Beyond the Main Canyon: Lesser-Known Spots Near Zion National Park
Quieter places near Zion: Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace Road, Grafton ghost town, Gooseberry Mesa, Grandpa's Pond and more around Hurricane.
Most visitors to Zion National Park see the main canyon and leave. People who live in Hurricane, La Verkin, Virgin and St. George know there's much more nearby, much of it quieter and some of it free. Here are lesser-known spots around Zion that locals return to, from a separate section of the park to a ghost town and a trout pond. For homes near the Zion corridor, browse Hurricane homes for sale.
Kolob Canyons
Zion's northwest corner has its own entrance at I-15 exit 40, about 17 miles south of Cedar City. A five-mile scenic drive climbs roughly 1,000 feet into narrow red canyons and ends near the Timber Creek Overlook trail, with big views and a fraction of the main canyon's crowds. It's part of the national park, so a Zion pass or entrance fee applies, and the road can close in bad weather.
Kolob Terrace Road
From the town of Virgin, Kolob Terrace Road climbs north through ranch land and in and out of the park toward Lava Point and Kolob Reservoir, roughly 25 miles up. It passes trailheads, pine forest at higher elevations and wide views of Zion's west side. The upper road usually closes with snow from late fall to spring.
Grafton Ghost Town
Near Rockville, just outside Zion, the ghost town of Grafton has a preserved schoolhouse, homes and a pioneer cemetery set beneath towering cliffs. It's a favorite with photographers. Reach it on the Smithsonian Butte Backway, a scenic dirt road between Rockville and Apple Valley; check road conditions after rain.
Gooseberry Mesa
South of Hurricane, Gooseberry Mesa is known worldwide for slickrock mountain biking along its rim, with views toward Zion. The access roads are rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is best. Hikers enjoy the rim views too.
Sheep Bridge Road and the Virgin River
Between Hurricane and Virgin, Sheep Bridge Road follows the Virgin River with views of Zion's West Temple to the east. It's a scenic drive or ride and a quiet spot to sit by the river.
Grandpa's Pond in Hurricane
Also known as Stratton Pond, this 15-acre city pond on Hurricane's west side is stocked with rainbow trout and has a fishing pier, picnic pavilions, restrooms and a walking path. It's an easy evening outing for families.
Sand Hollow and Sand Mountain
Sand Hollow State Park's reservoir and the dunes of Sand Mountain are well known, but they're part of daily life for locals rather than a one-time stop. See the Sand Hollow guide.
Soak It Off
After a day of hiking, Zion Canyon Hot Springs in La Verkin offers mineral pools for a soak. See this guide to Zion Canyon Hot Springs.
Tips
- Fall through spring is the most comfortable season for exploring; summer is best early in the morning.
- Many of these spots are on dirt roads; check conditions after rain and carry extra water.
- Respect private property and archaeological sites: look, photograph and leave everything in place.
Bottom Line
Living near Zion means having a dozen quieter alternatives to the main canyon within an hour's drive. For more ideas, see things to do in Hurricane, or contact Best Utah Real Estate for help finding a home in the Zion corridor.
Posted by Kristopher Larson
Frequently asked questions
What is Kolob Canyons in Zion?
Kolob Canyons is Zion National Park's northwest section, with its own entrance at I-15 exit 40, about 17 miles south of Cedar City. A five-mile scenic drive climbs roughly 1,000 feet to viewpoints and the Timber Creek Overlook trail, with far fewer crowds than the main canyon.
Do you need a Zion pass for Kolob Canyons?
Yes. Kolob Canyons is part of Zion National Park, so a Zion entrance pass or interagency pass is required.
Where does Kolob Terrace Road start?
Kolob Terrace Road starts in the town of Virgin and climbs north about 25 miles toward Lava Point and Kolob Reservoir. The upper road usually closes with snow from late fall to spring.
Where is Grafton ghost town?
Grafton is near Rockville, just outside Zion National Park, reached by the Smithsonian Butte Backway dirt road. It has a preserved schoolhouse, homes and a pioneer cemetery.
What is Grandpa's Pond in Hurricane?
Grandpa's Pond, also called Stratton Pond, is a 15-acre city pond on Hurricane's west side stocked with rainbow trout, with a fishing pier, picnic pavilions, restrooms and a walking path.
When is the best time to explore around Zion?
Fall through spring is most comfortable. In summer, go early in the morning, carry extra water, and check dirt road conditions after rain.
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