NORTHGATE PEAKS TRAIL 
TRAIL INFORMATIONVIEW PHOTOS!

Overview:
Northgate PeaksThe Northgate Peaks Trail is a short easy family hike to a fairly interesting viewpoint in the Kolob Terrace section of Zion. This unsung trail is a fairly recent addition to the park's canon of official trails and it offers a good escape from the crowds of the main canyon. To get to the trailhead, drive north up the Kolob Terrace Road (off of Route 9 in the town of Virgin, west of Springdale) roughly 15.5 miles to the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead. If you have never driven through the Terrace section before, you will find the scenery a fascinating change of pace from the scenery in the main canyon.

Detailed Description:
The trail to the Northgate Peaks is a pleasant 2 miles (4 miles round trip) mostly level hike through a fairly well-vegetated forest of the upper plateau. This is the "wet" side of the park, so it is a lot greener than Zion's main canyon.  Starting from the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, the trail (an old 4x4 road) heads southeast into a beautifully shaded forest. Less than a mile into the hike, you will join up with the Wildcat Canyon Connector Trail (stay left/east) and then moments later, you will take the Northgate Peaks spur trail south to the viewpoint.

The view at the end of the trail is more "subtle" than views from the West Rim Trail or the main canyon, but it gives you a fascinating peek into the Great West Canyon -- from the two Northgate Peaks to your left and right to the North Guardian Angel directly to the south and the Left Fork of North Creek ("The Subway") hidden behind.

Joe's Spin:
This isn't the most exciting trail in the park, but is one of the few easy hikes in the Kolob Terrace, so it's a great excuse to leave the main canyon and see some different scenery. The trail is fairly level with no exposed sections, so it would be a good choice for those hiking with children.

VIEW THE PHOTOGRAPHS! | Return to the Kolob Terrace


Northgate Peaks Trail Topo Map