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 meanders through a shallow valley of tall grass and wildflowers to the head of a white sandstone canyon. As the trail follows the northern canyon rim, the gorge below grows deeper and ever-more spectacular, viewable from many spurs off the main trail. As this canyon meets the much larger drainage of Echo Canyon, the hike begins a steep, dramatic descent down switchbacks etched into the the sandstone cliffs. Once the trail reaches the valley floor, it continues down-canyon over rolling terrain, following thin paths marked with small rockpiles (called cairns). Eventually, this path connects to the Observation Point trail, passing through a cool, slotted section of Echo Canyon before beginning the steep, switchbacked final descent.
***This is truly one of the best backpacking trips in Zion. Combine this trail with trips to Deertrap and Cable Mountains for a great 3- to 4-day adventure.***
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: 10.6 miles (17.1 km), one-way
Elevation Loss: 1,365 feet (415 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 5 - 7 hours, best hiked as an over-night endeavor with day hikes to Deertrap and/or Cable Mountains
Difficulty: Cardiovascularly moderate, but your knees take a pounding descending 2,240 vertical feet.
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. Expect much higher traffic, however, once you reach the junction with Observation Point.
Water Sources: Once-reliable Stave Spring has faltered in recent years. Check the Visitor's Center for up-to-date information.
Camping: Until the trail begins its descent into Echo Canyon, most of this trail is 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 canyon rims. 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.
- Check out awesome northern views of Clear Creek Mountain, Cogswell Point, the Pink Cliffs, and the mountains of the Markagunt Plateau from high points along the trail.
Special Notes:
