Northgate Peaks Trail

Northgate Peaks Trail is a 4.2-mile out-and-back from Wildcat Canyon Trailhead to a rocky overlook on Zion’s high plateau. It follows Wildcat Canyon Trail for the approach, then branches south on the Northgate spur; the mapped corridor is about 2.1 miles each way. The route gains only about 100 feet, so it is an easy hike if you are comfortable with the distance. Allow two to three hours with time to look around. The destination is the viewpoint, not a climb of either peak.

From Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, head east on Wildcat Canyon Trail. After about 1.2 miles, pass the Connector Trail junction and turn right onto Northgate Peaks Trail. The dirt singletrack continues south through ponderosa pine, aspen and mixed-conifer forest, with open woodland and meadow sections. Keep track of that turn: Wildcat Canyon continues beyond it toward its own canyon and the West Rim, while Northgate Peaks is the spur to the overlook.

The trail ends at a jumble of dark volcanic boulders between rounded East and West Northgate Peaks. From the rocky perch, look toward North Guardian Angel, across Great West Canyon and down toward The Subway. The high plateau feels far removed from the park’s busier canyon floor. For a photo, use the dark rocks in the foreground and frame North Guardian Angel beyond the pine basin. Climbing either Northgate Peak is a separate scramble and is not part of this route.

Wildcat Canyon Trailhead is on Kolob Terrace Road. There is a pit toilet at the trailhead but no water-filling station, so bring what you need. Pets are not allowed on this trail. Zion’s Kolob Terrace trails are best in late spring through fall; deep winter snow can linger until late spring, so check road and trail access before driving up.