Kolob Reservoir

Kolob Reservoir is a large body of water in Washington County in southern Utah, created in 1956 when the Kolob Creek Dam was completed. The water sits at an elevation above 8,000 feet and is surrounded by aspen and evergreen trees, with clear water that reflects the rocky formations and forest around it.

The dam was constructed and the reservoir officially opened in 1957, after decades of planning that faced obstacles due to its original location within what is now Zion National Park boundaries. Prior to development, the land had been used by local Native American tribes for generations.

The name Kolob refers to local landscape and regional heritage, used historically to describe places of spiritual or natural significance in the area. Today, visitors can experience this connection by observing how the reservoir sits within a landscape that holds deep meaning for those who spend time there.

Access is best from early spring through late fall when roads are clear of snow, though unpaved sections can become slippery if wet and require careful driving. Bring supplies with you since there are few built-up facilities, and watch for hikers and horseback riders sharing the roads.

In 2018, researchers discovered three invasive fish species that had been illegally introduced, threatening the native ecosystem of rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. Authorities drained water levels and used a treatment to remove them, then introduced tiger trout for the first time as part of restoration efforts.