(Virgin, UT) — If you arrive at the right spot in southern Utah at the right time, some of the largest and rarest birds in the world might soar directly over your head.

A California condor stretches its wings as another looks on. If you arrive at the viewing site early in the morning, you should get a close look at the birds.

On June 18, the Division of Wildlife Resources will host its annual California condor viewing event. Dubbed "The Day of the Condor," the free event runs from 8 a.m. to noon at Lava Point. The point is 21 miles north of Virgin in southwestern Utah.

Those who attended the event last year were thrilled as they watched eight condors soar in the sky above them. "To give yourself the best chance to see the greatest number of birds," says Keith Day, a regional sensitive species biologist for the DWR, "try to be at the site by 8:00AM"

To reach the viewing site, take state Route 9 to Virgin. Then turn off Route 9 at the Kolob Reservoir turnoff in Virgin, and travel north through Zion National Park. The viewing site is 21-1/2 miles from Virgin near Kolob Reservoir.

After you've traveled 21-1/2 miles, look for DWR officers directing cars into a parking area on the south side of the road.

Biologists from the DWR, the National Park Service and The Peregrine Fund will be available to answer your questions. Free information about condors will also be available.