East Zion Highlights
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Observation Point
This popular trail offers a long and steep climb from the floor of Zion Canyon to the rimrock that soars high above it. There are excellent views all along the way.
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Hiking the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
This short, scenic trail brings you to a high overlook above the Great Arch and provides panoramic vistas of Zion Canyon’s lower reaches.
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Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Drive and Historic Tunnel
The scenic drive from Zion National Park to Mount Carmel passes through the long narrow Zion Mt Carmel Tunnel – as impressive today as in the 1920s.
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Cable Mountain Trail
Escape the crowds and find amazing views of Zion Canyon on this challenging hike to the summit of Cable Mountain.
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Maynard Dixon Living History Museum
In Mt. Carmel, Utah, see the home of well-known Western American artist Maynard Dixon. Walk the mountain trails where Maynard Dixon spent quiet, reflective moments, and painted many of beautiful views that are called "Maynard Dixon Country."
Discover East Zion
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An Insider's Guide to Visiting East Zion
Looking to venture beyond The Narrows and Angels Landing? Head to East Zion to glimpse wondrous slot canyons, soaring sandstone monoliths and crimson-colored cliffs — without the crowds.
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Escape Crowds on a Quiet Winter Visit to East Zion
See Zion dusted in snow on a winter escape to the east side — where you’ll likely have the whole place to yourself.
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7 Trails Near Zion National Park to Expand Your Hiking Experience
While Zion Canyon is the centerpiece of Utah’s most-visited national park, there are a number of options for well-prepared hikers looking to deepen their familiarity with the landscape of southwestern Utah and to seek solitude among the red rock. Start exploring with these seven trails and destinations.
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Utah’s Pie-Ala-Road: A Sweeter Way to Explore the State
Follow the Utah Pie Trail through a scenic landscape of water-sculpted canyons and sandstone peaks and past three iconic national parks to savor the flavor at five delectable pie stops.
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Best Dude Ranches in Utah
From the red rock of Moab to the mountains of Park City, Utah offers a handful of ranches that will bring out your inner cowboy or cowgirl. So dust off your boots, pack your bags, and book a stay at one of these seven dude ranches.
Forever Mighty
As you plan your travels, have you considered ways you can visit more thoughtfully? There are lots of ways to minimize your impact, while maximizing your experience. This is a shared travel ethos we call Forever Mighty.
What's Nearby
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Less than an hour from East Zion are the Pansaugunt Plateau and Bryce Canyon, a series of rock amphitheaters cut into the plateau's edge. This 20-mile-long national park is a must-see in the East Zion area. It is an easy half-day experience that can be expanded to a full day.
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Cedar Breaks National Monument
As part of a plateau that rises to over 11,000 feet, to the north of East Zion, Cedar Breaks is a series of limestone amphitheaters cut into the western edge of the Markagunt Plateau. Other nearby attractions are Navajo Lake, Cascade Falls, and Mammoth Cave, and all are within a short drive from East Zion.
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Coral Pink Sand Dunes
One of the most significant sand dunes on the Colorado Plateau, this Utah state park is easily accessible just south of East Zion. ATV and UTV vehicles are permitted on the dunes, and visitors enjoy hiking and sledding on the dunes. The soft red hues of sand at this park are a bold and colorful contrast to the verdant greens of the surrounding forests of pine, pinion, juniper, and sage.
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Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
This monument may be accessed through nearby Glendale, Utah, on the Glendale Bench Road, and is minutes away from the East Zion area. The Grand Staircase is a vast compilation of canyons, plateaus, and unique formations waiting to be explored. Dirt roads are the primary access into this area, so check road conditions and bring plenty of food, water, and appropriate back-country gear and supplies.
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Kodachrome Basin State Park
Pillars shaded red, pink, white, yellow and gray are only the start to the greatness of Kodachrome Basin State Park. Due to its geographical remoteness, superb air quality, high elevation, low humidity and distance from urban areas, the park boasts one of the darkest skies remaining in the continental United States. Exquisite detail in the Milky Way can be observed with the naked eye. Staff and volunteers offer astronomy events multiple times per year.
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Zion National Park
Whether you are trying to catch your breath while climbing the trail to Angel's Landing or watching the shadows constantly change the mood of the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park is always ready to quench your appetite for outdoor wonder.
