Trails in the Kolob Canyon Section of Zion National Closed Due to Wildfire

Trails in the Kolob Canyon Section of Zion National Closed Due to Wildfire
Date: September 1, 2011
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811


All trails in the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park have been closed due to threats from a wildfire in the area. Kolob Canyons is the northern section of the park and is located just off I-15 approximately 15 miles south of Cedar City, UT. This precautionary closure includes all the trails in that area and others that lead into it. The decision to close the trails was made to ensure the safety of hikers that may be using or planning to use the trails. Trails that are closed at this time include the LaVerkin Creek Trail, Hop Valley Trail and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.

The Toquerville Falls Fire is located on Black Ridge near Toquerville Falls, on Bureau of Land Management lands, north of Toquerville, Utah. The lightning caused fire is currently estimated at 150 acres and is burning in a north/northeastern direction toward the park. The fire is being pushed by gusty winds up to 40mph. Due to its remote location, the fire is being suppressed using aerial resources at this time including three helicopters and three Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS). Firefighters will need to be taken into the incident by helicopter as there are no roads nearby. There are no immediate threats to structures or property at this time.

The Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive and Visitor Center will be open tomorrow unless the fire poses a safety risk to visitors.

A Red Flag Warning for high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds of up to 30-40 mph has been issued for tomorrow by the National Weather Service.

More information on the fire and closures will be coming out tomorrow morning as it becomes available.

Trails Reopened in Kolob Canyons Section of Zion National ParkDate: September 2, 2011
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811

All trails in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park have been reopened for visitor use. Kolob Canyons is the northern section of the park and is located just off I-15 approximately 15 miles south of Cedar City, UT. Trails in this section of the park were closed for visitor safety on Wednesday evening, August 31 due to threats from an approaching wildfire. The decision to close the trails was made to ensure the safety of hikers that may be using or planning to use the trails. Trails that were closed but have now reopened for visitor use include the LaVerkin Creek Trail, Hop Valley Trail and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. The threat from the 206 acre Toquerville Falls Fire has been greatly reduced by firefighters.

Hikers using trails in the Kolob Canyons area should be aware of the fire's presence and be alert to any significant changes in weather or smoke conditions. Backpackers spending the night in the backcountry should be especially aware of the fire and check with park rangers in the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center prior to beginning their trip for current fire conditions. Park rangers will make all possible efforts to contact hikers and backpackers in the area if the fire has an unexpected change in activity and poses any threats to them.

Visitors to the Kolob Canyons area may see occasional smoke from the fire through the Labor Day Weekend as firefighters continue control efforts. They have made good progress on the fire over the last few days and if all goes as planned, expect full containment by late this evening. At present, the fire is not burning on Zion National Park lands, but on adjacent public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

For more information on the Toquerville Falls Fire go to the Utah Fire Information webpage at http://www.utahfireinfo.gov/