Kolob Terrace photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Kolob Terrace sits above 8,000' and is mainly large meadows and grazing land, surrounded by Mixed Conifer and Aspen forest, that includes two lakes: Kolob Reservoir and Blue Springs Reservoir.  There are also several smaller ponds, creeks, and marshy areas that provide additional habitat.

Birding:
You can bird all along the road and various side roads from the turn off to Lava Point all the way around Kolob Reservoir.  Kolob Falls Crossing where Kolob Creek plunges into the gorge below is a great place to relax and watch for soaring raptors that occasionally include ZONE-TAILED HAWK, PEREGRINE FALCON, and even CALIFORNIA CONDOR.  This has been one of the best locations for condors in recent years.  ACORN and LEWIS'S WOODPECKER can be found in various stands of trees in the area.  The reservoirs provide excellent habitat for diving ducks and waterbirds, including COMMON LOON during spring and fall migration.  The road is closed during the winter, but typically accessible from April through October.  During the warmer months Kolob Terrace provides an excellent getaway from the scorching temperatures in the desert below.  The Ponderosa forest provides opportunities for GRACE'S WARBLER and PYGMY NUTHATCH, while most high elevation species typical of Utah can be found here as well.

Directions:
From I-15 north of La Verkin, take exit 27 southeast toward La Verkin on Route 17.  From I-15 south of Hurricane, take exit 16 onto SR-9 East bound and follow to La Verkin. From La Verkin, take SR-9 east about 6 miles into Virgin and look for Kolob Terrace Road on your left as you get towards the end of town.  The road goes 20 miles till Kolob Terrace where you can split off onto Lava Point, as well as Kolob Reservoir.