Connector Trail, Zion NP

This 4.9-mile (one-way) trek is a multi-functional trail. The trail can serve as standalone trail allowing hikers to get in either a solid in-and-out day hike or as a leg to a much bigger and epic Trans-Zion Trek. For those interested in the later, the Connector Trail is the leg of the journey that either precedes or follows (depending on which side of the park you started) the Hop Valley Trail. For purposes of this adventure, lets focus on the specifics required for this 4.9-mile trail (going West to East).

*NB: This is not a popular hike so you will likely have all or most of it entirely to yourself. Though the primary purpose of the trail is to “connect” the Hop Valley Trail to the Wildcat Canyon Trail, I personally believe the trail can stand on its own as a great hike.

Starting at the Hop Valley Trailhead, the trail remains relatively flat for the duration of the hike. From the get-go, the trail weaves through a spectacular field that is dominated by off-green sage bushes and tall, bright yellow grasses. Because the grass is so fall, the trail can, at times, literally look like it's cutting through butter. The southern view from these fields is dominated by a massive horizon. The contrast between the plain fields on which you are walking and the astonishingly powerful views of the distant cliff faces is stark. The distant valleys and rock formations almost seem unreachable, given the landscapes sheer size and dominance.

After a calming trek through the expansive meadows, you will once again experience a change of scenery. The terrain dips and climbs gradually as you approach a bizarre aspect of this trail – a large field of slickrock. Seemingly out of nowhere, this field of slickrock looks as though it were the remnants of a long-since extinct volcano, plastering the hillside with a large field of hardened stone. Of course no human-trodden trail cuts through the slick rock, however your orientation is aided by the presence of subtle rock cairns. 

Almost immediately after reaching the top of the slickrock formation, you will begin to notice the increasing presence of tall pines. The trail eventually marches right up against Pine Valley Peak, where you will almost feel you can reach out and touch the rock giant.

Moving forward, the forest becomes increasingly dense until you are completely consumed by it. If you are backpacking this trail during the summer, this grove of pines serves as a much-needed escape from the sun. Much like the rest of the hike, the trail is clearly marked by a well-defined path. The trail through the darkened forest will eventually lead to an intersection with the Wildcat Trail. From here you have three choices: turn around and go back, head northwest on the Wildcat Canyon Trail towards the Wildcat trailhead to catch a pick-up car, or continue east along the Wildcat Trail if you are backpacking.

*NB: There are no backcountry camping spots along the Connector Trail. You must continue forward towards the West Rim Trail to find sleeping “accommodations.”