Although it’s not the most spectacular Zion National Park lookout, Lava Point Overlook is the highest‑elevation established lookout at about 7,890 ft (2,405 m) elevation. It’s also one of the easiest ones to reach – you can just about enjoy the views from your car. Situated on the Kolob Terrace, a high volcanic‑uplifted plateau, Lava Point Overlook offers a great view of the major Zion Canyon peaks to the south, including The Sentinel, The West Temple and Mount Kinesava.
Poking out behind Wildcat Canyon is North Guardian Angel.
To the east and south-east is the Kaibab Plateau, and the Pink Cliffs at the northern edge of the Grand Staircase in southern Utah.
The lookout has a few picnic tables; nearby is the Lava Point Campground, a small, primitive campground (there are six campsites that need to be reserved) with pit toilets. Although there are no hiking trails from Lava Point Overlook (other than the short stroll to the camp site), Lava Point is the starting point for:
- West Rim Trail – a 19 mile / 30km (one-way using shuttle service) trail down to Zion Canyon
- Wildcat Canyon Trail – a 10 mile / 16km (one-way with car-shuffle) trail down to Kolob Terrace Road
Getting to Lava Point Overlook
Lava Point is typically accessible from May through September, depending on the weather and winter snowpack depth. It’s near the end of Kolob Terrace Road, about 50 miles / 80km (1:15m drive) from St George. Lava Point Road is unsealed, but suitable for all cars (unless the road is wet).
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