23.3
PDI
19.3 mi
DISTANCE
4,672 ft
GAINED
4.3 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Bruce Hamilton/Stacy Topping, USA Ron Cushing, Cedar City, Utah, USA Erich Pawelka, Vienna, Austria
INTRO
Cycling Kolob Terrace: one of the most picturesque bike climbs in Utah and the United States. On this ride we enter the extraordinary Zion National Park through the back door (see our Zion NP climb area page for more information on Zion National Park). The climb covers 19.3 miles from just north of Virgin at 3,801 ft to Kolob Reservoir at 8,127 ft, gaining 4,672 ft at an average of 4.3% (5.5% on the climbing sections alone).
The scenery changes constantly. The ride begins in green valley pasture and passes Sunset Canyon Ranch at mile 0.9, enters the park around mile 2, and climbs beneath red cliffs and past Tabernacle Dome near mile 5.5. By Cave Valley around mile 7.5 you are in high pine and meadow country, and the climb ends alpine at Kolob Reservoir. Miles 3 to 5 are the hardest, close to 9%, and a straight mile around mile 11 reaches 8.4%.
Traffic is minimal even on a spring Saturday, and the pavement was fully rebuilt in 2015, so conditions are excellent. The road is typically closed by snow from fall until late spring, starting at Maloney Hill. Pavement ends at the reservoir, and a reader noted in 2022 that growing development in the area may bring more traffic over time.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Average grade is 4.3% (5.5% climbing only). The steepest quarter mile is 11.7% and the steepest mile is 9.3%. Miles 3 to 5 are the toughest stretch, close to 9%, and another steep mile of 8.4% comes at about mile 11 on the way up toward Hop Valley.
Around mile 10 the road briefly goes flat to slightly downhill, and the final miles near Kolob Reservoir roll between -1.8% and 2.0% before a last rise to the finish.
Roadway: As you would expect in a national park, the roadway is in excellent condition. The Federal Highway Administration rebuilt the road from the base up in 2015, and you will cross cattle guards every mile or two on the higher sections. The pavement ends at Kolob Reservoir, and the road is typically closed by snow from fall into spring, starting at Maloney Hill about one mile east of the Hop Valley trailhead.
Traffic: Minimal.
Parking: At climb start, just before the small bridge - Map; Street View.
Entrance to National Park: There is no entrance station on this portion of Zion NP. Check the park's fees page for current pass requirements before you ride.
Provisions: Services are minimal on this road. We have resupplied at the Kolob General Store at mile 17.3 - Map; Street View - but carry enough food and water that you don't depend on it.
Weather: Temperatures can exceed 100F in the lower towns in summer while the reservoir is often much cooler, and snow is possible outside summer. Check conditions at the top before you go with our Weather tool.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
We stayed in Springdale 16 miles from the start of this climb and used that as our staging area for the breathtaking climbs in the area. Springdale also has options for vacation rentals as well.
See PJAMM's Climb Area Page: Zion National Park.
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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
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Skotscott
July 10, 2023
Did this climb as part of a long ride from Springdale. 98° so started early. An easy, gradual 12 mile decent from Springdale to Kolob Terrace rd and the start of the climb. A nice, gradual climb out of the river valley and through Zion NP - in & out 2 times - with 4 cattle guards to cross. Toughest part are the straight-up staircase climbs just past a picturesque part of Zion NP. A short decent to a moderate switchbacked climb gets you into cooler air then easier climbing and descending to the lake at the top where the pavement ends. To the left near the restroom is a cold water spigot. Much appreciated ! A fun fast decent back into the desert heat, then a gradual climb back to Springdale and up the Zion Scenic road to the end at the temple - more cold water, then back to Springdale.
RT : 103 miles, 7100ft of climbing.
HansW
One of the most scenic climbs in the Southwest. As of 2022 traffic is still relatively light, but increasing development will change that. The toughest part is a one mile straight stretch at mile 10 or so, when climbing up to Hop Valley. The switch backy part later on looks more intimidating but is easier since it is relatively short. The last 4 miles are more up and down.
trier1992
Climbed this route Saturday, May 15, 2021. I started a little further down the road where I had car camped the night prior, and my total distance/elevation was 22.5 miles / 5000 feet. The steeper sections at the beginning of the ride are pretty tough if you've been doing a lot of national park hiking / riding, but, at the same time, the views at the start of the ride are phenomenal. The views towards the end when you get through Zion and into the Kolob community are pretty weak, but the ride also gets much easier at that point. Even on a Spring Saturday, traffic wasn't bad at all. I'd definitely recommend this as a tough ride for the avid cyclist around Zion. As a side, if you're camping, this road has tons of options, which was super convenient for me.
