Trails- Zion National Park
When staying at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort there are several east rim Zion National Park hiking trailheads that are most closely accessible from our property such as; Observation Point, Cable Mountain and Deer Trap. We also have two very interesting hiking trails right on our property (see details below). Access to other trails in Zion National Park are from the Main Canyon or from the West Kolob sections of the park.
Trails in Zion National Park
These are Zion National Park trails in the park itself. Guests of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort have the option of driving their own car into the park nearby or using the shuttle service our resort offers to all points in the main canyon.
Angel's Landing: Is one of the Utah's most famous, breathtaking, and challenging hikes. The hike requires a permit, involves steep/narrow sections with chain-assisted ascents, switchbacks, and ends with an incredible overlook of Zion Canyon.
The Narrows: This hike is at the end of the main canyon and takes you on a journey through many water crossings of the Virgin River while surround by towering canyon walls. The full Narrows hike can be quite long; however, there are shorter options for a less strenuous experience.
Emerald Pools: This is a hike great for all ages. There are options for easy to moderate routes (upper, middle, lower) that lead to a series of pools and waterfalls.
Canyon Overlook Trail: A relatively short but rewarding trail that offer lovely views of lower Zion Canyon. It's suitable for most hikers.
Taylor Creek: Located in the Kolob Canyons section of the park, this set of trails (lower, middle, and upper) each different with a variety of interest such as waterfalls and natural arches.
Weeping Rock: A short, paved trail that leads to a natural alcove where water seeps from the sandstone. This is an easy and quick hike with several longer variations.
- Weeping Rock to mouth Echo Canyon
- Weeping Rock to mouth Hidden Canyon
West Rim Trail: A long-distance backpacking trail that can be done as a multi-day hike. This area is beautiful and diverse landscapes with stunning vistas.
Zion Narrows Top-Down Route: An extended version of The Narrows hike, which requires a permit and is typically done as an overnight backpacking trip.
Other Trails
- Court of the Patriarchs
- Grotto Trail
- Kayenta
- Kolob Arch / La Verkin Creek
- Narrows to Orderville Canyon
- Pa’rus
- Riverside Walk (Paved Portion)
- Sandbench (November – March)
- Subway (permit required)
- Timber Creek
- Watchman
- West Rim from Scouts Lookout
- West Rim to Angels Landing
Trails on the East Boundary
Accessed from Zion Ponderosa
We share several miles of common fence with Zion Park. We have a daily hiking shuttle (fee-based) that departs Zion Ponderosa and drops you off at the trailhead of your choice. Choose from these Zion hikes that begin on our property:
- Observation Point
- Cable Mountain
- Deer-Trap Mountain
- Echo Canyon,
- East Rim Trail
- Orderville Gulch
We can also arrange to pick you up and bring you back to Zion Ponderosa. For the Zion National Park hikes that go into Zion, we will pick you up at a scheduled location.
Observation Point (East Mesa Trailhead):
This Zion hike is currently only accessible from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort property. We offer parking and shuttles from our main lodge/recreation barn area to the trailhead (3 miles by van). The trail itself is approximately 6.25 miles (roundtrip) and leads to the best view of the main Zion Canyon. From this point you will actually be over 750' above Angels Landing. The trail leads across the plateau for approximately 2 miles and then descends an estimated 500' to the point. Remember that you'll need to ascend this section on your return trip.
East Rim Trail: A long-distance backpacking option, taking you through the eastern side of the park with beautiful scenery.
Cable Mountain: An underrated and historic trail that offers spectacular views of Zion Canyon. Ponderosa is a great place to access this incredible hike. Learn more...
Deer Trap: This hike is about 12 miles round-trip from Zion Ponderosa R.R. Area trailhead and offers magnificent views of the Zion National Park landscape.
Trails at Zion Ponderosa
Checkerboard Rim Trail:
This is a great 3 mile loop trail with fantastic views of Jolley Gulch and Zion National Park's Checkerboard Mesa. Hiking to scenic views was never so easy with 1.5 or 3 miles variations created just for our guests.
The Checkerboard Rim Trail is accessible from multiple points on the Zion Ponderosa property. The trail begins just east of our horse corrals and the outbound course leads along the rim of a canyon toward two scenic overlooks. See Map
Viewpoint 1- Blackhawk Point offers long views down canyon over Jolley Gulch toward Checkerboard Mesa. This is a serene viewpoint where you may enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Viewpoint 2- Checkerboard Overlook is a point right on the boundary of our property and Zion National Park. Your view from here is directly at Checkerboard Mesa which is the most known formation on the east side of Zion National Park. This is a one way loop trail that cycles back through the forest toward the backside of our vacation homes and returns to the horse barn. Vacation home guests may access this trail at mid-point corridors near their lodging.
Cave Canyon Waterfall Trail:
One mile round trip, this trail leads downhill (1/2 mile) through a beautiful section of our Ponderosa Pine forest to a 15' waterfall in the bottom of Cave Canyon. In the spring the water flow is more substantial, and in late summer or early fall the water may slow to a trickle, but the serenity and beauty of this canyon is worth the hike. Remember that you are descending several hundred feet to view the waterfall, and the walk back uphill will take some effort. Don't be surprised if you see or hear a hawk as you walk this trail.
Guided Hikes
There are a variety of guided hikes and adventures offered at Zion Ponderosa. Join us at Angels Landing, in slot canyons, abandoned mines, sunset hikes and more.
