State: Utah
Location: Zion National Park
Length, One-Way: 4 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 6230 feet
Maximum Elevation: 6930 feet
Elevation Change: 700 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Light
Bryce Canyon Utah
Trail Information
The Connector Trail is a moderately difficult trail connecting the Hop Valley Trail to the Wildcat Canyon Trail. It heads for 4 miles one way through the Lava Fields south of Kolob Terrace Road. The beginning of this trail heads through exposed and rocky terrain then enters a mixed forest as it climbs into Pine Valley. There is no camping permitted along this route but permits are needed if camping in Wildcat Canyon or Hop Valley. This area is often snow-covered in early spring and winter and summer and fall are the best seasons in which to use this trail.
The Connector Trail begins from the Hop Valley Trailhead along Kolob Terrace Road just north of Spendlove Knoll. The elevation of the trailhead is 6,230 feet and the trail ascends slowly east through exposed terrain. Within the first mile the trail reaches 6,500 feet then begins to descend to Pine Spring. The trail enters the forest above Pine Spring.
After crossing a small drainage flowing south to Left Fork North Creek, the Connector Trail climbs out of the drainage. It rounds a ridge extending from Pine Valley Peak then ascends the ridge. This is the steepest section of the trail, gaining 250 feet in 0.25 miles. Once on the ridge the trail levels out for about a mile and passes the northeastern slopes of Pine Valley Peak, elevation 7,428 feet, before descending into Pine Valley. The trail crosses Little Creek several times before reaching Wildcat Canyon Trail. The elevation of this junction is 6,930 feet. To reach Northgate Peaks Trail turn right at this junction. To reach the parking area for Wildcat Canyon Trail on Kolob Terrace Road turn left at this junction.
Directions
From Virgin:
Drive north on Kolob Terrace Road for approximately 14.5 miles toward Kolob Reservoir. Look for a trailhead on the right side of the road immediately after Spendlove Knoll.
