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An extensive trail that connects the Park's East Entrance to Zion Canyon.


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Map Key

10.3

Miles

16.6

KM

Point to Point

6,721' 2,049 m

High

4,389' 1,338 m

Low

1,162' 354 m

Up

2,509' 765 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

56%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

As you take off from the East Rim Trailhead, the trail points directly toward the beautiful sandstone cliffs this area is famous for. The trail climbs up onto the Plateau for the first three miles. At 2.8 miles from the East Rim Trailhead, you'll reach Jolly Gulch. This unmistakable canyon seems to drop out beneath your feet as you see it from the trail. The gulch marks a great turnaround point for a shorter hike from the East Entrance and back.

The middle section of the trail wanders across the plateau where the altitude is higher and the weather is a little cooler than the main canyon. The trail passes through a ponderosa pine forest and, after crossing the flat plateau where the ponderosa trees grow, it opens up with amazing views of the Echo Canyon Basin.

Stave Springs is located about five miles from the East Entrance Trailhead or Weeping Rock. It is a pipe in the ground that water comes out of however, it can become dry some years. Be sure and check spring conditions for an update. Near the springs, the Cable Mountain Trail branches off to the left (west). Shortly after, north of the springs, Stave Spring Trail branches to the right and leads to a dirt road which is part of the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

Approximate Location of the Spring:
N 3715'40.2"
W 11254'17.1"
Elevation 6493 ft

After hiking over the rim of the canyon, you sharply descend 2,300 feet down to the floor of Zion Canyon ending at Weeping Rock, passing through Echo Canyon and down the Observation Point Trail.

The East Rim Trail trail is best in the late spring and fall. The trail typically has deep snow in the winter that can remain until late spring. During the summer months the trail can get very dry and hot. This area has no established campsites but does require a permit and is available on a walk-up basis.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith with improvements by Alex R

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 27 votes

#4

in East Zion

#260

Overall
  4.3 from 27 votes
5 Star
48%
4 Star
37%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#4

in East Zion

#34

in Utah

#260

Overall
29 Views Last Month
8,575 Since Feb 4, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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36%
9%
55%
0%

Photos

Traverse Echo Canyon's tunnel of color along the East Rim Trail.
Mar 18, 2017 near Springdale, UT
The first mile of the East Rim Trail is utterly stunning.
Apr 18, 2017 near Springdale, UT
In Echo Canyon
Feb 4, 2015 near Springdale, UT
View of Angel's Landing
Feb 10, 2015 near Springdale, UT
The trail up Hidden Canyon can be seen below from the East Rim Trail.
Mar 23, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Zion National Park
Feb 5, 2015 near Springdale, UT

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