Lava Point

At a glance

• Location: Zion area of Zion National Park
• Place type: Trailhead
• Typical access: May through September, when weather permits
• Facilities: Restrooms, auto parking, picnic table, trash receptacles, and a scenic photo spot
• Nearby campground: Lava Point Campground
• Nearby viewpoint: Lava Point Overlook, about 0.2 miles away
• Visitor center: Zion Canyon, about 13 miles away
• Gateway towns: Springdale, Utah, about 14 miles away; Hurricane, Utah, about 20 miles away

Why visit

Lava Point combines trail access, camping facilities, picnicking, and a scenic viewpoint in one part of Zion National Park. The overlook and designated photo spot provide the area's primary sightseeing opportunities.

Access is seasonal and depends on weather, so Lava Point requires more advance planning than a year-round roadside stop.

Hikers can start Barney’s Trail here. The West Rim Trail and Wildcat Canyon Trail are also nearby. Restrooms, parking, trash receptacles, and a picnic table support short visits and trail preparations.

Getting there

Lava Point lies off Kolob Terrace Road. From Zion Canyon’s South Entrance, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The Zion Canyon visitor center is about 13 miles away. Springdale, Utah, is about 14 miles away in a straight line. Hurricane, Utah, is about 20 miles away.

The airports listed for trip planning are St. George Regional Airport, identified by code SGU, and Harry Reid International Airport, identified by code LAS.

Auto parking is available at Lava Point. Weather can affect access, which is generally possible from May through September.

What to see and do

Lava Point serves as a starting point for Barney’s Trail. The trail is about 0.3 miles as mapped by the National Park Service.

Lava Point Overlook is about 0.2 miles away. The area is designated as a scenic view and photo spot. A picnic table is also about 0.2 miles away.

Visitors can use Lava Point as a base for nearby hikes. West Rim Trail is about 0.6 miles away and about 14.4 miles as mapped. Wildcat Canyon Trail is also about 0.6 miles away and about 5.7 miles as mapped.

Lava Point Campground is at the same location. Its campground restroom and Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are all listed at Lava Point.

The area has restrooms, auto parking, a picnic table, and trash receptacles. These amenities make it possible to prepare for a hike, stop for a meal, or visit the overlook.

History and nature

Zion’s weather changes significantly with elevation, making conditions at Lava Point potentially different from those in lower park areas.

Day and night temperatures in Zion can vary by more than 30°F, or 16°C. Summer temperatures elsewhere in the park often rise above 100°F, or 38°C.

Zion’s monsoon season runs from mid-July through September. These storms increase the risk of flash floods. Storms and lightning are also important hazards throughout the park.

Winters in Zion are generally mild. However, Lava Point’s access remains weather-dependent and is usually limited to May through September.

When to go

Lava Point is typically reachable from May through September, provided weather conditions allow. Access may change within that period, so current road and weather information matters.

Summer can bring temperatures above 100°F, or 38°C, in Zion National Park. Temperatures vary by elevation, and daytime and nighttime readings can differ by more than 30°F, or 16°C.

From mid-July into September, monsoon storms create greater flash-flood risk. Visitors should watch for storms and lightning and prepare for a broad range of conditions.

Zion National Park remains open every day of the year. That year-round park schedule does not mean Lava Point is accessible throughout the year.

Accessibility

Lava Point has auto parking and restrooms. A picnic table, trash receptacles, and a designated scenic view and photo spot are also available in the area.

The supplied park information does not describe accessible parking spaces, restroom features, trail surfaces, grades, or overlook access. Check the park’s current accessibility information before traveling.

Fees and rules

Zion National Park lists these entrance fees:

• Private vehicle: $35
• Motorcycle: $30
• Snowmobile: $20
• Per person: $20

Follow posted rules at the trailhead, overlook, picnic area, and campground. Use the provided trash receptacles and leave no trace.

Because Lava Point access depends on seasonal weather, an entrance fee does not guarantee that the road or area will be open.

Nearby trails and places

Barney’s Trail begins at Lava Point and is about 0.3 miles as mapped. It is the closest listed trail.

West Rim Trail is about 0.6 miles away. It is about 14.4 miles as mapped by the National Park Service. Wildcat Canyon Trail is also about 0.6 miles away and about 5.7 miles as mapped.

Lava Point Overlook and a picnic table are each about 0.2 miles away. Lava Point Campground, its restroom, and all 6 listed campsites are at the same location as the trailhead.

The listed campsites are Lava Point Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The campground provides another reason to use Lava Point as a hiking and sightseeing base.

Zion Canyon is the main visitor center listed for Lava Point and is about 13 miles away. Springdale and Hurricane are the nearby gateway towns identified for trip planning.

Before you go

Check current conditions, road status, weather, and park alerts on Zion National Park’s National Park Service website. Lava Point is generally accessible from May through September, but weather determines actual access.

Carry water and pack layers. Zion’s temperatures vary by elevation, and conditions can shift substantially between day and night.

During the monsoon period from mid-July through September, monitor storm conditions and flash-flood risk. Be alert for lightning and follow posted closures or warnings.

Allow approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the area from Zion Canyon’s South Entrance. Follow posted rules, dispose of waste properly, and leave no trace.

Questions