Following An Extensive Closure, This Popular Zion National Park Road Is Open Once Again
By Courtnie Erickson|Published December 12, 2023
×
Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Zion National Park is not only one of the most beautiful parks in the entire country, but it’s also one of the busiest. People travel all over the world to capture glimpses of the red rocks and the breathtaking views. This makes it hard when main roads are closed due to unforeseeable events. Kolob Canyons Road is one of the main roads in this park that closed down in early 2023, resulting in the closures of many trails and viewpoints. Fortunately, for those visiting the park, it is finally open once again.
The Kolob Canyons District of Zion National Park is a favorite for many individuals. Located in the northwest corner of the park, this area features narrow canyons with 2,000-foot cliff walls. It’s a breathtaking destination and one you certainly don’t want to miss when visiting the park.
One of the best ways to explore and travel this area is on the Kolob Canyons Road. This scenic drive is beautiful and also takes you to multiple trails and overlooks.
In March 2023, rangers discovered a depressed area of the road. It was closed for observation and as a precaution. This was a wise decision as shortly after, the road began to collapse.
Construction began to remove all of the unstable materials and reinforce the road’s base. Experts repaved more than 6,000 feet of pavement and installed ditches, a gutter, and curbs to allow the road to drain more effectively.
Advertisement
Finally, after nearly seven months of closure, Kolob Canyon Roads is open once again to the public. This means trailheads and natural wonders in this area are accessible once more.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time roads have been closed for extended periods in the Utah park. In November 2023, for example, a large rockfall near Weeping Rock closed the Weeping Rock Shuttle Bus Stop, parking area, and trail. As of the time of this writing, the road remains closed and will remain closed until the area is deemed safe for visitors.
For more information on Zion National Park and its current closures, visit the National Park Service website. And no matter what Utah park you visit or where you head outdoors, always make sure you are prepared with the right gear.
Have you spent time on Kolob Canyons Road in Zion National Park? What did you think of this scenic drive? Let us know in the comments! Also, don’t forget to share your favorite national park photos with us! We’d love to see and hear about your many adventures.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.