Destination + the good:
Just drove the Kolob Terrace Rd (NOT Kolob Canyons Rd) for the first time. Very beautiful road from Virgin, UT with little traffic!
Got reservations for a night at Lava Point Campground.
Campground elevation is 7890ft and it's only open June-Sept due to winter snow. You'd think it would be a bit cooler in July at this elevation, but it was pretty warm out at night - temps probably in the 60's. Still, much cooler than Springdale campgrounds!
The bad:
There were also lots and lots of bugs! 😬 At 3pm, when the sun was still high, it was HOT and LOTS of flies. Once it got shaded (but not much cooler), mosquitos mixed in with the flies - 40% deet worked well :) At night, mosquitos buzzed around non-stop.
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Advice:
There are only 6 campsites at this campground. Each site has space for 2 small cars and 2 small tents (or 1 large van and 1 large tent). Don't bring a trailer here.
Bring a bug net to make a bug-free space over the picnic table or even over your tent.
You can only reserve your spot up to 2 weeks in advance at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10138237
Things to do:
A short walk from the campground leads to an overlook from which you can see some of the iconic peaks around Zion Canyon. Very nice at sunset and sunrise! There was a light breeze and no bugs :)
In the afternoon, to get away from the bugs and cool off, we drove 6 miles up the road to Kolob Reservoir and went swimming - the water is very refreshing. The entire reservoir is surrounded by campsites, but we found a pulloff to park the car and jump in the water. Looks like you can rent kayaks and SUPs, but we didn't.
The next morning, before driving back, we hiked to the Northgate Peaks. It's a pretty easy 2-mile walk to the saddle between the peaks, from which you get a nice view. You can hike up the left peak if you're sure-footed for an even nicer view. But going up the right peak is downright dangerous.