| Zion National Park, Utah |
 Trail Name:Deertrap Mountain Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| Following the sandy East Rim Trail, head north past tree-topped mesas, alongside a deep, forested ravine. Turning south after 1.5 miles, a steady climb is accompanied by a beautiful scene of pink and white mesas contrasting with the green valley below. At 2 miles, more magnificent views of the White Cliffs greet you as the path turns north once more. 0.5 mile over flat ground takes you to the dramatic cliff edge at the head of Jolley Gulch.
The trail (signed Stave Spring) continues along the other side of the gulch, with more short stretches of climbing – and more magnificent open views. Gray mesas with hints of tan and pink, and green forested tops – including the distinctive Checkerboard Mesa, the etched geometric pattern on the rock caused by cross-bedding of the sandstone. At 3 miles a gradual climb carries you to the top of the plateau. The fabulous scenery only gets better as you get higher. Once atop the forested plateau the views are largely masked. Some brief climbs interspersed with longer level sections take you to the plateau’s high point (6,700 ft) at 4.5 miles. It is now easy walking on a gentle downhill grade as the shrub-covered plateau opens a little to reveal Zion’s cliffs in the distance. In 0.5 mile pass Stave Spring on the left and continue ahead to the first trail junction two minutes later. Leaving the East Rim Trail, turn left (signed Cable Mountain 3 miles, Deertrap 4 miles) and climb south-west to another trail junction a mile or so later. You are now at 6,850 ft. The right fork leads to the edge of the plateau on Cable Mountain. This involves a descent, gradual at first, of 400 ft (yes, another 400 ft to climb on the return). You will see the remains of the old cable system that was used in the late nineteenth century to lower the timber logged on the plateau into Zion Canyon. The end of the trail brings a great reward – magnificent views into the canyon, including Cathedral Mountain, Angels Landing and Observation Point. The left fork heads across undulating open ground to Deertrap Mountain. It is a bit of a slog with nothing much to see along the way. But just as you think you will never reach it, there you are on the rim, with Zion Canyon 2,000 ft below. Again the view is breathtaking, with the Court of the Patriarchs prominent before you. From here, a trail leads north along the rim for 0.5 mile, allowing you to savor the spectacle before retracing your steps. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: East entrance of Zion National Park, south-west Utah. Park entrance fee of $20 per vehicle, good for 7 days.
Directions: I-15 exit 27, then Routes 17 and 9 through Springdale and the south entrance of the Park, passing the visitor center on the right. Ignore the scenic drive through Zion Canyon on the left, and head through the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel. (If travelling from Bryce Canyon, take route 89 south to Mt Carmel Junction, then route 9 east for 15 miles). Trailhead: Continue east for 7 miles beyond the tunnel. Just before the east entrance station, turn left down a short gravel road to the small trailhead parking area (elev. 5,750 ft). Length: 18 miles / 28.8 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 1,100 ft / 335 m Duration: 8 hours Trail Condition: Clear and easy to follow, junctions well marked. Features: Cliff and canyon views. Climate: Cooler than the canyon at these higher elevations (6,000-7,000 ft). Possible snow in spring and fall. Warm and greater chance of thunderstorms in summer. Accommodation: Lodging available at Mt Carmel Junction. Plenty of motels and a private campground in Springdale. Two campgrounds inside the Park near the south entrance. Trail Notes: Carry plenty of water (4 liters per person per day) – do not rely on Stave Spring as the supply here often dries up. Topographic maps available at the visitor center. |
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