Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
branches of to the right, you head left up the north wall of Echo Canyon, climb-
ing along steep switchbacks, until the trail moves across a steep slope of white
cliffs dropping 1,000 feet below the path. When you finally reach the top of the
Navajo sandstone formation, the East Mesa Trail heads off to the right, and you
bend around to the left through deep sand to Observation Point, right at the tip
of the plateau, at an altitude of 6,507 feet. From here you can see far down Zion
Canyon; the Great White Throne looms in the foreground with Red Arch Moun-
tain just beyond. For an easier hike to Observation Point, take the East Mesa Trail
(see the description above).
8 miles RT. Moderate to difficult. Access: Weeping Rock parking lot along Zion Canyon Scenic Dr.
WildcatCanyonandWildcatCanyonConnectingTrails
A high-country trail linking the
Hop Valley and West Rim trails (see “Exploring the Backcountry,” below), this con-
nector also provides access to several primitive canyon trails. The Wildcat Trail cuts
east (right) just a short distance from the Hop Valley Trail Head, passing between
Spendlove Knoll to the south and Firepit Knoll to the north, both extinct cinder
cones, or simple volcanoes. Crossing the upper end of the Lee Valley takes you
through open grassy meadows sprinkled with sagebrush and Gambel oak. Vis-
tas to the east and south include Northgate Peaks, the tops of North and South
Guardian Angels above a reddish ridge, the Altar of Sacrifice, the West Temple,
and Mount Kinesava. Cedar posts mark the trail, as it becomes obscure in places
through the valley. After crossing the Pine Springs Wash, rock cairns point the way
along an incline of slickrock.
As you reach the top of the incline, you have a grand unobstructed view of North
Guardian Angel. Once past the junctions, with spurs to
Wildcat Canyon Trail
Head
and
NorthgatePeaksTrail
(the first heads left, the second right—continue
straight ahead at both), you begin a gentle incline through a ponderosa pine forest,
continuing upward along Russell Gulch. As you enter the headwaters of Wildcat
Canyon, you'll see Gambel oak, bigtooth maple, and quaking aspen. The trail des-
cends into the canyon, passing a dependable spring (treat the water before using),
and then climbs the far wall, eventually reaching the top of the Horse Pasture Plat-
eau. Just before the junction with the West Rim Trail, you'll have fine views of the
Lava Point lookout. At the
WestRimTrail,
turn left to reach
LavaPointTrailHead,
the end of the trail. This trail has a total elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, with nu-
merous ups and downs along the way. You should plan on a long day for this hike.
See “Kolob Plateau Area” map in chapter 3.
8.7 miles one-way, Hop Valley Trail Head to Lava Point Trail Head. Moderate. Access: From Virgin,
head north on Kolob Terrace Rd. about 13 miles to the parking area for Hop Valley Trail Head.
