State: Utah
Location: Zion National Park
Length, One-Way: 6 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 7010 feet
Elevation Change: 450 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Light
Bryce Point, Utah
Trail Information
The Wildcat Canyon Trail heads northeast from the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead along Kolob Terrace Road through Pine Valley and across Wildcat Canyon to the West Rim Trail. The trail crosses several drainages however, none are reliable water sources. The western portions of this trail lead through forested areas then the terrain opens to slickrock canyons with panoramic views of the Left Fork North Creek drainage.
This information describes the Wildcat Canyon Trail from the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead traveling from west to east. The trail can also be hiked from the east to reach Hop Valley or Kolob Arch from the West Rim Trail. Beginning at the trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road (el. 7,010 feet), trail heads east and descends into Pine Valley. One mile from the trailhead the Connector Trail meets the Wildcat Canyon Trail from the right. About 0.25 miles past the Connector Trail, the Northgate Peaks Trail also forks to the right.
Beyond the Northgate Trail, Wildcat Canyon Trail parallels a tributary of Little Creek for 0.5 miles before beginning a short climb into Russell Gulch. The trail climbs 150 feet after leaving the Little Creek tributary then contours the western wall of Russell Gulch for a 0.5 miles. The trail then follows Russell Gulch to its head before ascending out of the drainage.
The Wildcat Canyon Trail crosses a bench between Russell and Wildcat Canyons before descending 120 feet into Wildcat Canyons. The trail contours the western wall of the drainage, passing a spring before descending to Blue Creek. The Wildcat Canyon Trail then crosses Blue Creek then ascends a ridge and drops into the next drainage. Paralleling this waterway for 0.75 miles, the trail crosses it to meet the West Rim Trail. At this junction turn right to follow Horse Pasture Plateau into Zion Canyon. Turn left to reach the Lava Point Campground.
Directions
From Virgin:
Drive north on Kolob Terrace Road approximately 16 miles toward Kolob Reservoir. Look for a trailhead on the right side of the road immediately after Pocket Mesa.
