Zion National Park’s east side is a hidden gem, offering natural beauty and adventure without the chaos and crowds of Zion Canyon during peak season. It’s the perfect base camp for an extended getaway, with easy access to a variety of state and national parks, hiking trails and outdoor adventure. Visitors can easily explore the beauty and diversity of East Zion while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Read on to find out what makes East Zion a special place to visit!
Quiet Side of Zion
While Zion National Park can get crowded during peak season, the east side is a place where visitors can enjoy Zion’s natural beauty without the crowds and noise of the more popular areas. East Zion is home to a variety of hiking trails like Cable Mountain and Observation Point, stunning scenery and many natural attractions, but without the crowds and congestion that can sometimes be found in Zion National Park. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience with the natural beauty of Zion National Park.
Convenient Location
East Zion is a great home base for visitors booking an extended vacation. It has easy access to the east entrance to Zion National Park, and also conveniently positioned near other popular attractions such as Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell. This makes it easy to explore multiple destinations in one trip. Click here to see multi-day itineraries.
Endless Adventures
Zion National Park’s east side is a hub of outdoor adventure: exploring unique slot canyons, breathtaking scenic overlooks, horseback riding, off-road excursions, and more. There is something for everyone here, whether you’re an experienced adventurer or just starting out.
One of the best ways to experience this beautiful region is with East Zion Adventures, located at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. They offer a wide range of guided activities, including jeep tours, canyoneering, UTV tours, horseback riding, and more.
One of the most popular activities in the area is canyoneering, which involves rappelling, climbing, and hiking through narrow slot canyons. East Zion Adventures offers a variety of canyoneering tours, from beginner-friendly options to more advanced routes for experienced adventurers. UTV tours or horseback riding to slot canyons are a great combination option, offering the best of both worlds when it comes to exploring East Zion’s rugged terrain and scenic views.
Higher Elevation
East Zion is located at a higher elevation than Zion National Park’s main canyon—which means cooler nights and milder temperatures during the day. This can be particularly enjoyable during peak summer season, when temps can soar above 100 degrees. Visitors can escape the heat and enjoy the great outdoors without feeling too hot and uncomfortable. The higher elevation makes East Zion a great place to hike and explore during the summer months. In winter, that also means colder weather, but there’s nothing quite like the sight of fresh snow blanketing the red rock landscape. Plus, it’s a rare opportunity to enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Heavenly Night Skies
Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of the night sky, East Zion’s dark night skies make it a stellar spot for stargazing. The remote location and high elevation means there is little light pollution, allowing visitors to see the night sky in all its glory. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way on clear nights. Zion National Park offers stargazing programs, and East Zion lodging such as Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort also offers nightly stargazing tours.
Visit East Zion
Whether you’re looking to escape the crowds, enjoy the solitude of the outdoors, or simply relax and unwind in a peaceful setting, East Zion has something to offer. From scenic vistas to remote hiking trails and thrilling outdoor adventures, there are so many reasons to stay and play on the stunning east side of Zion National Park.
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