Zion National Park

Wildcat Canyon Trail

moderate Solitude SeekersWildflower SeasonLoop Routes
5.8 mi Distance
100 ft Elevation Gain
Varies Estimated Time
one_way Trail Type

What to Expect

Wildcat Canyon is Zion's quiet side — a nearly flat 5.8-mile one-way ramble through the Kolob Terrace that most visitors never discover. You'll start in thick ponderosa pine forest where the air smells like butterscotch bark on warm days, passing the junction for Northgate Peaks before the trees thin and the trail opens into broad, grassy meadows. The canyon itself drops away to your left in dramatic fashion — sheer sandstone walls plunging hundreds of feet while you stroll along the rim with minimal effort. With barely any elevation change, this feels more like a backcountry walk than a hike. The trail connects to the Hop Valley and Connector trails, making it a versatile piece of longer loop options. Solitude seekers and hikers who prefer scenery without suffering will find this trail deeply satisfying.
Solitude SeekersWildflower SeasonLoop RoutesEasy BackcountryPhotographers

Safety Advisory

Kolob Terrace Road closes seasonally due to snow, typically from November through May — check road status with the visitor center before driving up, as conditions change fast at this elevation.

The canyon rim sections have no railings or barriers, and the drop-offs are genuine — keep a safe distance from the edge, especially in wet conditions when the sandstone becomes slick.

Trail Details

Distance 5.8 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain 100 ft
Difficulty moderate
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type one_way
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Wildcat Canyon Trail

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Access is via Kolob Terrace Road from Virgin — the trailhead sits at around 7,400 feet, so start from the Wildcat Canyon trailhead parking area rather than the longer approach from Lava Point to save time and energy.

Trail Tip

This trail works beautifully as the return leg of a Northgate Peaks loop — hike out to the Peaks viewpoint first, then follow Wildcat Canyon back for a roughly 10-mile day with varied scenery.

Trail Tip

The meadow sections about halfway along offer some of the best wildflower displays in Zion during July and early August — lupine, Indian paintbrush, and mule's ear carpet the openings between pine groves.

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Explore Zion National Park

3 campgrounds, 65 trails, 4.9M annual visitors

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