Few trails in Zion Nationwide Park ship views as commanding or experiences as unforgettable because the Remark Level hike through the East Mesa Path. Perched excessive above Zion Canyon, the reasonably straightforward route affords sweeping views of landmarks like Angels Touchdown, Nice White Throne, and Hidden Canyon with out the extreme crowds discovered elsewhere within the park. Whether or not you’re chasing a glowing Zion sundown, looking for solitude among the many pines, or visiting one of many park’s most iconic overlooks, the hike to Remark Level is a should for anybody trying to expertise one of the best of southern Utah mountaineering and Zion’s panoramic magnificence.
Trailhead elevation 6,522′
Do not miss Mis-Me and Thriller Canyon views
Mountain climbing to Remark Level
It’s my first night again in Zion Nationwide Park, and I can’t consider a greater solution to kick issues off than with a return hike to Remark Level — probably the most lovely viewpoints in all of southern Utah. I’ve made the trek a number of instances earlier than, each from the now-closed Weeping Rock Trailhead and the still-accessible East Mesa Trailhead, which has develop into the one path to this unbelievable overlook. The drive in is an journey in itself. The primary eight miles from Zion’s east entrance roll easily over pavement, however as soon as I cross Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, the street turns wild — three tough miles of deep ruts, free rock, and terrain finest dealt with by a high-clearance automobile. I believe {that a} sedan might make the journey, however the final quarter mile is basically gnarly.
By 5:30 p.m., I pull into the small 15-car lot on the trailhead. With rain within the forecast, it’s solely half full — a uncommon present. In years previous, discovering parking up right here was usually the toughest a part of the hike. All the land surrounding the trailhead is personal, peppered with no parking indicators that make the few accessible spots all of the extra coveted.
I toss a liter of water into my pack and set off down the path. The East Mesa Path is mild and straightforward to observe, winding by way of a aromatic forest of Ponderosa pine, juniper, and Gambel oak. Shafts of night mild minimize by way of the bushes, and every now and then the canyon opens up, providing teasing glimpses of the huge wilderness to the north
About 1.2 miles in, I take a faint, hiker-made path to the proper. In only a few hundred toes, I’m standing on the southern rim of Mis-Me Canyon, staring right into a deep sandstone gorge that appears painted by the hand of some historic artist.
A mile later, I observe one other faint spur path, this one main to a different spectacular view — Thriller Canyon. It’s a panoramic sight, the type that makes you grasp round longer than deliberate.
As I proceed west, reminiscences of a long-ago hike with my dad come flooding again — the 2 of us trudging up in blistering warmth, sweat mixing with pink mud. Tonight although, the air is cool and type, a gradual breeze pushing me towards the sting of Zion’s infinite sky.
With just below a mile to go, the path, which had been a gradual uphill stroll up thus far, begins to descend, revealing layer after layer of sandstone cliffs. Giant temples, white domes, and crimson canyons stretch throughout the horizon like an not possible dream.
The ultimate method is mushy sand underfoot, and as I crest the ridge, the world opens up. By 6:30, I’m standing atop Mount Baldy at Remark Level, excessive above Zion Canyon. A younger couple is taking wedding ceremony photographs — an unforgettable backdrop for the beginning of their life collectively. I give them house and discover my very own spot to the proper of the overlook.
No fiery sundown tonight — only a mushy wash of gold and lavender settling over the cliffs. Nonetheless, it’s beautiful. From right here I can see Angel’s Touchdown and The Organ beneath, the mouth of Hidden Canyon and Nice White Throne to the left, and much down the valley, Purple Arch Mountain, Mount Zion, Woman Mountain, and East Temple dominating the skyline.
I zoom in with my digital camera, catching a glimpse of hikers lounging atop Angel’s Touchdown — their silhouettes tiny towards the huge canyon. Off to my proper lies the West Rim Path, which I’ll be backpacking within the coming days. To my left, the faint hint of the outdated Echo Canyon Path, now closed, jogs my memory of previous visits to the park.
After a fast cease on the geological marker and some phrases of congratulations to the newlyweds, I toss on my pack and begin again towards the trailhead. The solar slips away, and by the ultimate mile, I’m mountaineering in near-total darkness. That’s after I hear it — a faint rattle. Not panic-inducing, however sufficient to make me freeze. My headlamp sweeps the path, and there it’s: a small Timber rattlesnake, coiled simply fifteen toes forward. I step extensive to present it house, however as I cross, the little man lunges — lacking me by a couple of toes.
By 8:15, I’m again at my truck, the celebs now sensible overhead. One other Remark Level hike full, with a couple of additional thrills for good measure. Tomorrow, I set out on the West Rim Path — and I can’t wait to see what Zion has in retailer subsequent.
