UTAH - KOLOB CANYON OF ZION NATIONAL PARK

Just 2 miles from the noise and traffic of interstate 15 lies the Kolob Canyons region of Zion National Park, a quiet, colorful and scenic collection of red cliffs and narrow canyons with none of the overcrowding problems that affect the main valley 20 miles to the southeast. To drive between the two sections takes over an hour, which is one reason why most tourists miss this little-known northern area, and stick to the frequently travelled east west route, part of the 'Grand Circle' of the Southwest through Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon and beyond.

The first inhabitants of the Kolob area were the Anasazi or "the ancient ones". Very little is know about the Anasazi or why they disappeared from the Southwest region about 1200 AD. The Paiutes were next to establish themselves in the area. The explorers Father Escalante and Father Dominguez first documented the Kolob Canyons as they tried to establish a trail from New Mexico to California. Mormon pioneers settled the Kolob area in 1852. They used the area for a variety of purposes, including cutting timber, raising livestock, and prospecting for minerals. According to Mormon scripture, the word "Kolob" means "the star nearest to the residence of God" .

Information above and some captions are from http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/; http://www.scenicsouthernutah.com/national_parks/kolob_canyons.shtml; http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/point-of-interest-kolob-canyons-zion-national-park/article120984.html; http://www.nps.gov/zion/; http://www.zionnational-park.com/kolob-canyons.htm

Where in the world is KOLOB CANYON?