The best walks and hikes in Red Butte Wilderness

The Wildcat Canyon Connector Trail offers a serene hiking experience through Zion's less-traveled landscapes, linking the Hop Valley Trail and Wildcat Canyon Trail. You'll journey through varied terrain, from golden grasslands in Lee Valley with views of Pine Valley Peak to tranquil ponderosa pine forests and sections of slickrock. It's an easy 4.0-mile (6.4 km) route with 697 feet (213 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 49 minutes, making it a rewarding option for those seeking solitude.

Planning your visit means preparing for a desert environment; always carry plenty of water as there are no refill stations along the way. This trail is known for its lower crowd levels, providing a peaceful alternative to Zion's more popular trails. While generally easy, some sandy sections can add to the physical demand, so be ready for varied Wildcat Canyon Connector Trail terrain.

This trail is a vital segment of the longer Trans-Zion Trek, allowing backpackers to bypass hiking along Kolob Terrace Road. It offers a unique perspective of Zion National Park, showcasing its diverse natural features and providing a quiet escape. In late spring and summer, the desert wildflowers are in full bloom, adding vibrant color to the scenery.

The Hop Valley Trail offers a unique hiking experience through Zion National Park's less-traveled areas, characterized by its predominantly sandy terrain and diverse scenery. You'll start in open high desert fields, then descend into the stunning, walled Hop Valley, eventually reaching a forested area near La Verkin Creek and the impressive Kolob Arch. The trail's fine sand, rolling dunes, and numerous stream crossings create a challenging but rewarding journey for those seeking solitude.

This difficult 14.7-mile (23.6 km) route involves 1573 feet (479 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes 6 hours and 39 minutes to complete. The sandy conditions, especially on the uphill return, demand an advanced fitness level. The best time to hike Hop Valley Trail is from spring through fall, with autumn providing beautiful foliage and more manageable temperatures. Always check for current permit requirements and be prepared for potential water contamination from cattle in the ranch section.

What makes this trail particularly notable is its role as a crucial middle segment of the longer Trans-Zion Hike, offering a significantly less crowded alternative to other popular trails in the park. You'll encounter a unique landscape that includes a private ranch inset where cattle graze, adding an unexpected element to the wilderness experience. This trail provides a true sense of Zion's vastness and quiet beauty away from the main canyon.

The Lambs Knoll Trail offers a compact yet incredibly scenic experience, leading you through sandy paths and rocky sections to breathtaking viewpoints. This easy 0.4-mile (0.7 km) hike, taking about 13 minutes to complete with 145 feet (44 metres) of elevation gain, provides stunning panoramic vistas of red-rock canyons, vibrant green valleys, and distant peaks like Tabernacle Dome and West Temple. You'll encounter towering sandstone walls, rock pinnacles, and hoodoos, capturing the essence of Utah's unique natural features without the crowds of nearby Zion.

Planning your visit to Lambs Knoll is straightforward, especially if you're looking for a family friendly hike. The initial path is mostly flat and sandy, though sturdy walking shoes are a good idea for the rocky bits. While the base of the knoll is easily accessible, reaching the true summit involves more challenging scrambling and a Class 3 move. Free, first-come, first-served campsites with firepits are available nearby, making it a great spot for an overnight adventure.

Beyond hiking, Lambs Knoll is a popular destination for rock climbing and canyoneering, attracting enthusiasts with its diverse routes and slot canyons like Snake Alley. This area provides a fantastic alternative to the busier trails within Zion National Park, offering similar dramatic scenery and a chance to explore unique geological formations. It's an excellent choice if you're seeking adventure or simply a quiet spot to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

The Northgate Peaks Trail offers a serene escape into Zion National Park's less-traveled Kolob Terrace, a stark contrast to the main canyon's bustling paths. This easy hiking route, covering 2.5 miles (4.0 km) with a gentle 128 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through diverse landscapes, from open woodlands and wildflower meadows to fragrant ponderosa pine forests. The path eventually leads between the impressive West Northgate Peak and East Northgate Peak, culminating at a viewpoint that delivers dramatic panoramic vistas of the rugged landscape, including the majestic North Guardian Angel and the expansive Great West Canyon.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this trail, which typically takes about 1 hour and 3 minutes to complete. Located at nearly 7,000 feet, it offers cooler temperatures, making it a refreshing option during warmer months. Remember to bring all your own water, as there are no facilities on the trail. The trailhead is easily accessible, and while permits aren't generally needed for this hike, it's worth noting it's also the starting point for the famous Subway canyoneering route, which does require permits.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Northgate Peaks Trail is its peaceful atmosphere, thanks to its location in a protected Zion Wilderness Area that limits group sizes. This trail provides a unique perspective of Zion's wide valleys and isolated sandstone mountains, offering a different side of the park. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, and enjoy the distinct scent of vanilla or butterscotch from the ponderosa pine bark as you hike.

The Left Fork (Subway) Top Down Canyoneering Route in Zion National Park offers an exceptionally photogenic journey through sculpted sandstone and emerald pools. You'll navigate a challenging mix of cross-country terrain, boulder fields, and cold water, culminating in the iconic tunnel-like "Subway" section with its unique waterfalls and glowing light. It's a truly surreal experience for those prepared for its demands.

This difficult 180.7-mile (290.7 km) technical canyoneering expedition, with 27916 feet (8508 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 101 hours and 15 minutes to complete. It requires rappelling skills, proper gear like a harness and ropes, and extensive route-finding abilities. Access is strictly controlled by a competitive wilderness permit lottery, and a car shuttle is essential for this point-to-point route.

Celebrated as one of Zion's most beautiful and sought-after experiences, the Left Fork (Subway) is renowned for its unique geological formations, including dinosaur tracks and the distinctive circular "Subway" passage. Its popularity and fragile ecosystem necessitate the permit system, making it an exclusive adventure. This top-down route provides a comprehensive view of the canyon that differs significantly from the bottom-up approach.