reach the wilderness and escape the crowds that can affect the more well known areas, it does offer plenty to see. 

This hidden treasure offers great views of distant cliffs and valleys, hiking trails to high overlooks and along narrow canyons, and varied landscapes reflecting the wide elevation range of 3,550 to 7,890 feet. The road passes close to Lava Point, the highest summit in the park except for two peaks in the far northwest region, and affords exceptional, near 360° views of the whole park.  It is a little known camping and fishing hot spot. The area provides a true respite from the hustle and bustle of regular wilderness venues.   

Well that is what the guide book said… but in actuality this is a great little road for motorcyclists.  During the summer it offers a great passage from Zion to the Cedar Breaks area.   Not to heavily traveled and some very scenic views  makes for a nice change of pace from Interstate 15.   It eventually becomes a dirt road that continues northward all the way to the outskirts of Cedar City

Just after you start out on the road you are welcomed by the Kolob Terrace Road which climbs steeply up from the town of Virgin up onto the wide and forested expanse of the Kolob Terrace. 

Kolob is a word from the Book of Mormon used to describe the star nearest the throne of God, signifying a high and exalted place, a good name for a high plateau towering above the burning desert below. It is a paved county road that skirts back and forth through sections of central Zion National Park leading to backcountry trailheads and an overlook located at Lava Point. 

During the winter most of the road remains closed and only snowmobiles can travel to the Kolob Reservior.   You can however travel a portion of the way if the road has been snow plowed and you are a brave and well prepared soul.   In a recent winter trip I traveled as far up the road as I could safely go and was rewarded with some stunning views as well as some much needed motorcycle time.    

As the road winds its way in and out of the Zion National Park you can determine if you are in or out of the park by the bright red finish on the roadway.  The road  is maintained but not always in the best of conditions, so be prepared.     If you are riding during the winter months be prepared for snow and ice on the roadway up until the point that it is no longer plowed.  From this point up until the reservoir it is snow mobiles only.