Northgate Peaks from Wildcat Canyon

From the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road the Wildcat Canyon Trail heads east through ponderosa pine and open meadow, with Pine Valley Peak to the south. After about a mile it passes the Connector Trail and, a little further, reaches the Northgate Peaks Trail, which turns right. Keep straight on where a signpost marks the way down to the Subway. The trail ends on a pile of black volcanic boulders between the East and West Northgate Peaks, looking out to North Guardian Angel. Return the same way.

It is 4.3 miles (6.9 km) round trip with 130 feet (40 m) of climbing; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: it is almost flat, on sandy paths.

The trailhead is at about 7,000 feet, up the road that climbs from the town of Virgin. It has a car park and a pit toilet but no water. Kolob Terrace Road usually closes for several months from fall to spring because of snow, and deep snow can lie on the trail until late spring. Groups are limited to 12, and pets are not allowed. No permit is needed for a day hike. This is a quiet corner of the park, well away from the crowds of Zion Canyon.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.