Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2.7 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Transportation Hub.
WeepingRockTrail
★★★
This is among the park's shortest hikes. A self-guided
nature trail, with interpretive signs explaining the natural history of the area, takes
you through a mixed forest to a rock alcove with lush hanging gardens of ferns and
wildflowers. The mist that emanates from the Weeping Rock above is delightfully
refreshing on a hot afternoon. Although paved, the trail is relatively steep (gaining
98 ft.) and not suitable for wheelchairs. See “Zion Canyon” in chapter 3.
.4 miles RT. Easy to moderate. Access: Weeping Rock parking lot, on Zion Canyon Scenic Dr.
WestBankoftheVirginRiver
A pleasant hike along the river, this trail affords views
of Zion Canyon plus the opportunity to see a myriad of birds, and an occasional
mule deer coming out for an early evening drink After crossing the Virgin River at
the Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint, turn left into the middle of the Court to gaze
up at the awe-inspiring stone monoliths. Leaving the Court, the trail turns north,
levels out, and winds near the river, where you'll be walking amid cottonwood and
box elder. As you trek northward, Cathedral Mountain and Mount Majestic slowly
rise above you. This section of the trail is used heavily by horseback-riding groups
(see “Horseback Riding,” later in this chapter.
Once you're past the spur leading east to Zion Lodge across Zion Canyon Scenic
Drive, horse traffic comes to an end, and you embark on the wide, paved trail to the
Emerald Pools. Follow the main trail up, around, and down to the Lower Pool, by-
passing the spur trails leading to the Upper Pools. Follow signs for the Grotto Trail
Head as you leave the Lower Pool, winding through lovely rock gardens and past
delightful waterfalls. As the trail angles northward again to follow the river, the
Great White Throne gradually emerges into view across the river; cross the bridge
to the Grotto Trail Head, the end point of your hike.
2.6 miles one-way. Easy. Access: Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint at the south end, the Grotto Trail
Head at the north end, both along Zion Canyon Scenic Dr.
Geologic Term: Alcove
An “alcove” is an arch against rock, with no space for light to pass through.
Longer Hikes
CableMountainandDeertrapMountainTrails
From the Ponderosa Hunting Club Trail
Head, you'll head west into an open ponderosa pine forest, which soon gives way
to a meadow of sagebrush, where you join the East Rim Trail (described below). A
trail to Echo Canyon heads off to the right; take the left fork for Cable and Deertrap
