Northgate Peaks Trail
Table of contents
The Northgate Peaks Trail is a low-traffic hike with beautiful views of the Northgate Peaks framing the summit of the North Guardian Angel. This hike is mostly level and is a good option for families. More experienced hikers have the option of adding a scramble to the end of the trail to reach the Northgate Peak summits.
Route Description for Northgate Peaks Trail
The Northgate Peaks trail is an easy hike that tracks through ponderosa pine forest and over slanting slickrock. The hiking portion of this trail ends at Lava Point where the trail vanishes and gives way to a scramble up to the Northgate Peaks. This scramble is recommended for experienced hikers only and not for families with children. Lava Point is a great spot to have lunch while gazing up at the peaks to your south.
From the trailhead off of Kolob Reservoir Road, follow the Wildcat Canyon trail for 1.6 km. Take the second trail on your right to begin your journey on the Northgate Peaks Trail. This trail will divide almost immediately, stick to your right and follow the trail south. At the next divide, approximately 2.1 km later, take a left; this will lead you to Lava Point. This marks the end of the maintained trail and provides a fantastic view of the peak of the Guardian Angel rising up between the two Northgate Peaks. After Lava Point, the trail turns into a scramble up to the Northgate Peaks themselves. This extension is only for experienced hikers; a GPS is recommended for this section as the trail is unmaintained and not well marked.
At Lava Point, pause and enjoy your surroundings (and maybe a snack) before turning north and heading back the way you came.
Getting to the Northgate Peaks Trail Trailhead
Turn up Kolob Reservoir Road off of Route 9 in Virgin, UT. Follow the road for 25.3 km. The Northgate Peaks hike begins at the Wildcat Trailhead on the south side of Kolob Reservoir Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
March to October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Northgate Peaks Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Elephant Temple via The Riverside Walk
Zion National Park
West Rim to Wildcat Canyon Trail
Zion National Park
Wildcat Canyon Connector Trail
Zion National Park
Wildcat Valley Trail
Zion National Park
Wildcat Canyon Trail
Zion National Park
Lava Point Overlook Trail
Zion National Park
Hop Valley and Kolob Arch Trail
Zion National Park
The West Rim Trail (Top Down)
Zion National Park
The Subway Trail
Zion National Park
The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk
Zion National Park
Zion Narrows: Bottom up to Big Springs
Zion National Park
Wildcat Canyon Trail
Front Range