State: Utah
Location: Zion National Park
Length, Round Trip: 13.4 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5300 feet
Maximum Elevation: 6230 feet
Elevation Change: 1080 feet
Best Season: Spring, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate
Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon, Utah
Trail Information
The Hop Valley Trail heads northwest from Kolob Terrace Road. The trail is nearly seven miles one-way. It ends at the La Verkin Creek Trail 0.5 miles east of Kolob Arch Trail. There are three primitive campsites along this route. They lie at the northern end of the trail within three miles of La Verkin Creek. This trail can be combined with La Verkin Creek Trail, Connector Trail, Wildcat Canyon Trail and the West Rim Trail to create a long backpacking trek (requiring a shuttle) through the western portion of Zion National Park.
The Hop Valley Trail begins from Kolob Terrace Road approximately 14.5 miles north of Virgin. The trailhead lies at 6,350 feet between two prominent knolls: Firepit Knoll and Spendlove Knoll. The trail heads north and descends immediately into a small drainage. The trail crosses the drainage and passes Firepit Knoll with views of its western slopes.
The Hop Valley Trail passes through a fairly level area between Red Butte and Firepit Knoll. About 2 miles from the trailhead, the trail reaches the a tributary of the Hop Valley drainage. It crosses a small drainage then heads between two small creeks.
About 1 mile after crossing into Hop Valley, the Hop Valley Trail meets the primary drainage and begins to follow it. The creek cuts through a steep wall on the east. The steep canyon wall gives way to gentle slopes at the mouth of a small tributary. Once the trail reaches this tributary, it enters a sandy portion of the wash. The route descends slowly over the next few miles as it heads through deep sand. The canyon walls on the eastern side of the drainage steepen after passing this tributary. About 0.5 miles downstream another small stream empties into Hop Valley. Across Hop Valley from this tributary is a steep rock wall that marks the mouth of a canyon. This waterway drains into Hop Valley from the ridges south of Burnt Mountain.
Continuing down valley, the western walls of the canyon become very steep climbing over 500 feet high. The trail continues leading through sand and soon reaches the mouth of Langston Canyon. This tributary enters the waterway from the east, flowing downfrom Langston Mountain. Downstream from Langston Canyon, the trail turns west then east following the flow of Hop Valley.
Less than 0.5 miles downstream from Langston Canyon is the first of three campsites. This is campsite C and it can accommodate up to seven people. In the next mile are two more campsites, both on the eastern side of the trail. Campsite B can accommodate seven people and Campsite A can accommodate up to twelve people.
Shortly after passing Campsite A, the Hop Valley Trail leaves the Hop Valley drainage and ascends the western side of the drainage. The trail climbs around 170 feet to a bench above the drainage. After traveling along this bench for about 0.5 miles, the trail descends on switchbacks for the 450 feet to La Verkin Creek. The are additional primitive campsites along La Verkin Creek. The Kolob Arch Trail is less than 0.5 miles west on the La Verkin Creek Trail.
Directions
From Virgin:
Drive north on Kolob Terrace Road approximately 14.5 miles toward Kolob Reservoir. Look for the trailhead on the right side of the road immediately after Spendlove Knoll.
