About This Route
Wildcat Canyon Trail provides intermediate snowshoeing solitude in Zion's Kolob backcountry, a 7-mile loop from Kolob Terrace Road with 1,200 feet gain through aspen groves to 7,200 feet. Heavy snow creates a winter wonderland of meadows and rims; NPS notes reliable pack for multi-day potential. REI rates it moderate-strenuous for unmaintained sections.
Safety Considerations
Steep drainages hold avalanche potential (check UAC); cornices on rims collapse. Deep powder exhausts without proper gear. Isolation means self-rescue; bear canisters advised. Scenario: 2020 group summited safely by probing snow daily.
Essential Gear
MSR Revo Explore snowshoes; Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles. Mammut Barryvox beacon, Western Mountaineering Versalite bag. Suunto Traverse watch for nav.
Emergency Tips
Dig queen bed trench; beacon search partner. Zion dispatch coordinates multi-agency SAR.