East Rim Trail
Trail Summary
Difficulty
Strenuous (but not as much as West Rim)
Elevation Gain/Loss
1000 feet / 300 meters gain and 2300 foot/ 700 meters loss
Distance
10.6 miles / 17 km
Average Hiking Time
4 to 8 hours
Trailhead Location
One-way from East Rim Trailhead recommended (private or hired shuttle required).
Shuttle Stop
#7 (if hiking up from Zion Canyon)
Optimal Time to Hike
Generally navigable March - November from East Rim Trailhead, unless snow conditions restrict access. Summer hikers may wish to leave early, as this trail is exposed to sun during the heat of the day.
Experience
Ponderosa pine forests and wild flowers in spring/summer make this hike inviting and mildly shaded. Though mostly a descent, a steady uphill from the East Rim Trailhead climbs to several beautiful lookouts; Jolley Gulch, sandstone peaks of the East Side, eventually descending past the Observation Point Trail turn-off, into the Echo Canyon basin, ending at Weeping Rock. Occasional expanses of white slick rock sections marked by stacked rocks (cairns) require some trail finding. Excellent “first long hike” in Zion. Very hot conditions June - September.
