Perched at about 8,100 feet on the Kolob Terrace above Zion National Park, Kolob Reservoir is a cool, high-alpine escape from the desert heat and one of Southern Utah's best trophy trout waters. The drive up Kolob Terrace Road is spectacular, climbing through Zion's backcountry to aspen-ringed meadows. Managed by the Washington County Water Conservancy District, it is free for day use and popular for fly fishing, float tubing, and quiet flatwater paddling.
| Category | Reservoir |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Virgin (via the Kolob Terrace Road above Zion National Park) |
| Top activities | Fly fishing for large rainbow and cutthroat trout, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Float tubing, Dispersed camping, Scenic driving on Kolob Terrace Road |
| Best time to visit | Late spring through early fall (May-October); the access road is unmaintained in winter and the reservoir sits above 8,000 feet, so it is typically reachable only April through early December. |
| Entrance fee | Free day use (2026); fees may apply at designated campsites |
| Permits | Utah fishing license required; special fishing regulations apply (check current Utah DWR guidebook). Managed by Washington County Water Conservancy District. |
Visitor tip: Motorized boats are limited to 10 horsepower or less, so it stays quiet -- bring layers even in summer, as high-elevation mornings are cold, and note there are no services on site.
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