Zion: Kolob Canyons Road Closed Beyond South Fork After Rockfall

If you're planning a trip to Zion's northern reaches, here's something that'll shape your itinerary. Kolob Canyons Road, in the park's northwest corner, is no longer drivable along its full length. A rockfall has closed the road beyond the South Fork Trailhead, and everything past that point stays closed to traffic.

You can still drive the lower stretch from the Kolob Canyons entrance, but you'll have to turn around at the South Fork Trailhead. The entire upper section, the part that leads to the overlooks above the red cliffs and the farthest trailheads, isn't reachable by car right now. Rockfalls are common in these sandstone canyons, and park crews are keeping the area clear while they make the road safe.

No reopening date has been announced. The closure stays in effect until further notice, which means things can change from one day to the next. If Kolob Canyons was near the top of your list, we'd suggest checking the road status right before you leave, and lining up a backup plan over in Zion Canyon, the park's main section, which remains open.

That kind of curveball comes with the territory in a park this rugged, and it's better to plan for it than to get caught out on site. To map out the rest of your trip, you'll find everything laid out in the Zion park guide, from the must-see areas to the best times to go. And if you're stringing together several Western parks in one go, take a look at our road trip route that runs through this park to reshuffle your stops without losing a day.

Until the closure lifts, it's best to keep Kolob Canyons as an option rather than the anchor of your visit.