HIKE THE EAST ZION TRAILS LESS TRAVELED—OBSERVATION POINT & CABLE MOUNTAIN
So many people have discovered a love for the great outdoors and sometimes the most popular trails in Zion National Park can feel overwhelming. Of course, no one wants to miss out on Zion’s beauty, so how do you avoid the crowds while still getting your dose of fresh air and those spectacular views you’re craving? Hike the trails less traveled!
Did you know you can access world-class Zion National Park hikes right from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, home of East Zion Advnetures? Hike to Observation Point, Cable Mountain, Deer Trap and all of the best-kept secret areas of the upper section of the park. With many East Rim trails closed inside Zion National Park, hiking across Zion Ponderosa is a great opportunity to gain a new perspective and gain access to some of the best views.
Observation Point
Appropriately named, Observation Point sits atop Mt. Baldy in Zion National Park at just over 6,500 feet and rewards hikers with a well-earned view overlooking Zion Canyon. The hike to this famous viewpoint (noted as one of the best views in Utah by Backpacker magazine) is about 6.5 to 7 miles round trip when you hike across Zion Ponderosa—and right now, the only way to access this incredible view is via a trailhead on Zion Ponderosa property. (Sounds like a no brainer where you should stay during your next Zion trip!) Another bonus? The trail is relatively level when you hike it this way, with slight elevation loss on the way out and gain on the way back. Sure beats that 2,000-foot incline from the Zion canyon floor, and it results in the same awe-inspiring view. Bonus tip: Keep an eye out for ant-sized hikers on Angels Landing! This hike is a great alternative—with an even better vantage point—now that permits are required for the chained section of Angels Landing.
Cable Mountain
In 1901 a Springdale pioneer engineered a system of cable works that could lower lumber 2,000+ feet to the canyon floor below in just two minutes. To transport the same load by wagon would have taken three to seven days round trip. When the lumber supply atop the mountain was depleted, the towers on the canyon floor were removed but remnants of the system still remain on top of the aptly named Cable Mountain. This wooden structure sits high on the cliffs overlooking Zion Canyon. A beautiful hike through Zion backcountry will often allow you to have this view all to yourself. The next time you visit us at Zion Ponderosa make sure to ask one of our friendly staff for directions to the trailhead! Bonus: In winter, you can snowshoe to Cable Mountain right from the front door of your Zion Ponderosa vacation home.
Make every moment of your hiking adventures count this year, with incredible hikes you just won’t find anywhere else. Stop by our adventure desk on Zion Ponderosa or in Orderville for hiking tips and to book guided Jeep, canyoneering and horseback riding tours. Happy hiking!