US-UT-Zion+National+Park+--+East+Mesa+Trail

Also, see Zion National Park
 * =Birding in Utah=

Washington County
=Zion National Park= =East Mesa Trail= Springdale, UT 84737 Zion National Park website Zion National Park map Zion National Park trail map Zion National Park bird list East Mesa Trail webpage

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Zion NP -- East Mesa Trail
Coordinates: 37.2965451, -112.9179096 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

About East Mesa Trail
Zion Book: Favorite Hikes in and around Zion National ParkThis trail is used mainly by canyoneers headed to Mystery Canyon. The trail leads from the North Fork Road to Observation Point. This is an easy alternative to hiking up the East Rim or up the Observation Point Trail.

Trailhead - From the east gate of Zion National Park drive 2.4 miles and turn at the junction of the North Fork Road and UT-9. Drive 5.2 miles up the road to the Ponderosa Ranch. Turn left at the Ponderosa Ranch under the black arch. Travel .7 miles then turn right at the intersection on the Twin Knolls Road. At 1.45 miles turn right at the intersection. Follow the well-traveled dirt road which will eventually become a high clearance or 4WD road at approximately 2.4 miles. The Observation Point sign is at 2.6 miles. Stay right as the road begins to descend a rocky hill then levels out. At 2.85 miles there is a "Y" intersection. Turn left and drive .1 mile to the gate at the East Mesa Trailhead. Park here.

Pass through the hikers gate and into Zion National Park. Begin hiking the East Mesa Trail, which is an old road (was once a jeep road) with easy, slightly uphill traveling. The trail meanders through manzanitas, gamble oak, wild roses, ponderosa, pinon, mountain daises, and Indian paintbrush (bring bug repellant). After about a mile of hiking, the road narrows to a narrow hiking path. Juniper trees appear and the trail begins to level off. The East Mesa Trail gets slightly steeper and yields a view (to your right side) of the head of Mystery Canyon. Continue straight to Observation Point. From East Mesa Trail webpage

About Zion National Park
Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.

What's great about visiting Zion National Park is that the park has always been an important part of this vital recovery effort. The Peregrine falcon, the California condor, the Mexican spotted owl, and the bald eagle are all found here. This place of protection and sanctuary harbored these birds with a safe haven where their needs for food, nesting, and habitat never changed. Peregrine falcon returnees established multiple nesting sites over the years and all of their food sources in the park are free of man-made dangers. Reintroduced California condors regularly spend time in Zion, and can sometimes be seen in the Lava Point, Canyon Overlook, and Angels Landing areas. Bald eagles come home to Zion for their winter rest.

These success stories are worthy of celebration, and you can celebrate too. When visiting Zion, each time you look up and see any of the 288 species found on the park's bird list, take heart in knowing that by being here you help them thrive. You offer your highest and best to the idea that all of nature contained in our 232 square mile sanctuary, and beyond, is worthy of saving. May the wandering spirit of all our avian friends inspire in you a new understanding of what it means to fly free. From Zion National Park website

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media type="custom" key="29007409" || L3771948 US US-UT US-UT-053 37.2965451 -112.9179096 Zion NP -- East Mesa Trail