See Peak Fall Colors In Zion Park

Nov 3, 2014, along the Kolob Terrace Road (photo by Dave Webb)

Colors are peaking right now at mid-elevations in Zion National Park, and are starting to show in Zion Canyon and through the St. George area. The next couple weeks will bring peak colors along the Virgin River.

Zion is spectacular at any time, but is particularly impressive when colorful foliage is set against the red and caramel colored cliffs. Many people think fall is the best time of year to visit. I can't argue – temperatures are perfect for dry hikes and there are far fewer people in the backcountry.

The changing leaves draw people into Zion Canyon, so expect crowds there. Also, the park shuttle only runs on weekends during November, so you can drive right into Zion Canyon. That means parking can be an issue near popular trailheads.

Today I drove into the Kolob Terrace section of the park and enjoyed great views from my car, and even better scenery on short hikes. I found vivid foliage halfway up the mountain. I did not drive all the way to Lava Point, but I suspect colors have probably already peaked up that high.

In a few weeks snow will accumulate on Kolob Terrace and close the road. Now's the time to explore there, unless you want to go in on cross country skis. (Cabin owners on Kolob Mountain are allowed to snowmobile to their properties, but others are asked to not snowmobile up the road.)

-- Dave Webb