My wife and I headed to Zion for a 3-day mini-vacation. The first area I wanted to check out was the Kolob Terrace area. Specifically, we were after East and West Northgate peaks.

We made our way to the Wildcat Canyon trailhead right off the Kolob Terrace Road. There were actually a lot of vehicles at the trailhead, but I knew it was the starting point for several popular Zion hikes and we'd likely see only a few other people on our trail.

Our trail branched off of the main Wildcat Canyon Trail after .9 miles, and was appropriately named the Northgate Peaks trail. This trail is fairly flat and goes through timber as it leads to a saddle between West and East Northgate peaks.

We debated which peak to do first, the easier east peak or the more challenging west peak. We decided to warm up the legs on the easier east peak.

East Northgate Peak was supposed to have a trail to the top. We started up the sandstone and soon found cairns which sure enough led to a trail (where there was dirt). We made quick work off the 300 feet of gain and were soon standing on top and enjoying the sun and incredible Zion views. Surprisingly, we weren't the only people on the peak, as another couple was on top as well. The climbing was never too bad and definitely class 2 at worse.

We then followed the same route down and worked our way over to the northern side of West Northgate Peak. I didn't have any beta on the peak, but the north ridge looked like the least steep route.

We started up the steep, white-colored sandstone. We were aiming for a small point above us, but we couldn't see the actual summit from below. The climbing was easy at first, but got really steep in a few spots about 50 feet below the point we were aiming for. I knew this would be challenging on the way down.

We then scrambled over the small point and into a saddle with the rest of the route in view now. The final 150 feet were on much easier terrain, so we made quick work of it and were soon on top. The views were tremendous, especially of North and South Guardian Angel.

We headed down and were soon faced with the 50 foot "crux". My wife made it look easy, being limber and light. I had trouble giving up more than 3 points of contact with the mountain and was moving slow, but eventually got through the tricky spot. We then could make good time moving down the ledges in the sandstone.

Off to Springdale and our hotel for the next 3 nights! I will say that the ribeye steak at the Pioneer Cafe is stunning!

Drive to the Wildcat Canyon trailhead right off the Kolob Terrace Road. To get there, follow Kolob Terrace Road for 15.5 miles from its start in Virgin, Utah.

Follow the Wildcat Canyon trail for .9 miles to a signed turnoff to the Northgate Peaks trail. Do not be fooled by the other trail (Hop Valley) also leaving the main trail nearby.

Follow the Northgate Trail to its end between the two Northgate Peaks.