Kolob Terrace Wilderness Trail Descriptions

View from the connector trail with a field of flowers extending into dramatic cliffs and sandstone domes
The Connector Trail provides some of the most dramatic views from the Kolob Terrace.

NPS Photo

 

Group Size Limits

Large groups result in larger impacts. Trails in the Zion Wilderness have a group size limit in order to help protect the wilderness character of the area. Group size limits are strictly enforced. Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 people that share the same affiliation (e.g., school, club, scout group, colleagues, family, friends, or a combination thereof).
Groups that exceed these limits may not split up and visit the same drainage or wilderness trail on the same day, but may split up and visit different areas.

Restrooms

Water filling stations are not available at any of these trailheads. Fill your water before you arrive. Pit toilets are located at the Hop Valley Trailhead, Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, and at the Lava Point Campground. Always use the restroom before hiking. If you are on the trail, be prepared to pack out human waste, toilet paper, diapers, and hygiene products. Human waste disposal bags are highly recommended to transport solid waste. Please follow Leave No Trace principles while in the park.

Pets

Pets are not permitted on these trails. The only trail for pets is the Pa'rus Trail.

 
image of the trail map for the Kolob Terrace area
Download the Wilderness Guide from our website for the full map of the Zion Wilderness

Trail Descriptions

These are not loop hikes. Roundtrip distances listed may be for out and back trips, or one way distances are listed. Hikers do not need to travel the full distance, they can turn around at any point and return the way they came. Overnight trips require a wilderness permit.

Hop Valley Trail

Trailhead Location: Hop Valley Trailhead on the Kolob Terrace Road
Distance (roundtrip): 13.0 miles / 21 km to La Verkin Creek and back
Elevation Change: 1,050 feet / 320 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours roundtrip
Description: The trail begins off the Kolob Terrace Road and wanders through the open fields with wide views of the surrounding rock formations. As you near Hop Valley, the trail starts its descent. The valley floor of Hop Valley is breathtaking with its flat sandy bottom and vertical walls rising on both sides. The trail is sandy but well worn. It is common to see cows on this route since the trail passes through private inholdings. Please respect these property rights to help maintain access.

Connector Trail

Trailhead Location: Hop Valley Trailhead or Wildcat Canyon Trailhead on the Kolob Terrace Road
Distance (one way): 5.1 miles / 8.2 km from Hop Valley Trailhead to Wildcat Canyon Trailhead
Elevation Change: 500 feet / 152 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 2 hours one way.
Description: This trail connects the Hop Valley Trail to Wildcat and Northgate Peaks Trails. It hikes through beautiful sandstone slickrock and ponderosa pine forests. The hike parallels the road with views into the upper Coal Pits area before climbing under Pine Valley Peak towards the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead.

Wildcat Canyon Trail

Trailhead Location: Wildcat Canyon Trailhead and West Rim Trailhead on the Kolob Terrace Road
Distance (one way): 5.8 miles / 1.6 km between Wildcat Canyon and West Rim Trailheads
Elevation Change: 100 feet / 30 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 hours one way
Description: This trail starts from Wildcat Trailhead and goes past the Northgate Peaks Trail Junction offering views of the Northgate Peaks as it winds through the ponderosa pine forest. It opens into meadows before coming to the edge of Wildcat Canyon offering views down into the deep canyon. After crossing the canyon, the trail climbs slightly until connecting with the West Rim Trail.

Northgate Peaks Trail

Trailhead Location: Wildcat Canyon Trailhead on the Kolob Terrace Road
Distance (roundtrip): 4.2 miles / 6.8 km from the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead
Elevation Change: 100 feet / 30 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 2 hours roundtrip
Description: This hike turns off the Wildcat Canyon Trail and leads hikers to the Northgate Peaks. The trail wanders through quaking aspen and mixed conifer forests before arriving at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Northgate Peaks, Guardian Angels, and other rugged mountains of the Zion Wilderness.

West Rim Trail via Lava Point

Trailhead Location: West Rim Trailhead at Lava Point on the Kolob Terrace Road (Trailhead may be inaccessible during winter due to snow).
Distance (roundtrip): 19.0 miles / 30.6 km
Elevation Change: 1,500 feet / 450 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 9 hours roundtrip
Description: The trail starts at the West Rim trailhead near Lava Point and traverses across the high elevation rim with sweeping views into the Wildcat Canyon, Potato Hollow, and Phantom Valley. The trail forks at Telephone Canyon, but both trails take you to Cabin Spring. At Cabin Spring, more than 9 miles from Lava Point, hikers can either turn around and hike back, or drop down towards the main Zion Canyon. The hike down is a steep drop in elevation and descends 2,500 feet over 4.4 miles, ending at the Grotto Trailhead. Do not do the through hike unless you have previously planned on it (most hikers will use a commercial shuttle to reach the start).

Last updated: February 15, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.

Springdale, UT 84767

Phone:

435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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