Cable Mountain

Cable Mountain is a 6,940-foot sandstone summit on Zion's east rim, named for a timber cable system built in 1901 by local rancher David Flanigan to lower lumber nearly 2,000 feet from the plateau forest down to the canyon floor. The operation ran until about 1930, and the rusted remains of the cable works are still visible at the rim, alongside one of the more expansive views over Zion Canyon.

Getting there

• The most direct approach has historically been from Weeping Rock, but that route also intersects the East Rim corridor, which has had long-term closures from rockfall, so check current NPS trail conditions before planning this way
• The most straightforward approach is from Stave Spring Trailhead, about 3.6 miles one-way with roughly 500 feet of gain, an hour's drive from Springdale
• Stave Spring is the only water source along the route and requires a wilderness permit for overnight camping