East Rim Trail to Deertrap Mountain

You can access the trail from a few points. The most common are the East Entrance Trailhead, which leads to a longer, more strenuous hike, or the Stave Spring Trailhead, which offers a shorter route. The Weeping Rock Trailhead is currently closed due to rockfall.

For a significantly shorter hike, start from the Stave Spring Trailhead. This route is approximately 9.8 miles (15.8 km) roundtrip, compared to the 20.4 miles (32.8 km) roundtrip from the East Rim Trailhead.

The terrain is varied. Starting from the East Entrance, you'll find a well-defined, sandy path that gradually ascends. It winds through ponderosa forests and open areas with slickrock and sand. The final three miles to Deertrap Mountain involve numerous ups and downs across the upper plateau, which can be tiring over the distance.

The trail offers continuous views into the canyons. Early sections provide vistas of Checkerboard Mesa and the East Canyon. You'll pass the dramatic 200-foot vertical drop of Jolley Gulch. The ultimate reward is the panoramic view from Deertrap Mountain, where you can see iconic landmarks like Mountain of the Sun, the East and West Temples, Angels Landing, and the Great White Throne. Don't miss the View of Jolley Gulch and the stunning View from Deertrap Mountain.

The trail can be hiked year-round, but spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant weather conditions. During summer, sections of the trail, particularly the final three miles, can be overgrown with wildflowers, adding to the scenery, but also potentially making the path less clear.

No, dogs are generally not permitted on unpaved trails in Zion National Park, including the East Rim Trail to Deertrap Mountain. Service animals are an exception.

While a specific permit for the Deertrap Mountain trail itself is not typically required for day hiking, you will need to pay the entrance fee to Zion National Park. Check the official NPS website for current fees and any potential permit requirements for backpacking or specific areas.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the East Rim Trail, Deertrap Mountain Trail, Hayduke Trail #13, and Cable Mountain Trail.

The estimated hiking time varies significantly by starting point. From the East Rim Trailhead, expect 7-11 hours roundtrip. If starting from the Stave Spring Trailhead, it's approximately 4-6 hours roundtrip.

This trail is particularly notable for the sense of solitude it offers. Due to its strenuous nature, fewer people venture here, providing undisturbed, sweeping vistas of Zion Canyon that are often hard to find in more crowded areas of the park. Many consider the views from Deertrap Mountain to be among the best Zion has to offer.

No, this hike is generally considered strenuous due to its considerable length and cumulative elevation changes. It is best suited for strong hikers with experience on longer trails.

While specific sightings are never guaranteed, Zion National Park is home to a variety of wildlife. You might spot mule deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals.