Where is the East Rim / Jolley Gulch Hike?

The East Rim / Jolley Gulch hike is located at the East Rim Trailhead in Zion National Park, near Orderville, UT. The trailhead is just 300 feet west of the East Entrance to the park.

What gear do I need for the East Rim / Jolley Gulch Hike?

The East Rim / Jolley Gulch hike is fairly easy and can be done in light hiking gear or fitness clothes. You should bring at least 1L of water, as the trail is exposed and can get hot, especially in the summer.

What is the length of the East Rim / Jolley Gulch Hike?

The East Rim / Jolley Gulch hike is approximately 3.6 miles roundtrip, with a moderate elevation gain. It offers a gentle uphill climb to the Checkerboard Mesa overlook and a slight downhill to the Jolley Gulch viewpoint.

What are the highlights of the East Rim / Jolley Gulch Hike?

The East Rim / Jolley Gulch hike features stunning views of rock formations, the lush Cave Canyon, and the striking Checkerboard Mesa. At the Jolley Gulch viewpoint, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the 200-foot-deep gulch.

Are there any safety precautions for the East Rim / Jolley Gulch Hike?

Yes, be careful around the edges of the Jolley Gulch viewpoint, as the rocks can be slick. The gulch is deep, and the area is known for its dangerous cliffs.

What is the story behind Jolley Gulch?

Jolley Gulch is named after an early settler, Jolley, who tragically killed his wife and children due to dehydration in the early 1900s. According to local folklore, the gulch is said to be haunted by Jolley's spirit.

Is parking available at the East Rim Trailhead?

Yes, there is a medium-sized parking area at the East Rim Trailhead, located just west of the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Parking can fill up, so it’s best to arrive early.

PLAY VIDEO

East Rim Trail to Jolley Gulch Viewpoint (Zion)

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 12, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 6 miles
Time: 2-3 Hours
Total Climbing: 610 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Zion National Park

Just minutes from the park entrance but eons away from the crowds, hiking the East Rim Trail to the Jolley Gulch viewpoint is spectacular. The trail meanders through incredible rock formations, canyons covered in pines, and past stunning views of Checkerboard Mesa and Jolley Gulch. If you want to experience pristine Zion National Park wilderness in relative solitude, this hike is for you.

Where is East Rim / Jolley Gulch Hike?

The trailhead for this hike is easy to reach. It's seconds from the East Entrance, just inside the park at the East Rim Trailhead. Use this trailhead address:
East Rim Trailhead, Zion National Park, Orderville, UT 84758

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Viewpoint Zion Parking — The road to the East Rim Trailhead is just 300 feet west of the entrance booth. Drive up the road, stay straight, and park at the end.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 1 — There's a medium-sized parking area that I've never seen full.

Gear For the Hike

The trail is wide, and the grades are gentle on this hike; you don't need anything special. I'd recommend light hiking gear or fitness clothes. The trails are sandy (like most of Zion), so if you wear low gaiters, they'll be good here. Bring at least 1L of water. The trail is mainly exposed and can get hot in the summer.

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East Rim Trail to Jolley Gulch Maps

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Elevation Profile

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Viewpoint Zion Elevation — The hike is a gentle uphill until we get to Checkerboard Mesa overlook, and then there's a slight downhill to the Jolley Gulch viewpoint. This is a one-way profile. On the way back, you do it in reverse.

3D Map

Jolley Gulch Hike Directions

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 2 — The start of the East Rim Trail is just past the gate at the parking area.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 3 — You'll see a trail board for the East Rim Trail.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 4 — The trail starts out sandy and flat as you hike along (the usually dry) Clear Creek wash.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 5 — The views on either side are spectacular.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 6 — Shortly after the start you enter the Zion Wilderness.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 7 — Continue down the trail as it crosses Clear Creek and a few tributaries.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 8 — At about 1.3 miles the trail starts to wind to the left into Cave Canyon.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 10 — The lush slopes of Cave Canyon mixed with the dramatic rock formations have a different feel than the earlier Clear Creek section.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 11 — At about 1.7 miles the trail doubles back and climbs up the side of Cave Canyon.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 12 — Follow the East Rim Trail along the upper slope of Cave Canyon (to the left).

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 13 — The trail, once an old wagon route, widens out as it ascends to the tableland that surrounds Zion Canyon.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 14 — At about 2.2 miles, look to your left for spectacular views into Clear Creek Canyon and over to Checkerboard Mesa.

Why is it called Checkerboard Mesa? If you look closely (which you can from its roadside stop), you'll notice a checkerboard appearance. The horizontal lines are from the many layers of ancient sand dunes; the vertical lines are from cracking due to expansion and contraction during winter.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 15 — Continue on the wide trail as it starts to go downhill.

If you look at a map, this section of trail is also known as the Hayduke Trail. What's the Hayduke Trail? It's an 800 mile thru-hike, from Arches NP to the Grand Canyon to its end in Zion Canyon. It's named after a character in an Edward Abbey book, and if you don't know who Edward Abbey is, pick up one of his books and you'll be in for a treat.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 16 — On your left are the ever-narrowing walls of Jolley Canyon.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 17 — At 2.8 miles there's a steep downhill as you approach the mouth of Jolley Gulch.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 18 — And here you are, the Jolley Gulch viewpoint.

Who is Jolley (sometimes pronounced "jolly")? Well, he's an early settler and the main character in a local horror story. I'm not sure how much is true, but here goes. Jolley moved here with his wife and two girls in the early 1900s, before Zion became a National Park in 1919. When the family moved here in the spring, a stream flowed down into the gulch. As the year went on, the stream dried up and the family started to face death from dehydration. Jolley walked his wife and kids to the edge of the gulch and pushed them over the side. He then went back to the cabin, wrote down what he did, and then jumped off the side himself. Today the gulch is supposed to be haunted by Jolley.

East Rim Trail To Jolley Gulch Directions 19 — The views down into the 200-foot Jolley Gulch are incredible. Be careful around the edges on the slick rock.

That's the hike! From here, just go back the way you came.