Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Hikes
United States
Utah
Washington County

Red Butte Wilderness

The best walks and hikes in Red Butte Wilderness

4.2

(53)

682

hikers

12

hikes

Hiking in Red Butte Wilderness offers routes through a landscape characterized by vibrantly hued sandstone formations, including spires, domes, and narrow slot canyons. The area features rugged sedimentary cliffs of red Navajo Sandstone, with canyons reaching up to 1,000 feet deep. Elevations range from 5,600 to 7,400 feet, encompassing forested mesa tops of pinyon pine and Utah juniper, alongside riparian habitats and hanging gardens in canyon walls. This wilderness area provides a diverse environment for outdoor exploration.

Best hiking trails…

Last updated: April 27, 2026

#1.

Wildcat Canyon Connector Trail

6.38km

01:50

210m

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

3.0

(1)

12

hikers

23.6km

06:40

480m

480m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With aΒ free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

694m

00:13

40m

0m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

4

hikers

3.95km

01:03

40m

60m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 8 more hikes in Red Butte Wilderness.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Tips from the Community

Faheem Hunarwar 🌲
June 2, 2025, The Subway (Zion National Park)

Avoid multitasking as it often reduces efficiency and increases errors, instead, focus on one task at a time to ensure quality. Do not procrastinate on important deadlines; address them promptly to reduce stress and improve outcomes. Refrain from overcommitting yourself; learn to say no to new requests if your plate is already full to prevent burnout. Steer clear of negative self-talk, as it undermines confidence and motivation; instead, cultivate a positive mindset. Lastly, don't neglect your well-being by skipping breaks or proper rest, as sustained productivity relies on a balanced approach to work and personal life.

1

0

Prioritize your tasks for the day by listing the most critical items first, then gather all necessary materials and resources before you begin. Next, tackle the most challenging task during your peak productivity hours to leverage your energy effectively. Remember to take short breaks to maintain focus and prevent burnout, and finally, review your progress at the end of the day to ensure everything is on track and to plan for tomorrow.

1

0

The Subway, Zion National Park, United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ The Subway, a truly iconic and challenging hike within Zion National Park, offers an unforgettable canyoneering experience. This distinctive slot canyon is renowned for its unique geological formations, particularly the "subway tube" section carved by thousands of years of water erosion. The vibrant red and orange sandstone walls, sculpted into smooth, swirling patterns, create a breathtaking visual spectacle that draws adventurers from around the globe. Reaching The Subway requires a permit and significant preparation, as it involves a combination of hiking, scrambling, rappelling, and swimming through cold water. There are two primary routes: the "top-down" technical descent that includes rappels and swims, and the "bottom-up" strenuous hike that primarily involves hiking up the canyon and back. Whichever route you choose, the journey is as rewarding as the destination, offering stunning views and a profound sense of wilderness immersion. For those planning to embark on this incredible adventure, securing a permit well in advance is crucial, as they are allocated through a lottery system. Proper gear, including sturdy hiking shoes, water shoes, a wetsuit for colder months, and dry bags, is essential. Always check weather conditions and flash flood warnings before heading out, as The Subway can be extremely dangerous during heavy rainfall.

0

0

On the trail to Subway bottom - up, starting from left fork, shortly after the halfway point, around kilometer 3.5, there are on the left some large gray stone slabs (difficult not to notice them, they are the only ones of this color) with dinosaur tracks imprinted on them. Look but do not touch.

Translated by Googleβ€’

0

0

East Northgate Peak is 7,163 feet tall and West Northgate Peak is 7,26t feet tall.

0

0

The Subway is a spectacular stone formation. The river carved a tunnel-like system into the sandstone walls. There are two ways you can get to The Subway (the Left Fork of North Creek). Both ways involve extensive route finding and a detailed route description. From the Bottom Up You have to hike a strenuous 9-mile round-trip through the Left Fork of North Creek. It requires route finding, creek crossing, and scrambling over boulders. You start and end at the Left Fork Trailhead on the Kolob Terrace Road. From the Top Down You will have to hike a strenuous 9.5-mile hike that requires rappelling skills, 60 feet of rope, and extensive route finding experience. The route also requires swimming through several deep pools of very cold debris-filled water. You start at the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead and end at the Left Fork Trailhead. Both trailheads are located on the Kolob Terrace Road. Permits are required regardless of the direction of travel. Always check the weather before you start your hike for possible flash floods.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hiking trails are available in Red Butte Wilderness?

