If Zion Canyon is the heart of Zion National Park, then Kolob Terrace is the where its soul lies. Ill-defined on the map but far from indistinct, Kolob Terrace has a distinctive feel about it, a wild, free, mysterious character loved by those who make time to visit. Primary access to Kolob Terrace is via the Kolob Terrace Road (KTR), a rolling, winding red road which begins in the town of Virgin (3,900 ft.) and takes us up layer after layer to the heights of Zion at Lava Point, and beyond to the mountains beyond.
Along the way, we pass through pastured river bottoms, basalt ridge-lines, fields of golden grass, sandstone monoliths, gorgeous aspen stands, and reminders of pioneers from the past. While there are few trails along the way, much of the terrain along the KTR can be hiked cross-country; just find a good parking spot and explore by foot!
Subway Bottom-Up (Non-Technical)
OVERVIEW
As a Zion icon, the Subway easily competes as the most popular entry-level canyoneering route in Zion. A series of slots, alcoves, pools, and waterfalls of marvelous beauty await dedicated hikers and photographers looking to experience it's classic curved walls. Due to its popularity, the Subway is managed by a quota reservation system and requires a permit to visit. For those without technical skills and the necessary gear to complete the Top-Down version of this canyon, the Bottom-Up is a great choice and allows visitors to explore many spectacular parts of this canyon. From the trailhead, hikers drop into the Left Fork of North Creek by traversing through steep switchbacks until hitting the river. Navigating up canyon, hikers encounter gradually narrowing walls until passing through the tunnel-like feature (giving the canyon its popular name, the Subway) and ending at Keyhole Falls.
LOGISTICS
Extra Notes
Reservations are required by Zion National Park and may be made up to three months in advance via a lottery system on the Zion National Park website. Last minute permits are sometimes available at the Backcountry Desk, but often sell out very quickly. Have a detailed route description and take note of the switchbacked at the beginning of your day so you don't miss it on your way out.
As a Zion icon, the Subway easily competes as the most popular entry-level canyoneering route in Zion. A series of slots, alcoves, pools, and waterfalls of marvelous beauty await dedicated hikers and photographers looking to experience it's classic curved walls. Due to its popularity, the Subway is managed by a quota reservation system and requires a permit to visit. For those without technical skills and the necessary gear to complete the Top-Down version of this canyon, the Bottom-Up is a great choice and allows visitors to explore many spectacular parts of this canyon. From the trailhead, hikers drop into the Left Fork of North Creek by traversing through steep switchbacks until hitting the river. Navigating up canyon, hikers encounter gradually narrowing walls until passing through the tunnel-like feature (giving the canyon its popular name, the Subway) and ending at Keyhole Falls.
LOGISTICS
- Trailhead: From Springdale, drive west on State Route 9 through Rockville and into Virgin (15 minutes). 1/4 mile after the Zion River Resort (on left), turn right on the Kolob Terrace road. Drive north for 8 miles until you reach the posted Left Fork Trailhead(on your right).
- Mileage: 7 miles (11.3 km), round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1000 feet (300 meters), net gain
- Approximate Hike Time: 6 - 10 hours, round-trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous, with off-trail hiking, navigation, and stream crossings
- Crowds: Depending on when you start your hike, you may see fewer hikers but this trail is still a popular trail.
Extra Notes
Reservations are required by Zion National Park and may be made up to three months in advance via a lottery system on the Zion National Park website. Last minute permits are sometimes available at the Backcountry Desk, but often sell out very quickly. Have a detailed route description and take note of the switchbacked at the beginning of your day so you don't miss it on your way out.
Northgate Peaks
OVERVIEW
This fairly flat hike casually saunters through cool alpine desert communities en route to a front-row encounter with the majestic Northgate Peaks and the canyon panorama beyond. To the south lie the North and South Guardian Angels; to the west, Greatheart Mesa towers over all. The southwestern view is especially striking, as the West Temple peak out above an incredible array of pinnacles and ridgelines.
This hike is very moderate, and reasonable for most groups. Take a picnic lunch to the lookout and dine amongst the quiet stone giants and stately Ponderosa pines.
LOGISTICS
WHEN TO GO
This fairly flat hike casually saunters through cool alpine desert communities en route to a front-row encounter with the majestic Northgate Peaks and the canyon panorama beyond. To the south lie the North and South Guardian Angels; to the west, Greatheart Mesa towers over all. The southwestern view is especially striking, as the West Temple peak out above an incredible array of pinnacles and ridgelines.
This hike is very moderate, and reasonable for most groups. Take a picnic lunch to the lookout and dine amongst the quiet stone giants and stately Ponderosa pines.
LOGISTICS
- Trailhead: From Springdale, drive west on State Route 9 through Rockville and into Virgin (15 minutes). 1/4 mile after the Zion River Resort (on left), turn right on the Kolob Terrace road. Drive north for 16 miles, past exquisite scenery, until you reach the posted Wildcat Canyon trailhead (on your right).
