Kolob Canyon Closure

In case anyone was planning to visit:

https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/news/kolob-canyons-to-close-for-construction-projects.htm

So does it mean that climbing in Kolob Canyon is impossible ? or from april 15th only ? 

Closure date was moved back to May 1st. After that, you won't be able to climb in Kolob for ~6 months.

According to the NPS, you won't be allowed to hike the long way in either.  

https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/news/kolob-canyons-to-close-for-construction-projects.htm

Please do your best at explaining the why.  Thanks.

While you can technically still climb in there, the access is super prohibitive. They're redoing the road, so no driving in, and no hiking along the road. To hike in via Taylor creek would be 4 miles each way of creek walking, bushwacking, and a little bit of 4/5th class scrambling. To hike in via La Verkin creek would be mostly trail walking but would be something like 18 miles each way.

Basically, don't plan on it this year till autumn.

Does this mean I can or can not climb there this weekend?

Wait...how am i going to get super sick pics for my insta???

Trad Man wrote: Does this mean I can or can not climb there this weekend?

Trad Asshole was taken

Drove past today.
Barriers erected right down at the Stop sign.
I heard that they are actually reducing parking at the Taylor Creek trailhead to keep out hikers. Thats messed up.
(The NPS already screwed up with the $185K solar toilet that they were warned could not handle the traffic.)

edit
the barriers don't even permit VC parking.

What's to stop you from, say, riding your bike in at night when the road crew isn't there?

Just a hypothetical....

You could still hike La Verkin trail if you feel like backpacking in. Climbed Namaste on April 30, it was sweet, good crew there enjoying the last day for awhile

Is Kolob / namaste still inaccessible?

kirill langer wrote: Is Kolob / namaste still inaccessible?

No, the whole canyon is closed.

Paul Morrison wrote: What's to stop you from, say, riding your bike in at night when the road crew isn't there?

Just a hypothetical....

EJN wrote: You know rangers read these threads, right?

Yes, I know. What's your point?

Paul Morrison wrote:

Yes, I know. What's your point?

Taking a stab at the point...Climbers, as a user group, should be respectful of land manager rules and regulations and do our best to be stewards of the places we climb. 

groan

Trad Man wrote: groan

Word.

I wish the stewards were better stewards.

Anybody know the story of the Kolob Fingers' solar toilet.

$185,000 of taxpayer money down the tube.

kirill langer wrote: Is Kolob / namaste still inaccessible?

For the folks asking about status, consider that the road closed at the start of May for a 7 month project. Do the arithmetic.