Hiking Trails at East Mesa of Observation Point Zion
The East Mesa Trail, located outside the east entrance of Zion National Park, offers a unique hiking experience for visitors. However, reaching this trail requires careful planning due to limited parking and the need for a suitable vehicle during inclement weather.
The trailhead's parking area is small, accommodating only 15 vehicles. An overflow parking lot is available a bit east of the trailhead, where visitors can park and walk to the trail. To reach the trailhead, visitors typically drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel from the main Zion Canyon area, keeping in mind vehicle size restrictions for the tunnel.
The trail starts outside the park boundaries near Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, where parking near the trailhead is minimal. Arriving early or using overflow parking nearby may be necessary. The resort also offers an affordable shuttle bus to and from the East Mesa Trail trailhead, making it more accessible for visitors.
However, it's essential to note that the area surrounding the trailhead is private, and a strict no-parking policy is enforced.
For the hike, a lightweight and durable daypack, such as the Osprey Hikelite 26, is recommended. The trail can be challenging, and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended during rainy or snowy conditions due to the dirt road leading to the trailhead.
In the warmer months, it's advisable to bring at least 1L of water for the hike due to pesky insects. The area has seen increased geological activity, leading to the closure of the lower East Mesa / Weeping Rock Trail. As a result, the route to Observation Point has changed, and the lower East Mesa / Weeping Rock Trail is now closed indefinitely.
For those venturing into the backcountry, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 provides 100% reliable SOS coverage. AllTrails Plus offers up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync, making it an invaluable tool for hikers.
The drive from the Visitor Center to the East Mesa Trailhead takes approximately an hour. To reach Observation Point today, the easiest way is through the route described in this article. Be sure to plan your trip carefully, arrive early, and follow the guidelines provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
- The East Mesa Trail, situated outside the east entrance of Zion National Park, requires preparation due to limited parking and weather-related vehicle considerations.
- To reach the trailhead, visitors may need to drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, keeping in mind its size restrictions, and may find parking near the trailhead scarce.
- A lightweight and robust daypack, such as the Osprey Hikelite 26, is recommended for the challenging trail, and a 4x4 vehicle is advised during inclement weather for the dirt road leading to the trailhead.
- For those embarking on backcountry hikes, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 offers 100% reliable SOS coverage, while AllTrails Plus provides up-to-date maps and alerts, making it a crucial tool for hikers.
