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East MesaThis trail is used mainly by canyoneers headed to Mystery Canyon. The trail leads from the North Fork Road to Observation Point. This is an easy alternative to hiking up the East Rim or up the Observation Point Trail. Trailhead - From the east gate of Zion National Park drive 2.4 miles and turn at the junction of the North Fork Road and SR-9. Drive 5.2 miles up the road to the Ponderosa Ranch. Turn left at the Ponderosa Ranch under the black arch. Travel .7 miles then turn right at the intersection on the Twin Knolls Road. At 1.45 miles turn right at the intersection. Follow the well traveled dirt road which will eventually become a high clearance or 4WD road at approximately 2.4 miles. The Observation Point sign is at 2.6 miles. Stay right as the road begins to descend a rocky hill then levels out. At 2.85 miles there is a "Y" intersection. Turn left and drive .1 mile to the gate at the East Mesa Trailhead. Park here. Pass through the hikers gate and into Zion National Park. Begin hiking the East Mesa Trail, which is an old road (was once a jeep road) with easy, slightly uphill traveling. The trail meanders through manzanitas, gamble oak, wild roses, ponderosa, pinon, mountain daises and Indian paintbrush (bring bug repellant). After about a mile of hiking, the road narrows to a narrow hiking path. Juniper trees appear and the trail begins to level off. The East Mesa Trail gets slightly steeper and yields a view (to your right side) of the head of Mystery Canyon. Continue straight to Obsevation Point.
GPS coordinates are only references and may or may not be accurate. Do not rely on GPS coordinates as the sole method of navigation. Always have an accurate, detailed map at hand and have the proper map reading and navigation skills before setting out on any hike. Many of the hikes listed in this guide travel into canyons where a GPS has limited capabilities. Always check your position with a detailed map before dropping into a canyon. Beta: Coordinates and other trail and canyoneering information by Zion Park search and rescue veteran team member Bo Beck and zionnational-park.com author Mary Cisneros. To post trip reports, offer corrections, updates, or for more information please visit the Zion National Park Forum Suggested Gear: A sturdy pair of shoes are recommend to hike the trails in Zion National Park. Many quality shoes will help grip the rocks and prevent injury.
Zion National Park, UtahHistory of the Thunderbird |
East Zion Lodge Mileage from Stay in a hotel the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah. Site Map Zion Hiking |
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