East Mesa Trailhead

East Mesa Trailhead sits in a remote corner of Zion's high east-side plateau, reached by a rutted dirt road behind Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort that calls for a high-clearance vehicle. From here, the East Mesa Trail runs about 6.6 miles round trip through pinyon-juniper-ponderosa forest before joining the Observation Point Trail, offering a longer but far gentler alternative to climbing up from the canyon floor — mild elevation change instead of a steep switchback ascent. It's a quieter approach to one of Zion's best canyon overlooks, with fewer crowds than the main canyon trailheads.

Access notes

• High-clearance vehicle recommended for the approach road
• About 6.6 miles round trip to Observation Point via this route
• Passes through pinyon-juniper-ponderosa forest on the high plateau