Just as road work on the main route to Zion National Park's south entrance is winding down ... it's moving to the Kolob Canyons entrance of the park located in southwestern Utah.

Park staff say access to portions of the Kolob Canyon district of the park will be restricted for about seven months beginning May 1. The project involves reconstructing sections of the road, repaving the entire road, and adding accessible parking, sidewalk, and toilet facilities. All of Kolob Canyon Road, the Visitor Center and parking lot off of Interstate 15, will be closed to all traffic during the project. The Taylor Creek Trail, the Timber Creek Overlook Trail, Lee Pass Trailhead and other areas served via the Kolob Canyons Road will not be available to the public.

Overnight permitted hikes will be drop off/pick up only, from April 15 through 30. No vehicles or hiking will be permitted inside the closure beginning May 1. Construction engineers and park officials have determined that closing these areas during the project will be safest for visitors and workers, as well as expediting the work, so the area may open at the soonest possible date.

Visitors will be able to access the La Verkin Creek Trail and hike to the Kolob Arch via the Hop Valley Trail. Visitors may access the Hop Valley Trailhead from the Kolob Terrace Road. Overnight trips require a permit. There are many surrounding State Parks, Forest Service and public land scenic areas to consider as alternatives to Kolob Canyons during this closure.

Meanwhile, road work on Utah 9 leading to Springdale, a project that started last fall, should wrap up in mid-April.