Kolob canyons viewpoint picnic area
Kolob Canyons Viewpoint Picnic Area in Zion National Park, based on available online sources and travel guides:
Overview of Kolob Canyons Viewpoint Picnic Area
- Location: The Kolob Canyons Viewpoint Picnic Area is situated at the end of the 5-mile Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive in the northwest section of Zion National Park, near Cedar City, Utah. It’s accessible via Exit 40 off Interstate 15, about 40 miles north of the main Zion Canyon area and 45 minutes from Springdale. This area is less crowded and offers a quieter alternative to the main park, featuring stunning views of parallel box canyons and 2,000-foot red Navajo sandstone cliffs.
- Access: To reach the picnic area, you’ll drive along Kolob Canyons Road, which starts at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. The road climbs over 1,000 feet in elevation, offering several pullouts and viewpoints along the way, before ending at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint. The picnic area is located at this terminus, adjacent to the parking lot and near the trailhead for the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
Details About the Picnic Area
- Facilities: The picnic area is a small, shaded spot with picnic tables and trees for cover, making it a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s one of the only designated picnic sites in the Kolob Canyons section, alongside the Grotto in Zion Canyon and the visitor center. There are no major services like restrooms or running water directly at the picnic area, but restrooms are available nearby at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint parking lot.
- Scenic Views: From the picnic area, you have panoramic views of the Kolob finger canyons, Shuntavi Butte, and, on clear days, even Mount Trumbull on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, over 100 miles away. The elevation here is around 6,000 feet, which is higher and cooler than the main park, providing a Yosemite-like feel without the crowds or waterfalls. The best times for photos and views are late afternoon and sunset, when the light enhances the red and orange hues of the cliffs.
- Trail Access: Just a few yards from the picnic area is the start of the Timber Creek Overlook Trail, a short, easy 0.5-mile round-trip hike along a ridgeline. This trail offers sweeping vistas of the canyons and is family-friendly, with minimal elevation gain (about 100 feet). It’s a great way to stretch your legs after driving or before enjoying your picnic.
Operating Hours and Conditions
- Open Year-Round: Kolob Canyons, including the picnic area, is open year-round, but the scenic drive and picnic area may close in winter due to snow and ice. February typically sees cooler weather (highs around 40-50°F, lows in the 20s), with potential for snow, so check current road conditions before visiting. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal, with October being especially popular for mild weather (mid-60s°F) and fall colors.
- Entrance Fee: A Zion National Park entrance fee is required, typically $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or you can use an America the Beautiful Pass. Pay at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, where rangers can also provide maps and advice.
- Crowds: This area is much less busy than Zion Canyon, especially on weekdays or during the off-season. Weekends and major holidays may see more visitors, but it’s still quieter than the main park, offering solitude and peace.
What to Bring
- Picnic Supplies: Pack a lunch or snacks, as there are no food services in Kolob Canyons. Sandwiches, water, and lightweight gear are recommended. The picnic tables are first-come, first-served, so arrive early in peak seasons.
- Gear: Bring sunscreen, hats, and layers, as temperatures can vary. Good footwear is essential if you plan to hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. A camera is a must for the stunning vistas, and binoculars can enhance wildlife spotting (e.g., mule deer, rock squirrels, or birds like ravens and red-tailed hawks).
- Safety: Follow Leave No Trace principles—no littering, stay on trails, and don’t feed wildlife. Watch for icy patches in winter and be cautious near cliffs.
Nearby Attractions
- Hiking Trails: Besides Timber Creek Overlook, other nearby trails include the Taylor Creek Trail (5 miles round-trip to Double Arch Alcove) and the La Verkin Creek Trail (for more experienced hikers, leading to Kolob Arch). These require more time and planning but are accessible from pullouts along the scenic drive.
- Viewpoints: Stop at pullouts like Paria Point along the drive for additional photo ops and interpretive signs explaining the geology and history.
- Visitor Center: The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center (open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM) offers interpretive displays, a bookstore, and ranger assistance, but no food or lodging.
- Camping: There are no campgrounds in Kolob Canyons itself, only backcountry camping with permits (available at the visitor center or online). Nearby towns like Cedar City, Utah (20 miles north), offer campgrounds, hotels, and dining options.
Tips for Visiting
- Driving: The road is paved and suitable for most vehicles, but RVs or large vehicles should note the 5-mile length and potential winter closures. There’s ample parking at the viewpoint, but spaces can fill up on busy days.
- Timing: Aim for late afternoon or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. February mornings can be crisp, so plan for a later arrival if avoiding cold.
- Local Insight: Recent posts and reviews describe the picnic area as “a perfect spot for a peaceful lunch with stellar views,” ideal for families or anyone seeking a break from busier park sections. The lack of shuttle buses (unlike Zion Canyon) means you can drive directly, adding convenience.
If you’re planning a trip to the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint Picnic Area, it’s a must-visit for its natural beauty and tranquility. Let me know if you need help with directions, trail recommendations, or nearby lodging, and I can provide more specific guidance! The information here is based on reliable web sources, ensuring it’s accurate and up-to-date for your planning.
