At the station, visitors have access to several famous hiking trails. The main vein, known as East Mesa Trail, branches into several other trails, including Observation Point—the highest lookout in Zion. Be sure to talk to the ranger or pick up a trail map for more information on this isolate part of Zion.

We’re now approaching the most remarkable feature of East Zion—the Checkerboard Mesa. It’s coming up on our right. While the Checkerboard Mesa Canyon trail begins here, the best viewpoint is a little further up on our left, past the mesa. Best viewed from a distance, the white sandstone bears criss-crossed or “checkerboard” bands on its face. 

So what causes these distinct hatch marks across the mesa? The vertical lines come from expansion and contraction of the sandstone, caused by heating and cooling under the desert sun. The horizontal cracks are actually caused by wind erosion. Pull into the small parking area coming up on our left to get a good view of the Checkerboard Mesa.

Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This short trail is one of the most popular and relatively easy hikes on the eastern side of Zion. Be aware that while the elevation gain is fairly mild, visitors will have to make their way across some wider slickrock ledges. Once they reach the overlook, hikers can enjoy a stunning view of the canyon and towering monoliths of sandstone and slickrock. Parking for this busy traill is limited, so aim to arrive in early morning or late afternoon if possible. 1 mile roundtrip.

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This 1.1 mile tunnel recognized as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark is a wild ride through history, carrying visitors from Springdale to East Zion.

Image: Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Along East Zion's scenic switchbacks visitors can find many overlooks showcasing the Great Arch. Though not freestanding, at about 600’ wide and 400’ tall, this "blind" arch is a massively impressive sight.

At the visitor center, visitors can ask for information, grab trail maps, browse the bookstore, and fill up our water bottles. If you are doing any backcountry camping or canyoneering, the visitor center is also where you can pick up your Wilderness Permits.

The human history museum actually holds 300,000 historical artifacts, specimens, and art. Visitors can also take a break from the weather and enjoy a free 22-minute film overviewing the park or enjoy a ranger talk held on the back patio.

Image: Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA - God bless it!, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As we’re making our way towards the heart of Zion, take a look to your left. The tall, flat-topped mountain you see is called “The Sentinel.” Impressive though it is, the Sentinel was much larger and taller 5,000 years ago. Here’s what went down, literally. Out of nowhere, the Sentinel you see here cleaved itself apart, and a massive rock slide carried 286 million cubic meters of dirt and rock to the canyon floor. And fast. 

In less than a minute, at speeds of over 186 mph (or 300 km per hour), the “rock avalanche” filled the canyon floor with debris over two miles long and a mile wide. This ancient rock slide would easily cover New York City’s Central Park.

Three white-capped peaks make up the Court of the Patriarchs. From left to right, at the viewpoint visitors can spot Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—named for the patriarchs of Judaism.

Image: au_ears, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This is the only place to eat inside Zion Canyon. They feature salads, burgers, and traditional american fare. They also have a beer and wine list for guests to unwind after a challenging hike.

Image: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Follow a short and gently sloping trail to a beautiful grotto of dripping sandstone and verdant, glittering plant life. At the base of the waterfalls, there are several shallow pools, which, if viewed at the right time, sparkle emerald with green algae. Ignore the temptation to splash around, though, as these pools are strictly off-limits! Restrooms and water refilling stations are available at the Zion Lodge. 1.2 miles roundtrip.

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One of the most famous hikes in Zion, this climb takes adventurers past Scout’s Lookout (about 4 miles) and up the adjacent narrow precipice. Hikers will cling to chain-assists as they try to make their way across the thrilling 0.5-mile sky-high ascent and earn their bragging rights. For visitors who do not wish to continue on this exciting excursion, a view of equal magnitude can be held from Scout’s Lookout. Be aware that this trail can be extremely crowded, and hikers will have to make way for passing groups along narrow, dangerous ledges. 5.4 miles roundtrip.

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Image: Nicolas Vollmer from Munich [Allemagne], CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hip hip hooray. You made it back from Angel’s Landing in one piece! I never doubted you! As we drive, look up and to the right for the white sandstone mesa looming over the canyon. That’s the aptly named Great White Throne.

John Dahlstet, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The last scenic pullover along Zion Canyon's scenice drive. From the viewpoint facing South, visitors have a great view of Angel’s Landing just in front and The Great White Throne to the left. Looking behind, visitors may also be able to make out some climbers scaling Touchstone Wall.

Image: Lee Coursey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

We’re almost at our final stop—The Temple of Sinawava—named after the Southern Paiute’s creator god. There are several fantastic hikes here, including one of Zion’s most famous—The Narrows. Note that at a part of the trail known as “Wall Street,” the gap between the canyon walls can shrink to a mere 30 feet, or only 9 meters across.

John Dahlstet, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hikers along The Narrows should come prepared with the equipment necessary for hiking along a rocky riverbed. Some recommended gear includes hiking sticks, canyon shoes, and neoprene socks. Begin by entering at the end of The Riverside Walk and begin hiking upstream against the flows of the Virgin River, continuing for as long as you desire. This shady hike through the cool waters of Zion is an excellent choice for hot summer days, and treats visitors to stunning views of the narrow red canyon walls throughout. While this is one of Zion’s most popular trails, there is plenty of room for everyone willing to practice a little patience. Up to 9.4 miles, depending ondistance traveled.

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Stop in to satiate your sweet tooth with chocolates, homemade fudge, and candies from around the world.

The first is Kolob Terrace, which will be coming up shortly. While Kolob Terrace may not draw the same crowds as Zion Canyon, don’t let that fool ya! It may well be one of the most scenic drives in North America. Give yourself anywhere from 2 hours to an entire day for this side-trip.

The Kolob Terrace drive climbs up about 5,000 feet, or 1,500 meters, and winds its way from desert prickly pear and cottonwood trees up through mountain sagebrush and ponderosa pines. Near the 8,000-foot summit (or 2,400+ meters), cinder cones and wind-worn hoodoos provide shelter to Douglas Firs, which proudly stand amid the volcanic stone.

The Northgate Peaks Trail is a fan-favorite and is one of only a few trails along Kolob Terrace that is kid-friendly. This trail begins at the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, but branches off into its own trail leading to a viewpoint of the Northgate Peaks and the North Guardian Angel. To get there, follow Wildcat Canyon Trail for about a mile until you reach the intersection of the Connector Trail. From here, continue on for less than a quarter of a mile to find the Northgate Peaks Trail. 4 miles roundtrip.

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Image: Stefan Serena, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lava Point Overlook is a basalt cliff which overlooks a green volcanic valley filled with pinyon, juniper, and white pine trees. From the over 12,000 ft. high overlook, visitors can see all the way out to Paunsaugunt Plateau of Bryce Canyon National Park and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This viewpoint has no required hike, so as long as the weather is safe for us to travel, let’s continue on up Kolob Terrace Road. We’ll arrive in about ten minutes.

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Grafton is a ghost town with a somewhat unusual history. While the majority of abandoned settlements were once mining towns—subject to the boom and bust nature of mining—Grafton is an agricultural ghost town. At Grafton, visitors can explore the cemetery and the town buildings while learning about its history.

Alright, in about two minutes, we’ll be passing through the town of Virgin. Need to grab a bite? On your left will be Fort Zion, specializing in homemade ice-cream and cheesy photo-ops. Looking to grab and go? Virgin Goods Bookstore, further down on the left, carries baked goods you can snag for your trip. 

Virgin, or “Pocketville” as it was originally named, was established in 1857. Today, this tiny town has an unusual claim to fame. Virgin is one of the few towns in the United States where it is illegal for any citizen to not own a gun. Strange as it sounds, in the year 2000, the Virgin Town Council passed an ordinance requiring a working firearm to be housed in every residence. ...Say, um, you paid for that ice cream, right?

James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

At the end of a one and a half mile gravel road, La Verkin Overlook, visitors will get a beautiful panoramic view of Zion canyons, the Virgin River Gorge, Pine Valley mountains, and, of course, La Verkin Town. At the overlook, visitors can choose to folllow La Verkin Overlook Trail down into the gorge.

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is your first stop along this northwest section of Zion National Park. Visitors must enter to show or purchase their interagency pass, but this center is also a great opportunity to use the restroom and refill your water before heading out to explore the majestic canyons. If you have time, be sure to browse the interpretive exhibits and the National Parks Forever Bookstore.

This route begins at the more popular Middle Fork Creek Trail. Hikers can choose to connect the North Fork of Taylor Creek Trail with the Middle Fork, making the total distance about 9 miles and about a 6-7 hour hike. Where the North Fork meets the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek, visitors can find the Larson pioneer cabin–one of the first homesteads in Kolob Canyon. 5.2 miles roundtrip.

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Image: John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visitors to Zion Canyons who only have time for one short hike should make Timber Creek Overlook their priority. This short half-mile climb reveals a fantastic vista overlooking the lush Timber Creek drainage and Pine Valley Mountains. This gradually ascending hike is one of the few trails in Kolob Canyon which are appropriate for smaller children. 1.1 miles roundtrip.

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