- Mileage: 4.2 miles (6.8 km), round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet (30 meters)
- Approximate Hike Time: 2 - 3 hours, round-trip
- Difficulty: Casual
- Crowds: You might see a few hikers who have sought out a less-beaten path... but you probably won’t see many.
WHEN TO GO
- April through October, the Peaks provide a cool respite from Zion Canyon, with stunning scenery to boot.
- November through March, the trail is often covered in snow, making it the best trail in Zion for XC skiing. Park at the base of Maloney Hill and ski (or walk) up to the Wildcat Canyon trailhead. The trail isn't marked, but you can follow the tracks of others OR ski off-trail, sticking to the expansive flat areas.
- Check conditions before going in winter or early spring, as the trail can be icy, muddy, or otherwise unwelcoming.
West Rim Trail
OVERVIEW
The West Rim Trail is a majestic tour of both the geology and the ecology of Zion. Easily the most popular backpacking route in Zion, this trail begins high in the alpine desert pines of Lava Point and meanders 3,300 feet down over 14 miles to the floor of Zion Canyon. Along the way, you pass the charred remnants of an old forest fire, exquisite fields of eye-catching wildflowers, edge-of-the-rim views of canyon labyrinths, and the awesome sculpted sandstone formations entering upper Zion Canyon. At the fork between Telephone Canyon and the West Rim, take the West Rim and save Telephone Canyon for another trip. The Rim is sweet stuff, featuring bold lookouts and swift mesa breakaways. Highly recommended by our staff.
LOGISTICS
WHEN TO GO
Autumn and late spring (late May - early June) are your best bets for the West Rim. Summer brings soaring temperatures and a busy trail; winter access is impossible without a a long, snow-covered hike with skis or snowshoes.
The West Rim Trail is a majestic tour of both the geology and the ecology of Zion. Easily the most popular backpacking route in Zion, this trail begins high in the alpine desert pines of Lava Point and meanders 3,300 feet down over 14 miles to the floor of Zion Canyon. Along the way, you pass the charred remnants of an old forest fire, exquisite fields of eye-catching wildflowers, edge-of-the-rim views of canyon labyrinths, and the awesome sculpted sandstone formations entering upper Zion Canyon. At the fork between Telephone Canyon and the West Rim, take the West Rim and save Telephone Canyon for another trip. The Rim is sweet stuff, featuring bold lookouts and swift mesa breakaways. Highly recommended by our staff.
LOGISTICS
- Trailhead: From Springdale, drive west on State Route 9 through Rockville and into Virgin (15 minutes). Just after the Zion River Resort, turn right on the Kolob Mountain Road. Drive north for 23 miles, past exquisite scenery, until you reach the posted dirt road to Lava Point, on your right. Follow the road and posted signs to the trailhead. The conditions of the lower reaches of this road are often poor; we recommend 4x4 or high-clearance vehicles, though sedans and compact cars often make it through the rough section reasonably. Savvy hikers hire a shuttle to drop them off at Lava Point, thus avoiding the 2 - 3 hour drive to retrieve their car after the trip. (If you do not have the luxury of two vehicles, you must hire a shuttle... OR hike back UP to your car!)
- Mileage: Via West Rim: 13.3 miles, one-way
- Elevation: 3,302 feet (1,004 meters)
- Approximate Hike Time: Via West Rim: 6 - 9 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate, with a few strenuous sections. Loss of 3,200 ft. at end.
- Crowds: The West Rim is the most popular backpacking route in the Park, part of the larger Trans-Zion Trek. Permits are required for overnight backpacking, but not for single day use.
WHEN TO GO
Autumn and late spring (late May - early June) are your best bets for the West Rim. Summer brings soaring temperatures and a busy trail; winter access is impossible without a a long, snow-covered hike with skis or snowshoes.
Subway Top-Down (Technical)
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OVERVIEW
As a Zion icon, the Subway easily competes as the most popular entry-level canyoneering route in Zion. A series of slots, alcoves, pools, and waterfalls of marvelous beauty await dedicated canyoneers looking to experience it's classic curved walls. Due to its popularity, the Subway is managed by a quota reservation system and requires a permit to visit. Canyoneers will begin their journey at the Wildcat Canyon Trail Head and navigate the backcountry of Zion to starting point of the Subway. |
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LOGISTICS
- Trailhead: Spotting a car at the Left Fork or scheduling a shuttle from Zion Adventure Company is highly recommend. From Springdale, drive west on State Route 9 through Rockville and into Virgin (15 minutes). 1/4 mile after the Zion River Resort (on left), turn right on the Kolob Terrace road. Spot your first car at the Left Fork Trail Head and proceed in the second car to Wildcat Canyon Trail Head. You will retrieve the car at Wildcat once you have completed the canyon, exiting at the Left Fork Trail Head.
- We highly recommend using a well defined backcountry route description, such as Canyoneering USA, for the most accurate and up to date information.
Extra Notes
Reservations are required by Zion National Park and may be made up to three months in advance via a lottery system on the Zion National Park website. Last minute permits are sometimes available at the Backcountry Desk, but often sell out very quickly. Have a detailed route description, extra clothes, water. and food for your trip. People have been stuck in the Subway overnight.
About Us
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