East Rim Trail

Overview

The East Rim Trail trades the crowds of Zion Canyon for wide-open sandstone, ponderosa forest, and the sculpted drama of Echo Canyon. It’s not a loop and is currently cut off from Zion Canyon by a long-term rockfall closure, so think out-and-back or a point-to-point between east-side trailheads. Expect sandy footing early, cairn-marked slickrock in places, and steady, view-filled miles.

Distances and how to tackle it

• East Entrance (East Rim Trailhead) to Stave Spring is 5.9 miles one way (about 11.8 miles round trip).
• East Entrance to Observation Point is 10.6 miles one way (a very committing 21.2 miles round trip if you return the same way).

With the canyon connection closed, the classic through-hike down to Weeping Rock is off the table. Most hikers either do a shorter sampler to Jolley Gulch and back (great bang for your buck), go to Stave Spring and back, or arrange a point-to-point using the Stave Spring or East Mesa trailheads on the east side. Difficulty ranges from moderate to strenuous depending on your objective and heat.

Highlights along the way

From the East Entrance, the trail climbs from sandy washes to white Navajo sandstone views, wrapping around Cave Canyon toward Jolley Gulch—a dramatic slice in the plateau and a popular turnaround for a 6-ish mile day. The middle miles cruise a cooler ponderosa pine forest on the mesa. Farther west, the world opens over the Echo Canyon basin before the trail threads narrow sections with slot-canyon character. A signed junction leads to Observation Point—one of the park’s premier overlooks—if you have the time and legs.

Navigation, water, and regulations

Slickrock sections are marked by cairns, and the path can be faint—bring a map/GPS and pay attention. There’s no water at the trailheads, and Stave Spring near the Cable Mountain/Deertrap junction is seasonal and often dry by early summer—carry what you need and treat anything you find. Pets aren’t allowed here (the Pa’rus Trail is the exception in the park). Groups are limited to 12 to protect the wilderness, and overnight trips require a wilderness permit. Pit toilets are available at the East Rim and Canyon Overlook trailheads—pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace.

Access and shuttle reality

The East Rim Trailhead sits just west of the park’s East Entrance on the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway. Stave Spring and East Mesa trailheads are reached by high-clearance/4WD roads off North Fork Road that can be muddy or impassable after storms or in winter; park only in designated spots and respect private property. Park shuttles do not service the East Entrance area; if you plan a one-way hike between east-side trailheads, arrange your own vehicle shuttle.

Best time to hike

Late spring and fall are prime: cooler temps, better footing, and fewer thunderstorms. Summer brings intense heat and long, exposed stretches—start very early and pack extra water and electrolytes. Winter can deliver snow and ice on the trail and mud on access roads; traction and poles can be helpful. For photography and comfort, morning light on the east-side cliffs is lovely, and earlier starts keep you ahead of what crowds there are.

Should you do it?

If you want Zion’s grandeur without shoulder-to-shoulder traffic, this is a strong pick—especially to Jolley Gulch or Stave Spring. If your goal is simply Observation Point with less effort, consider starting from the East Mesa Trail instead. The east-end sand and overall mileage make the full East Entrance–Observation Point out-and-back a strenuous day—rewarding, but only if you’re prepared.