Northgate Peaks

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain/Loss: 250 feet / 75 meters gain

Average Hiking Time: 2 to 4 hours

Distance: 4 miles / 6.5 km round trip

Trailhead Location: Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, approximately 15.5 miles up the Kolob Terrace Rd. from Virgin, UT. This trail is a link-up of the Wildcat Canyon Trail for the first mile and Northgate Peaks Trail for the second mile.

Optimal Time to Hike: Generally year-round. December-March snow conditions restrict access, or may require additional hiking or snowshoeing from the “winter parking coordinates” to the “Summer parking coordinates”.

Experience: This easily accessible alpine hike is a blessed relief from the crowds and scorching summer temperatures in Zion Canyon. Beginning at 6900 feet / 2100 meters, the low-angle trail does not stress the lungs, but the views widen the eyes. The Northgate Peaks and the North Guardian Angel can be summited by savvy climbers. Giant ponderosa pine adorn the trail, often myriad wildflowers.