Zion National Park – Kolob Terrace, Northgate Peaks Trail

on December 25, 2024

Introduction:

What? :

The relatively easy and level out and back trail from the Wildcat Canyon trailhead, right along Kolob Reservoir Road. The trail led to a rock ledge viewpoint that overlooks the west section of the Great West Canyon Mountain and Zion Wilderness, this viewpoint will be 2 miles away from the trailhead (one way).

Here you can see the impressive domes, Northgate Peaks West, Northgate Peaks East, and North Guardian Angel in the distance.

You can walk back from this point or hike additional 0.3 mile with steep 320 ft climbing to the top of the Northgate Peaks East and have a much better view in all directions.

Related Blogs:

Travel Time and Milage to Zion Visitor Center:

Salt Lake City, UT: 4 hours 23 minutes, 308 miles

Las Vegas, NV: 2 hours 39 minutes, 160 miles

St Gorge, UT: 1 hour, 42 miles

Bryce Canyon: 1 hour and 50 minutes, 82 miles

Kanab, UT: 1 hour, 41 miles

Page, AZ: 2 hours 20 minutes, 116 miles

Where? :

The Wildcat Canyon Trailhead is an easy-to-get parking lot is located 9.2 miles from the first park entrance up the Kolob Terrace Road.

The road enter the Zion Park area and loop around a large cattle grazing filed and then enter again the park boundaries, the road start to climb up and after a sharp U-turn in the road you will see the parking lot entrance on your right.

Subway "Top-Down" hike also starts at this trailhead. Remember that you need a permit and repelling equipment (&experience) if you are heading into the subway.

Google Map Link

When? :

Zion National Park is open year-round.

This road climb to high elevation and will be close in winter month when it is covered with snow. The closure begins at Maloney Hill, one mile east (north) of the Hop Valley Trailhead.

The summer are hot and sunny, but this is relatively high elevation, so it is not as hot as in the valleys and deep canyons.

The best time to visit here is during late spring, after snow melt, or fall.

This will be also a good time with less visitors, although the main park section is busy year-round.

Due note 1:

This road pas through Zion Park area but there is no park entry kiosk or visitor center here. The Kolob Reservoir that is the end of the road is not in the park area.

Due note 2:

Pit toilets are located at the Hop Valley Trailhead, Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, and at the Lava Point Campground.

Not sure if there is a water filling location in this section of the park.

Minimal to no cellphone reception.

No gas station or any other service at this road.

Due note 3:

Primitive camping is available at Lava Point, the highest point in Zion National Park, 7,700 Feet Above Sea Level.

Due note 4:

Pets are not permitted on any trail.

Due note 5:

Wilderness Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips, all through-hikes of The Narrows and its tributaries, all canyons requiring the use of descending gear or ropes, and all trips into Left Fork of North Creek (The Subway).

Due note 6:

This section of the park is much less visited than Zion Canyon but when I visit here the small parking was half full and I saw several other hiker groups on the trail, but it was not a crowded trail as any trail in the main park section.

My thoughts:

I really like this hike, unexpected viewpoint and some climbing challenge. It was a relatively hot early fall day so bring a lot of water with you.

The view from the top of Northgate Peaks East and it is not a challenging climb, take it slow when doing the steep but short climb to the top.

The Hike:

From Wildcat Canyon Trailhead there is a clear marked trail leading into the forest. The trail is clear and level so it can be good destination to families and kids.

After a short 0.9 mile walk you will see connector trail on your right and once you reach one mile the connector trail will head to the left and you turn to the right.

Soon after you will see the Subway "Top-Down" trail forking to the left.

This will be a nice place to stop and look one the view below you and far to the east.

Keep hiking south on the ridgeline and enjoy the large tree forest view.

After 2 miles from the trailhead you will reach an open basaltic landscape, climb on the rock at the edge of the cliff, you reach the viewpoint.

Below you can see the Left Fork of North Creek area, the two near and dominate Navajo sandstone summits.

On your right Northgate Peaks West and on your left Northgate Peaks East.

Far between them you can see North Guardian Angel in the distance.

This is the end of the “family-friendly” section of the hike, getting to this point is 2 miles and it will take you less than an hour.

If you want more adventure and some steep uphill, you can keep hiking up to Northgate Peaks East.

From the viewpoint you need to follow the trail to your left and find your way to the lower section saddle before Northgate Peaks East. A short walk will take you to an exposed rocky section.

From this low point there is a nice view to the east ridges and mountain peaks.

You do not need any rock scrambling or climbing experience, it is “just” very steep section where you need to climb up to the top of the dome.

Although steep there is no technically difficult or dangerously exposed sections to overcome so also kids can do it, just take it slowly.

At this exposed slickrock section I did not see any leading Cairns but the general direction of the tight gorge leading up is clear.

After entering the “creek” leading up you will see the clear trail overcoming trees and rocks, just walk up all the way to the end.

Once you reach the top of Northgate Peaks East you will be reworded by a great view of Russell Gulch, the Left Fork, and the Guardian Angels to the south and Northgate Peaks West.

Rest drink or eat something and enjoy the view.

Once you are done you need to return down the same way you climb up.

At the base of the dome, you need to find the trail leading back up to the rock viewpoint and from there it is another 2 miles back to the parking lot.

For the more adventurous and experience climbers you can hike from here to West Northgate Peak (Class 3 Scramble).

Warning Note:

If you want to climb to the top of Northgate Peaks West, you need to expect to do some exposed rock scrambling/climbing. This strenuous climb is not for everyone; I tried to do this but halfway I turn around and went down. I’m hiking alone and this climb was too much exposure for me, a slip or mistake here can be devastating accident, result in serious injury.

From the saddle, do not climb back to the viewpoint, instead take the gorge heading down.

After a short walk down the gorge you will see another creek joining from your right, head into the direction of that creek, the viewpoint will be above you on your right and West Northgate Peak on your left.

Here there is an unmaintained trail leading up the creek, keep walking up to the point you are reaching the far north of the dome, here you start your climb.

From this point climb to the left and start hiking up the spine of the massive slickrock formation, looking for cracks and shelves to follow.

It is relatively easy to climb at first but as you get higher the slope become steeper and more expose to heights. You will need to find rock cracks and walking shelf leading up and you will need to use your hands for support.

At some point I felt that it is too dangerous for my climbing and comfort level and the risk of falling is too high, so I stop with my climb.

I’m hiking alone and I always try not to push the safety limits.

I did enjoy the hike up to this point and the view to the west and the rock pattern was interesting.

I carefully walk my way back down the steep section and reach the creek below.

From here you need to walk straight up the creek side in the direction of the trail on the ridgeline, this will be a quarter of a mile hike.

Once you reach the trail head left and hike all the way back to the trailhead parking.

Summery:

Overall, including the climb to Northgate Peaks East and the attempt climbing to West Northgate Peak this was a 6.2-mile-long hike, and it took me almost 3 hours and 30 min (include all resting and climbing trials).

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