Hiking Lambs Knoll up Kolob Terrace Road - Zion National Park
Just a short 30-minute drive from the west entrance of Zion resides a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path cluster of breathtaking rock formations and wide-open views known as Lambs Knoll.
Lambs Knoll is a popular rock climbing and canyoneering location for local guide companies and is also an excellent hiking spot for families.
With eight first come first serve campsites and a picnic area Lambs Knoll is the perfect spot to adventure away from the crowds of Zion Canyon.
LOCATION
Lambs Knoll sits on the edge of Zion National Park, so it isn't actually in the park. Lambs Knoll is located about 10 miles up Kolob Terrace road (starting in Virgin) and 30 minutes west of Springdale & the west entrance of Zion National Park. Click here for driving directions.
DIFFICULTY
Mostly flat and sandy with a few occasional rocks to step over, this hike is easy and family-friendly! There are spots along the trail where you can veer off and explore. Some sections of the hike have a small climb involved. Kids might need a little help. It's best to wear a sturdy pair of walking shoes or hiking sandals!
LENGTH
From the parking area to the base of Lambs Knoll is about a .8-mile hike round trip hike.
WHEN TO VISIT
The best time of year to visit this epic location is spring, summer, and fall. There is a small window of time in the fall where the vibrant fall colors show off, between the end of September and the beginning of October.
Lambs Knoll is beautiful all year round, but accessibility is much more difficult in the winter, and the compact snow makes for a slippery and challenging journey on the trail.
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TRAIL DETAILS
The trail starts just past the dirt parking lot. Walk past the information signs and along a dirt path towards the jagged mountains. The route can be a little unclear in spots, just make sure to take the path that goes towards the tall red rock mountains. Once you are in the thick brush, you will come to a fork in the path. To the left you can take a short detour to a fun area with an alcove of towering red rock walls. You might even see some rock climbers there.
You will hit a big rock wall if you keep going straight on the trail. This is the end of the trail. Take some time in this area and explore. It tees at the wall, and if you go to the right, you will hit a small and tight slot canyon. The kiddos will love squeezing through the tight canyon walls.
When everyone has explored to their heart's content, you will turn around and go back the way you came.
CAMPING
Lambs Knoll has eight first come, first serve campsites that are free. Yes, I said free! They are tucked away and surrounded by stunning views. The campsites even have a firepit.
GOOD TO KNOW
There is a pit toilet in the parking lot but no water. You can buy water and snacks in La Verkin or Springdale before you head up.
ADDITIONAL TIPS & TRICKS
Lambs Knoll is best known as being a climbing/repelling attraction. Hire one of the local canyoneering companies and go even further into these magnificent rock structures with a sprinkle of adrenaline! My first time at Lambs Knoll was my very first canyoneering aventure EVER!!!! We took my then 6 & 4 yr olds. Check it out here.
This is the perfect spot for a lunch outing! Just a short distance from the parking lot resides a small covered picnic area with two covered picnic tables. Bring lunch or dinner and enjoy.
The drive alone to get to Lambs Knoll is more than worth it. This less popular section of the park has big open meadows, views, and towering sandstone walls. Tabernacle Dome, West Temple, and the Guardian Angels are a few of the landmark features you can see from Lambs Knoll.
If you are up for a lot of scrambling, trail finding and big adventure, then hike past the lower section of Lambs Knoll and right up to the top for breathtaking views of the valley below. The Lambs Knoll summit is an excellent place to catch a sunset. This is not a hike I recommend with kids.
If you’re not interested or prepared to hike to the base of Lambs Knoll, have no fear. From the parking area you can see the towering peaks & take in the 360º views.
There is no cost or fees to hike or access Lambs Knoll.
As always, please be respectful of the land. Leave no trace and pack in + out with anything you bring.
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
