Overview: A series of long, mild switchbacks follows an old logging road around minor canyon rims and through pinyon/oak forests to gain the top of the mesa. From the high point, the trail passes Stave Spring and turns back up to Deertrap and Cable Mountains. After the next fork, the trail is a roller-coaster ride up and down small formations to the dazzling ledges of Deertrap Mountain. Hang in there - the end is well worth the means!
Trailhead: From Springdale, drive into the Park and pass the left-hand turn-off for the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Instead, continue straight, up numerous switchbacks, and through the incredible Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Continue up the road, twisting and turning around fins of rock, through another short tunnel and past the immense Checkerboard Mesa. Just before the East Entrance Station, turn left onto a narrow road and drive a short distance to a dirt parking lot and picnic area, which serves as your trailhead.
Mileage: 8.8 miles (14.2 km), one-way; 17.6 miles (28.3 km), round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,157 feet (352 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 4 - 6 hours, one-way; 8 - 11 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate, with some short, strenuous climbs
Best Times of Day: Higher altitudes help moderate daily high temperatures, but this hike can still be sweltering. Try to leave early (5 - 7am) during summer for comfortable temperatures and phenomenal light. Winter hikers should check conditions at the Visitor's Center; hiking mid-day should reduce any icy sections of trail.
Best Times of Year: Fall brings moderate temperatures and dry trails to the eastern mesas.
Crowds: East Rim hikes are some of the least traveled in the Park.
Water Sources: Once reliable Stave Spring has faltered in recent years. Check the Visitor's Center for up-to-date information.
Camping: Most areas along this trail are under "open camping" designation; you have the responsibility (and opporutnity!) to select your own campsite. Out of courtesy to other hikers, please camp at least 200 yards away from any trail or water source. Camping is not permitted near Stave Spring or along the rim of Deeptrap Mountain. Over-night backcountry permits are available at the Visitor's Center near Springdale.
Don’t Miss:
- Carefully take a moment to peer down into Jolley Gulch as it cuts through the trail and drops dramatically into a carved, smooth abyss of sandstone and verticality.
- On the northern tip of Deertrap Mountain, find awesome views into upper Zion Canyon. Clear Creek Mountain, Cogswell Point, the Pink Cliffs, and the mountains of the Markagunt Plateau rise high above all in the background.
- Check out the funky hoodoo spires atop the Great White Throne.
Special Notes: Be careful while exploring the rocky outcroppings on the north end of Deertrap Mountain. The sandstone ledges can be very brittle and it is a looooooooong way to the bottom of the mountain.
