Stave Spring (seasonal)

Stave Spring marks the halfway point of the East Rim Trail and doubles as a trailhead for Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain, near Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort on the park's east side. It's also used as an alternate approach to Observation Point, offering a quieter route than the popular trail up from the main canyon floor.

Good to know

• Water at the spring flows intermittently from a pipe — it's seasonal and shouldn't be counted on; carry your own water
• Observation Point via Stave Spring runs about 9.5 miles round trip with roughly 2,191 feet of elevation gain
• Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort runs a shuttle to the trailhead for guests

This is a good option for hikers looking to reach Observation Point or the East Rim's summits away from the crowds that build up on the canyon-floor approaches, provided you come prepared with your own water.