Overview: This hike casually strolls through cool alpine desert communities en route to a front-row encounter with the majestic Northgate Peaks and the magnificent canyon panorama beyond. To the south lie the North and South Guardian Angels; to the west, Greatheart Mesa towers over all. Take a picnic lunch to the lookout and dine amongst humbling giants of stone.

Trailhead: From Springdale, drive west on SR 9 through Rockville and into Virgin (15 minutes). Just after the Zion River Resort, turn right on the Kolob Terrace road. Drive north for 16 miles, past exquisite scenery, until you reach the posted Wildcat Canyon trailhead (on your right).

Mileage: 4.2 miles (6.8 km), round-trip

Elevation Loss: 100 feet (30 meters)

Approximate Hike Time: 2 - 3 hours, round-trip

Difficulty: Casual

Best Times of Day: The high elevation and exposed lookout at Northgate Peaks can lead to chilly temperatures. Mornings and late afternoons are best in summer; noontime hikes are great in spring or fall.

Best Times of Year: April through October, Wildcat Canyon provides a cool respite from Zion Canyon, with stunning scenery to boot. November through March, the trail is often covered in snow and/or ice. Check conditions before going in the winter or early spring.

Crowds: You might see a few hikers who have sought out a less-beaten path... but you probably won't see many.

Water Sources: There are no water sources along this trail.

Camping: After the Northgate Peaks trail splits off from the Wildcat Canyon and Subway trails, it follows a shrinking "peninsula" out to the lookout. This peninsula and the valley beyond it have an "open camping" designation; backpackers may camp anywhere at least 200 yards away from all trails and water sources. A permit is still required to camp in this area.

Don’t Miss: Hugging a very large Ponderosa pine tree, deciding whether the bark smells like butterscotch or vanilla, and enjoying the wind blowing across the plateau on an otherwise hot summer day.

Special Notes:
- Northgate Peaks is a great introduction to the Kolob Terrace and a reasonable hike for most families.