The Ultimate Guide to East Zion: Canyoneering, Dining, and Where to Stay
When most people think of Zion National Park, they picture the bustling shuttles and towering walls of the main canyon. But just on the other side of the famous Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel lies one of Southern Utah’s best-kept secrets: East Zion.
With higher elevations, cooler temperatures, ponderosa pine forests, and a fraction of the crowds, the east side of Zion is an adventurer’s paradise. Whether you are looking to descend into a breathtaking slot canyon, eat farm-to-table cuisine, or sleep under the stars in a luxury glamping tent, East Zion has it all.
Here is your ultimate guide to making the most out of your visit to the quiet side of the park.
1. The Main Event: Canyoneering with Rock Odysseys
You can’t visit East Zion without exploring the incredible slot canyons carved deep into the Navajo sandstone. At Rock Odysseys, we specialize in getting you off the beaten path and into the heart of the backcountry. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned adventurer, we have a canyoneering tour perfect for your itinerary.
Half-Day Canyoneering: Diana’s Throne
Short on time but still want a massive thrill? Our half-day tour at Diana’s Throne is the perfect introduction to canyoneering, and it is a fantastic, beginner-friendly option for first timers and families with kids of young ages! This route features stunning sculpted rock, fun downclimbs, and exhilarating rappels that will get everyone’s adrenaline pumping while still leaving you time to explore the rest of the park in the afternoon.
Full-Day Canyoneering: Birch Hollow, Rock Canyon & Minaret Canyon
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Southern Utah, our full-day trips are where the magic happens. We guide deep into Birch Hollow, Rock Canyon, and Minaret Canyon. These routes offer jaw-dropping vertical drops, towering fluted canyon walls, and a true sense of wilderness isolation that you simply won’t find on the main park trails.
Full-Day Canyon + Via Ferrata: Monument Hollow
Interested in a climbing aspect as well? Join us for our full-day descent through Monument Hollow. Not only will you navigate a spectacular slot canyon, but your exit strategy involves a thrilling 300-foot Via Ferrata! Using iron rungs drilled into the cliff, you’ll climb vertically out of the canyon, securing sweeping, birds-eye views of the East Zion landscape. It’s an unforgettable hybrid of canyoneering and climbing.
Note: Because the via ferrata climb out of the canyon is fully exposed to the warm Southern Utah sun, this tour is only offered seasonally to avoid extreme heat. Spring and fall are the absolute best times of year to experience Monument Hollow safely and comfortably.
Click here to book your Rock Odysseys East Zion Canyoneering Adventure today!
2. Other Must-Do Adventures in East Zion
Once you’ve conquered the canyons with us, there is still plenty to explore on the east side!
- Observation Point via East Mesa Trail: Instead of a grueling climb from the main canyon floor (which is currently closed due to rockfall anyway), you can hike to Zion’s most iconic viewpoint right from East Zion! Starting near Zion Ponderosa Resort, this relatively flat 7-mile roundtrip hike takes you through a ponderosa pine forest right to the rim of the canyon, offering an unbelievable panoramic view where you actually look down on Angels Landing.
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Just a short drive from East Zion, this park features massive, shifting dunes of vibrant pink sand. You can hike, rent a sandboard to surf down the dunes, or take an ATV tour.
- Willis Creek Slot Canyon: A uniquely beautiful hike where you follow a shallow, trickling creek through a gently curving slot canyon. It’s a fantastic, picturesque hike located just east of the park boundaries. Note: A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended to access the trailhead via the unpaved Skutumpah Road.
- Moqui Cave & Belly of the Dragon (Easier Option to Willis Creek): If you are looking for quirky, family-friendly stops with minimal hiking, check out these two unique spots right off Highway 89. Belly of the Dragon is a fascinating, ribbed drainage tunnel you can easily walk through, while Moqui Cave features a historic natural history museum built right into the red rock.
3. Where to Eat in East Zion
Exploring builds a serious appetite. Luckily, the towns bordering East Zion (like Orderville and Mt. Carmel Junction) boast some fantastic dining spots.
- Cordwood (at Zion Mountain Ranch): If you are looking for an upscale, farm-to-table experience, this is the place. Cordwood serves elevated, seasonal dishes using ingredients grown right on the property. Bonus: You might even spot their resident herd of buffalo grazing nearby while you eat!
- Thunderbird Restaurant (Mt. Carmel Junction): A staple since 1931, this retro diner is famous for its “Ho-Made” pies. It’s the perfect spot to grab a hearty, classic American burger, chicken fried steak, and a slice of warm pie after a long day in the canyons.
- The Shop Coffee Company (Orderville): Housed in a renovated mechanic’s shop, this is the best spot in East Zion to fuel up before your morning adventure. Grab a craft coffee, a fresh pastry, or a breakfast sandwich to-go.
- Wild Thyme (Kanab): Located just a short scenic drive away in Kanab, this fantastic eatery is a local favorite. They serve up fresh, vibrant dishes with a creative twist on classic American comfort food—making it the perfect dinner spot to unwind after an active day on the eastern edge of the park.
4. Where to Stay: Lodging & Glamping
East Zion has become famous for its unique lodging options. Instead of standard highway motels, you’ll find incredible basecamps built directly into the landscape.
- Zion Mountain Ranch: For a true western experience, rent a private cabin here. You get all the comforts of a high-end resort with the rustic charm of a working buffalo ranch. It’s quiet, remote, and perfectly situated for exploring the east side.
- Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort: Situated on 4,000 acres right on the park’s eastern boundary, this resort has it all. Choose from luxury vacation homes, cozy cabin suites, or glamping tents. They also have a massive pool and on-site dining, making it a great hub for families.
- East Zion Resort (Orderville): If you want a highly Instagrammable, modern stay, check out East Zion Resort. They offer luxury yurts, elevated treehouses, mirror houses, and tiny homes, all with stunning views of the surrounding red rock countryside.
Ready for the trip of a lifetime?
East Zion offers a peaceful yet thrilling alternative to the busy main canyon. Pack your bags, book your stay, and let Rock Odysseys show you the ropes (literally) in some of the most beautiful slot canyons on earth.