(Springdale, AZ) - The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center in Zion National Park will be temporarily closed for approximately two weeks while the building undergoes reconstruction. The closure begins on Monday, January 17, 2011 and will continue through January 31, 2011. The closure may last longer if problems are encountered during reconstruction. The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is located in the Kolob

Canyons section of Zion National Park, along U.S. Interstate 15, 20 miles south of Cedar City, Utah. The Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive will remain open during this period as long as weather permits. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center located near the park’s south entrance in Springdale will remain open.

The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center reconstruction project is intended to create more and safer work space for the employees and make the area more accessible for disabled visitors and staff. It will also incorporate new interpretive and informational displays, including a video highlighting the Kolob Canyons area of Zion National Park.

During the temporary closure of the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center all backcountry permits must be obtained from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center located near Springdale, Utah. There will be no entrance fees charged to the Kolob Canyons area of the park during the visitor center closure. Restroom facilities on the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive will be available at the Timber Creek Overlook at the end of the drive. There is also a rest area with full facilities available approximately four miles north of the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center along Interstate 15.