Kolob Reservoir Road

The Kolob Reservoir Road offers a challenging cycling experience. It features a substantial climb of around 5,000 feet from Virgin to Kolob Reservoir, with some sections averaging an 8.4% grade. The initial parts are paved, winding through green woodlands. However, beyond the Kolob Reservoir, the road becomes unpaved, rough, and can have washboard sections and ruts, making it more demanding for touring cyclists. Expect steep grades, sharp curves, and narrow sections, often without a shoulder.

The Kolob Reservoir Road typically begins in the town of Virgin on UT 9. You would generally start your ride from there, and parking options would be available within or near the town before you begin the ascent into Zion National Park.

The best time to cycle the Kolob Reservoir Road is generally in late spring for wildflowers or in the fall for vibrant foliage. While the Kolob Reservoir can be picturesque when frozen in winter, the higher elevations can experience snow and ice, making cycling difficult or impossible. Always check current weather and road conditions before you go.

Yes, as the Kolob Reservoir Road is located within Zion National Park, you will need to pay the park's entrance fee. Cyclists are permitted on the road. For the most current information on fees and any specific regulations, it's best to check the official NPS website for Zion National Park.

Given the substantial elevation gain (around 5,000 feet) and the challenging terrain, especially the unpaved sections beyond the Kolob Reservoir, this route is generally not recommended for beginner cyclists or young children. It's best suited for experienced touring cyclists looking for a demanding ride.

The road offers incredibly diverse and stunning scenery. You'll transition from desert landscapes with cactus and cottonwood trees to high-altitude forests of pinyon pines, ponderosa pines, and aspens. Expect magnificent views of distant cliffs and valleys, impressive rock formations like South Guardian Angel and Pocket Mesa, and nearly 360-degree panoramic views of the entire park from Lava Point. The Kolob Reservoir itself is also a picturesque highlight.

While dogs are generally allowed in developed areas of Zion National Park, their access on trails and unpaved roads can be restricted. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding pets on the Kolob Reservoir Road, please consult the official Zion National Park website.

The Kolob Reservoir Road is notable for being the least traveled of Zion National Park's main roads. This offers cyclists a unique opportunity to escape the crowds often found in more popular areas of Zion, providing a greater sense of wilderness and solitude. It also provides access to famous backcountry hiking trails like The Subway and routes to Northgate Peaks and Lava Point.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Kolob Drive.

As you ascend, you'll see a transition from desert plants like cactus and Indian paintbrush to mountain flora such as pinyon pines, sagebrush, ponderosa pines, and aspen groves. Keep an eye out for various wildlife adapted to these diverse environments, though specific sightings are never guaranteed.

The specific komoot tour for Kolob Reservoir Road is approximately 24.8 kilometers (15.4 miles) long and typically takes around 2 hours and 33 minutes to complete on a touring bicycle. However, if you plan to cycle the entire road from Virgin to the reservoir and beyond, accounting for the significant elevation gain and varied terrain, your duration will be considerably longer, depending on your fitness and pace.