Orderville Canyon
Difficulty: difficult
Length: 13 miles
Time: 7 hours

Orderville Canyon is a remarkable 13-mile hike that introduces visitors to the unique wonders of slot canyons and some river hiking within the Zion's Narrows. Hikers may access the canyon through Orderville Gulch. The beginning of the canyon is marked by a 125-foot dry fall, which is often lined by pools of water. As explorers descend deeper into the canyon, the trail is transformed into a streambed with thousand-foot cliffs on either side. Orderville Canyon is much drier than the more populated narrows trail that begins at Chamberlain's Ranch, so the walking is easier and faster. Hikers will still need to take care and watch their footing as they traverse the small stream within the lower section of the canyon.

Upon entering the Park boundaries, hikers will traverse a 15-foot drop off. This obstacle presents one of the reasons that the Orderville Canyon is one of the less visited Narrows hikes and must be negotiated with care. It is highly recommended that hikers use ropes and have some experience with down-climbing. At the 9.7 mile mark, hikers will reach the confluence of the Orderville Canyon and the North fork of the Virgin River where the water is much deeper and remains that way for the final three miles of the hike. Wading and the possibility of shorts swimming stretches is necessary in order to continue downstream. The water can be quite cold and footing on the river bottom can be somewhat difficult. Hikers should take extreme caution in this part of the hike. A permit is required for this hike and permits may be obtained from the Visitors Center at the west entrance of the Zion National Park.

Observation Point
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 7 miles
Time: 5 hours

Observation Point can be accessed by hiking across the plateau from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. The Observation Point hiking trail begins on the East Mesa Trail, approximately three miles north of the Echo Canyon trail head. The hiking trail follows a wooded course for 2.5 miles and then takes a scenic half mile detour to 'The Point'. Observation Point offers a 270 degree panoramic view above Angels Landing, the Temple of Sinawava, Scout Lookout, and the Virgin River. After descending from the point, hikers return along the switchbacks of the Echo Canyon trail ending up at Weeping Rock, inside Zion National Park. This lengthy seven-mile hike is somewhat demanding but is very spectacular. Observation Point is considered by many park visitors to offer the best view in Zion. Hikers can arrange for a hiking shuttle to pick them up approximately five hours after beginning the hike.

Cable Mountain & Deer Trap Mountain Trails
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Length: 8/9 miles
Time: 5 hours

Cable Mountain and Deer Traip Mountain offer some of the most spectacular views in the Zion National Park. Both trails are round trip courses that begin at the Echo Canyon drop off point. Rather than descend to the bottom of Zion Canyon as does the Echo trail, Cable Mountain and Deer Trap Mountain end at sheer cliffs which overlook the canyon. You'll want to allow some time to relax at the rim and take plenty of photographs and/or video. The Cable Mountain trail is approximately eight miles round trip. Hikers will see the remains of the old bulwarks of a pioneer logging operation that transported lumber 2,200 feet straight down to the canyon floor of Zion National Park. Views from Cable Mountain include the Great White Throne, Observation Point, Angels Landing, and the West rim of Zion Park.

The Deer Trap Mountain hiking trail splits off from the Cable Mountain trail at midpoint. This trail is nine miles round trip and includes views of Twin Brothers, The Court of the Patriarchs, and East Temple. Both hiking trails end back at the drop off point. Visitors can schedule hiking shuttle pick-ups for five hours after beginning the hike.

East Entrance Trail
Difficulty: easy
Length: 3 miles
Time: 2 hours

The East Entrance trail is a three-mile hike that is accessed through Jolley Gulch on the ranch. It is fairly easy walking and offers one short ascent, midway through the hike. After hiking for nearly a mile through a wooded gulch, hikers will cross the boundaries of Zion National Park and then immediately emerge into a broad clearing that overlooks a deep canyon of white sandstone. The trail continues for two miles, winding into Cave Canyon and then Clear Creek wash. Throughout the trail, hikers are offered an remarkable view of Checkerboard Mesa. The East Entrance trail ends just opposite the the Ranger station. A pre-scheduled hiking shuttle will meet hikers at this point approximately 2.5 hours after beginning the hike.

Echo Canyon
Difficulty: easy
Length: five miles
4 hours

To begin the Echo Canyon trail, hikers are transported through the ranch and then dropped off at the Park Fence. There, a clearly marked trail leads them to the Echo Canyon trail, which spans almost five miles from start to finish. Echo Canyon is known for it's switchbacks that take hikers on a 2,100-foot descent over the course of the hike. The Echo Canyon trail offers impressive views of the Angel's Landing area of the Park. The Echo Canyon hike ends on the valley floor of Zion National Park at Weeping Rock, where water seeps through the sandstone and has created a wall of lush vegetation. Pre-arranged shuttle service will meet hikers in the Weeping Rock parking lot, approximately four hours after the beginning of the hike.

Canyon Overlook Trail
Difficulty: easy
Length: two miles (round trip)
Time: one hour

The Canyon Overlook trail is one of the easier yet more spectacular trail you can experience and is open year-round. Hikers begin this trail adjacent to the east entrance of the mile long tunnel in the Park. A short ascent leads hikers along a trail that was used for surveying the tunnel construction in the 1920s. The Canyon Overlook trail hike takes approximately one hour and offers beautiful views of the park.


Note: Weather in Zion National Park is generally sunny and dry, but always check weather conditions before traveling on any trail, and make sure that friends or family are aware of where you will be hiking. Carry plenty of water, use sunscreen and/or a hat for protection. Depending on the season, it may be wise to bring a light jacket in case of inclement weather.