East Rim

Difficulty: Strenuous (but not as much as West Rim)

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 feet / 300 meters gain and 2300 foot/ 700 meters loss

Average Hiking Time: 4 to 8 hours

Distance: 10.6 miles / 17 km

Trailhead Location: One-way from East Rim Trailhead
is best. Private or hired shuttle to East Rim Trailhead is needed.

Optimal Time to Hike: Generally March - November from East Rim TH, unless snow conditions restrict access

Experience: Ponderosa pine forests and wild flowers in spring/summer make this hike inviting and mildly shaded. Though mostly 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.