In May of 2023, a rockslide occurred in Zion National Park’s Kolob Canyon’s section. No one was injured, though visitors caught the dramatic rockslide on camera. The rockslide resulted in damage to the roadway, and led to a lengthy closure of Kolob Canyons. For several months, visitors staying lodging near Zion could venture only as far as the South Fork Picnic Area. Past that point, the road was closed to hikers, walkers, cyclists, cars and horse riders.
Finally, in September, construction began to repair the damaged road. The construction crews had their work cut out for them. They had to excavate unstable materials and reinforce the road’s base to a depth of eight feet in order to stabilize it and prevent future damage. Then, they had to repave 6,000 square feet of pavement. Finally, they installed new ditches, gutters, and curbs to allow the road to drain more effectively, which will also help to prevent future damage.
On Wednesday, November 29, Kolob Canyon reopened to guests.
Thinking about visiting Flanigan’s Resort in 2024? Keep reading to learn what you need to know about visiting Kolob Canyons, other trail and park closures you should know, and how to start planning your trip.
Visiting Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyon is an often-overlooked section of Zion National Park. Because Kolob Canyon can’t be accessed from Zion Canyon, the more popular section of the park, most visitors never realize that it exists.
To get to Kolob Canyons from lodging near Zion, you’ll need to drive northwest for around 45 minutes, to New Harmony, Utah. Kolob Canyon may not be as well known as ZIon Canyon, but it offers views and trails that rival the rest of the park.
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds of ZIon Canyon during popular times of the year to visit, Kolob Canyons is a great choice. However, because of the section’s higher elevation and more remote location, Kolob Canyons closes for much of the winter season. After the first heavy seasonal snow, the Kolob Terrace Road will close, starting at Maloney Hill, around one mile east of the Hop Valley Trailhead.
Other Trail Closures That Could Impact Your Stay in Lodging Near Zion
If you’re planning a stay in lodging near Zion this winter season, there are a few other closures that could impact your visit.
Another rockslide in Zion Canyon led to a road closure in the park back in November. On November 14, 2023, rockfall near Weeping Rock led to a short road closure. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive opened a short time later, but the Weeping Rock Shuttle Bus Stop, parking area, and trailhead are currently closed.
With the Zion Canyon Shuttles out of operation until March, visitors to the best resorts near Zion National Park can drive their personal vehicles throughout the Lower Canyon, which means that you’ll need to find parking in the Lower Canyon to enjoy the many trails and other attractions. With the Weeping Rock parking area closed, visitors hoping to access this part of the canyon will need to find other parking.
Like Kolob Canyons, some other parts of the park close in the winter due to ice and snow. The West Rim Trailhead and the road to Lava Point that you use to get to the trail both close seasonally. But if you’re looking for incredible views this time of year, Angels Landing stays open year round. Plus, with fewer people making their way in the park during Zion’s Secret Season, there’s less competition for Angels Landing permits, making it easier to get one during your stay at our Utah spa resort.
Planning a Winter Stay at Our Utah Spa Resort
Most visitors to Zion National Park make their way to the park during the hot summer months. But while this time of year might be a common one for a vacation, it might not be the best season to plan a visit to Zion.
Winter brings fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and the chance to experience the park as it becomes a sparkling winter wonderland after a winter storm. Temperatures remain mild enough for much of the season in parts of the park, which means that you can still enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. While there are some seasonal closures, Zion Canyon and its Visitor Center remain open all winter long. Plus, when you visit the Lower Canyon from our Utah spa resort, you’ll get to drive your personal vehicle and park directly at trailheads, something that you can’t do when the Zion Canyon Shuttles are in operation.
Ready to start planning your own winter adventure at Flanigan’s Resort? Book our lodging near Zion today!