Summary:
A stunning route from the White Cliffs at Zion’s eastern edge to inspirational views of Echo and Zion Canyons.

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 around 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 out 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. Turn right to stay on East Rim Trail (left leads to Cable and Deertrap Mountains). A few minutes of easy walking through pine and oak and the path divides again: take the left fork, signed Echo Canyon Trail.

The narrow path heads north-west through a wide expanse of sagebrush to the forested plateau rim, where Echo Canyon falls steeply away. Tree cover limits the view as you follow the rim, but after five minutes a very short path to the left leads to the cliff edge and a superb panorama over Echo Canyon. Massive white cliffs tinged with pink and beige dominate, and beyond them to the west rises Zion Canyon’s Cathedral Mountain. Continuing along the rim, the tree cover gives way to more open views of the majestic canyon walls.

At 6 miles the steep descent into Echo Canyon begins, accompanied by splendid canyon views as you switchback down the rugged trail. Within 0.5 mile the now sandy path drops into tall pines, and a couple of minutes later the forested canyon vista to the right is surpassed by a simply magnificent view to the left. A bare slab here makes another great place to stop a while and soak up the scene (see main picture).

For the next mile the descent eases as you wind through the beautiful canyon, surrounded by impressive forested cliffs. The route, over sand and slickrock, is marked by cairns in places. High walls of cross-bedded sandstone rise to either side: imposing gray cliffs to the left and checkered red bluffs to the right. The route then becomes more undulating, and you climb up and down rock slabs to the closest views yet of the white cliffs of Zion Canyon (a mere taster of what is to follow). At 8 miles, a short climb leads to the Observation Point junction.

The 2-mile (one way) trail to Observation Point atop East Mesa turns off sharp right. Although it is hard work, this is a must-do detour, with incredible views over Echo and Zion Canyons all the way (and not just at Observation Point itself). Twenty minutes of steep, hot climbing up smooth switchbacks, with magnificent views over Echo as ample compensation, take you to the first, amazing view over Zion Canyon. Far below lies the Virgin River, surrounded by the most wonderful pink and white cliffs, including Cathedral Mountain rising majestically behind Angels Landing.

Constant, spectacular Zion Canyon views are the reward as you continue along switchbacks cut into the bare rock-face. As the Great White Throne and Cable Mountain loom to the left, the gradient steepens. Soon oak saplings and fir line the trail, although the views continue through gaps in the trees. Eventually the slope gives way to the flatter ground of the East Mesa top and, a few minutes after passing another wonderful viewpoint right down Zion Canyon, the trail divides: turn left for Observation Point, now less than 0.4 mile away.

Thick vegetation momentarily blocks the canyon from view, but soon you approach the rocky edge of Observation Point (elev. 6,508 ft). Looking down the canyon from this high point, Angels Landing is far beneath you. You can also see some way up the canyon, but take care at the sheer edge as you wander round the rocky promontory for the best position. When you are ready, retrace your steps back down to the junction, enjoying the magnificent canyon views all over again.

There are just 2 miles left, but the final 1,300 ft of descent may be hard on the knees after a long day. The trail winds down past Echo’s intricately carved, high cliffs and slot canyons. Eventually you round a mammoth cliff and emerge from Echo high above the floor of Zion Canyon. Opposite is Angels Landing (now above you) and the Organ Pipe, creating a horseshoe bend in the Virgin River.

Now into the final mile, descend the long series of switchbacks that take you to the canyon floor, savoring the close-up views of Zion’s huge Navajo sandstone cliffs. Keep right at the Hidden Canyon junction and soon the massive alcove of Weeping Rock, a popular “attraction” in the canyon, comes into sight. It will no doubt be filled with people, tiny figures from this distance. It is a sharp contrast to the peace of East Rim, another factor that makes this hike so special.

The trail ends at the now disused parking area beneath Weeping Rock. It is just a short walk from here to the shuttle bus stop.

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.

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). The trail ends at the Weeping Rock area on the floor of Zion Canyon (elev. 4,360 ft). Zion Canyon Transportation (tel. 1-877-635-5993) runs early morning hiker shuttles to the east entrance from the Park visitor center in Springdale, $15 per person. Frequent free Park shuttles run from Weeping Rock back to the visitor center.

Length: 14 miles / 22.4 km

Trail Type: One way

Elevation Change: -1,390 ft / -424 m
1,900 ft/579 m ascent, 3,290 ft/1,003 m descent.

Duration: 7.5 hours

Trail Condition: Clear and well marked. Sandy in places (particularly early on), with some long, steep stretches (up and down) and sheer drop-offs.

Features: Sandstone cliffs and mesas, magnificent canyon views.

Climate: Cooler at higher elevations (6,000-7,000 ft) – snow is possible in early spring and late fall. Hot with greater chance of thunderstorms in summer. Warms up noticeably as you drop into the canyons, sheltered from the breeze atop the plateau.

Accommodation: Plenty of motels and a private campground in Springdale. Two campgrounds inside the Park just beyond the south entrance.

Trail Notes: Bypassing the spectacular section to Observation Point will reduce the overall hike by 4 miles and 850 ft of ascent/descent. 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.