There are 7 hiking trails documented in Red Butte Wilderness, offering a variety of experiences through its unique landscape.

What are the different difficulty levels for hiking in Red Butte Wilderness?

You'll find a range of trails to suit various abilities. The area features 2 easy routes, 1 moderate path, and 4 more challenging difficult trails, ensuring options for different fitness levels.

What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Red Butte Wilderness?

Red Butte Wilderness is characterized by its vibrantly hued sandstone formations, including spires, domes, and narrow slot canyons. You'll also encounter rugged sedimentary cliffs of red Navajo Sandstone, forested mesa tops of pinyon pine and Utah juniper, and unique riparian habitats with hanging gardens in canyon walls.

Are there any easy, family-friendly hiking options in Red Butte Wilderness?

Yes, for an easier option, consider the View of Zion Wilderness – Timber Creek Overlook loop from Shuntavi Butte. This 1.9-mile trail leads through pinyon-juniper woodlands and is often completed in under an hour, making it suitable for families.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Red Butte Wilderness?

Hikers rate the trails highly, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Many appreciate the diverse landscape of sandstone formations, deep canyons, and forested mesa tops, offering a true wilderness experience and scenic vistas.

Are there any trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding area?

Yes, the Northgate Peaks β€” Zion National Park trail is a popular choice. This moderate 5.6-mile path leads to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding sandstone peaks.

What is the elevation range for hikes in Red Butte Wilderness?

Elevations within Red Butte Wilderness range significantly, from approximately 5,600 feet to 7,400 feet, contributing to its varied topography and diverse ecosystems.

Can I find trails that offer a true wilderness experience with solitude?

Absolutely. The rugged topography and general lack of maintained trails in Red Butte Wilderness contribute to a high degree of solitude, making it an excellent destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience away from crowds.

Are there any long-distance or more challenging routes available?

For a more challenging and longer hike, the Wildcat Canyon Trail β€” Zion National Park is a difficult 11.4-mile route that offers a substantial trek through the wilderness.

What kind of plant life can be observed in Red Butte Wilderness?

The wilderness features forested mesa tops with pinyon pine and Utah juniper. In the canyon walls, you can discover unique riparian habitats and hanging gardens, home to plants like maidenhair fern, pink-flowered shooting star, and scarlet monkeyflower.

Is there a trail that connects different scenic points?

The Wildcat Canyon to Northgate Peaks Trail β€” Zion National Park is an easy 4.2-mile route that allows you to explore different sections and views within the area.

Do I need a permit to hike in Red Butte Wilderness?

While specific permit requirements can vary, Red Butte Wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It's always advisable to check the latest regulations directly with the BLM for any required permits or fees before your visit. You can find more information on their website: blm.gov/visit/red-butte-wilderness.

Most popular routes in Red Butte Wilderness

Easy hikes in Red Butte Wilderness

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With aΒ free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

Zion National ParkZion WildernessHarmonie MountainsSnow Canyon State ParkSt. GeorgeRed Mountain WildernessWashingtonHurricaneVirginLa VerkinIvinsCottonwood Canyon WildernessSand Hollow State ParkPine Valley Mountain WildernessToquervilleBlackridge WildernessCanaan Mountain WildernessRockvilleApple ValleyTaylor Creek WildernessLaverkin Creek WildernessDammeron ValleyGoose Creek WildernessLeedsSanta ClaraSpringdaleCottonwood Forest WildernessHildalePine ValleyDeep Creek WildernessBeartrap Canyon WildernessGunlock State Park

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Blackridge Wilderness

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

Β© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy