Is Kolob Reservoir road paved?
Usa, north-america
65.17 km
2,438 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near southern Utah, you HAVE to check out Kolob Terrace Road. It's a total hidden gem in Zion National Park.
Yep, it's paved the whole way! This 40.5-mile beauty runs from Virgin (Washington County) up to Cedar City (Iron County) and gives you serious bang for your buck when it comes to scenery.
What's cool is that it's super chill – probably the least crowded main road in Zion. So, you can really soak in the views without fighting hordes of tourists. Speaking of views, expect classic Zion landscapes, with those towering red rock formations and dramatic vistas that will blow your mind. Keep an eye out – some scenes from *Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid* were filmed here!
Give yourself about 1.5 hours to drive the whole thing without stopping, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. This road winds and climbs – and I mean *climbs*! – from Virgin, gaining serious elevation (we're talking over 8,000 feet!) up to the Kolob Terrace. Get ready for some steep sections – up to almost 12% grade in some spots!
Just a heads up: if you're planning a winter trip, the road usually isn't plowed past Maloney Hill (just north of the Hop Valley Trailhead). Above 6,000 feet, you might hit some snow, but usually below that, you're good to go. The very top peaks at 8,162 feet above sea level, near Kolob Reservoir.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 65.17 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,438 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardAn Unforgettable Drive to Snowstorm Peak in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Snowstorm Peak in Colorado's La Plata County! This baby tops out at a cool 12,037 feet, so be ready for some serious altitude. You'll find it northwest of Durango, nestled in the San Juan National Forest. Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. It's a short but steep 0.7-mile unpaved old mining route that climbs with a max 14% gradient. You'll need 4WD and decent clearance to tackle it. Think tight turns, sharp rocks, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Fair warning though, Snowstorm Peak lives up to its name! The road is usually snowed in from late spring to late fall, so plan your trip accordingly. Keep an eye out for relics from the past – you'll spot cool old mining equipment and abandoned buildings along the way. Trust me, the scenery is worth the bumpy ride!
hardA rough 4x4 road to Taylor Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Taylor Pass, one of Colorado's highest roads at a whopping 11,948 feet! You'll find this beauty straddling Gunnison and Pitkin counties, west of Denver, deep in the heart of Colorado. Word has it that the pass is named after some old mining dude, Jim Taylor, who was chasing gold dreams way back in the 1860s. Now, heads up: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking a full-on unpaved adventure on Express Creek Road (Forest Service Road 15C). From the paved Castle Creek Road, it's a 4.7-mile climb, and trust me, you'll want a serious 4x4 with high clearance. Regular cars need not apply. Seriously, this road is not for the faint of heart! It's rough and rocky, with at least one creek crossing that'll test your skills. Take it slow through the creek – there can be some tricky holes. And getting out with wet tires can be a challenge, so scout your line first! If you're scared of heights, parts of the north side might make you sweat. Gold Hill and Difficult Pass are accessed from the north side, too. Keep in mind, this area is usually snowed in from October to July. Prime time is late summer, but watch out for early snows in October. But the payoff is HUGE! We're talking killer alpine scenery in the Elk Range. This is a true 4x4 experience, super scenic. Plan on about 2 hours to make the drive. It's a real climb, but the views from the top are unreal – think Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges stretching out forever. Hit it in summer (June, July, August) and the alpine wildflowers are insane. Or go in early fall for aspen trees exploding with color in the hillsides and Castle Creek Valley. Located in the Gunnison National Forest, expect some seriously steep sections up to a 20% gradient. You'll climb 2,490 feet from Castle Creek Road, averaging about a 10% grade. Get ready for an adventure!
hardAn old mine road to Ball Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, fellow adventurers, because we're heading to Ball Mountain in Colorado! This beast of a pass sits way up high at almost 12,000 feet in Lake County. Seriously, it's one of the highest drives you'll find in the state. Forget the pavement, though. We're talking a rugged, unpaved dirt road (County Road 1B, if you're mapping it). Found east of Leadville and cradled by the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges, this former mine road is steep, rocky, and a total blast in the right vehicle. Think gorgeous hills, lush trees, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. This is strictly a summer adventure, and a 4x4 with some serious ground clearance is an absolute must. Get ready for a bumpy but breathtaking ride!
hardTeton Park Road is one of the most sensational drives of Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Teton Park Road is like driving through a postcard! This 20-mile paved beauty snakes along the base of the Tetons in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, and it's basically a non-stop photo op. You'll want to budget at least 30-60 minutes to soak it all in, but that's *without* stopping – and trust me, you'll want to stop. Keep your eyes peeled though! This is prime wildlife territory. Elk, bison, and mule deer love to wander, especially at night, and moose use the roads like their own personal highways. Slow down, especially after dark, and use the pull-offs to safely admire the scenery and any furry friends you spot. Heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. The road closes seasonally from November 1st to April 30th between Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge due to heavy snow. Expect jaw-dropping vistas, deep canyons, and lush forests. Plus, you can easily hop onto the Signal Mountain or Jenny Lake Scenic Loops for even more adventure. Seriously, the mountains are so stunning you might forget you're driving! Get ready for a nature experience you won't soon forget.