Zion Plateau Road to Kolob Terrace — Red Butte and Lava Point Overland Circuit
Zion's back door, no shuttle required.
Most people never see this side of Zion. Kolob Terrace Road leaves the town of Virgin and climbs nearly 4,000 vertical feet through pinyon-juniper country, past ancient lava flows at Red Butte, and up through ponderosa pine into the high terrace above the canyon. Lava Point — the highest accessible viewpoint in Zion National Park at 7,890 feet — sits at the end of a short spur and looks down into the Kolob Canyons and the main Zion gorge simultaneously. The primitive campground here has six sites, no water, and genuine quiet. The road itself is paved most of the way but narrows significantly, with sections near the top that collect mud and snow well into late spring.
This is an accessible backcountry run — a capable high-clearance vehicle handles it without issue in dry conditions, but 4WD becomes necessary after any rain or early-season snowmelt. Best months are June through October; the upper section closes in winter. A Zion entrance fee covers the Lava Point spur. Fuel in Virgin before you go — nothing up top. What you get is Zion without the shuttle buses, the parking lot chaos, or the crowds. Bring your own water. Cell service drops to nothing above the lava field.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7890 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended; 4WD after rain |
| Nearest town | Virgin, UT |
| Land manager | Zion National Park / NPS |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | NPS Lava Point page Zion fees and passes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this without a lift?
Yes, stock high-clearance trucks handle this fine in dry conditions. After rain the dirt sections get greasy and 4WD becomes necessary — a lifted rig isn't required but lockers help on the muddier stretches near Lava Point.
When does the road to Lava Point actually open in spring?
Lava Point Road typically opens late May to mid-June depending on snowmelt — it sits near 8,000 feet and holds snow well into spring. Check the NPS Zion road conditions page or call the Zion backcountry desk before you drive up from Virgin.
Do I need a Zion National Park pass to drive Kolob Terrace Road?
Yes, Kolob Terrace Road passes through Zion National Park land and requires a valid park pass — the standard America the Beautiful pass covers it. Pay at the entrance or buy online at the Zion fees and reservations page before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The trail is rated moderate and nothing here is genuinely technical in the rock-crawling sense — the challenge is elevation change, exposure, and loose dirt after weather. The stretch approaching Lava Point can rut out and camber toward drop-offs, so slow and deliberate beats fast and sketchy.
Is there water available along the route, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There is no reliable water source on this route — carry all you need for the full 24 miles plus camp. Fill up in Virgin or Hurricane before you leave; the nearest gas is back in Hurricane, roughly 20 miles from the Virgin trailhead, and there's nothing on the plateau.
Trail track
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