East Rim Trailhead

The East Rim Trailhead sits just off Highway 9 near Zion's east entrance, the starting point for the East Rim Trail into the park's high slickrock country above Zion Canyon. From the parking area, the trail climbs roughly 1,000 feet into ponderosa pine forest, cooler and quieter than the canyon floor below. Note before you go: the trail's lower section, which used to connect down through Echo Canyon to Weeping Rock, has been closed since a major rockfall damaged the route in 2019, and the National Park Service says it may not reopen. From this trailhead you can still day-hike toward Jolley Gulch, a reasonable turnaround point, or continue on to Deertrap Mountain, Cable Mountain, and Observation Point.

Know before you go

• No shuttle service reaches this trailhead — it's private-vehicle access only, off Highway 9 near the East Entrance ranger station
• The first few miles are exposed slickrock with little shade; carry more water than you think you'll need, especially in summer
• Stave Spring, partway in, is not a reliable water source and often dries up by early summer
• Overnight trips require a backcountry permit
• Late spring and fall are the best hiking windows; snow can linger into late spring at this elevation