Hiking Route from East Rim Trail to Jolley Gulch Overlook (Zion National Park)

Exploring Jolley Gulch via the East Rim Trail in Zion National Park

Nestled in the remote eastern section of Zion National Park lies the East Rim Trailhead, a gateway to an exhilarating hike that leads to the hauntingly beautiful Jolley Gulch. Accessed via dirt roads, this trailhead is situated on private land owned by Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort 1.

The trailhead is approximately 50 minutes from the main Zion area, and it offers a chance to experience pristine wilderness in relative solitude. The East Rim Trail, also known as the Hayduke Trail in this section, meanders through rock formations, canyons covered in pines, and offers stunning views of Checkerboard Mesa and Jolley Gulch 2.

The trail begins with a gentle ascent through a pine forest before opening to canyon vistas. The path is wide and suitable for light hiking gear or fitness clothes, making it an accessible adventure for many 1. As you hike, wearing low gaiters can be beneficial due to the sandy terrain 3.

Jolley Gulch, named after an early settler who is the main character in a local horror story, is believed to be haunted by Jolley's spirit today 4. The tale tells of Jolley pushing his family over the edge of the gulch due to dehydration when the stream dried up 5.

For those embarking on this hike, the Osprey Hikelite 26 is the author's go-to daypack, praised for its lightweight, durability, and back-drying trampoline mesh 6. The Altra Lone Peak 9 is another recommended choice, offering comfort for long distances and improved grip 7.

Staying connected and safe during your hike is essential. AllTrails Plus offers up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync for hikers 8. The Garmin inReach Mini 2, with its 100% reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry, is a must-have for emergencies 9.

As you return from the hike, remember to follow the trail back the way you came 10. With the right gear and a sense of adventure, the East Rim Trailhead and Jolley Gulch hike promise an unforgettable experience in Zion National Park.

For those interested in learning more about the area, Edward Abbey's works are recommended, as he is a notable author whose books are a great introduction for those unfamiliar with him 11. It's also important to note that the Hayduke Trail, an 800-mile thru-hike that extends from Arches National Park to the Grand Canyon and ends in Zion Canyon, passes through this section of the East Rim Trail 12.

Remember to bring at least 1L of water due to the trail's exposure and potential heat in the summer 13. Be mindful of private property rules such as no littering and considerate parking when accessing the East Rim Trailhead, as it crosses Zion Ponderosa’s land 1.

The East Rim Trailhead, located on private land owned by Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, is the starting point for the exciting hike to Jolley Gulch.
The East Rim Trail, known as the Hayduke Trail in this section, winds through rock formations, pine-covered canyons, and offers breathtaking views of Checkerboard Mesa and Jolley Gulch.
Wearing low gaiters can be beneficial while hiking due to the sandy terrain on the East Rim Trail.
Jolley Gulch, a hauntingly beautiful location in Zion National Park, is believed to be haunted by Jolley's spirit after the tale of an early settler pushing his family over the edge of the gulch when the stream dried up.
The Osprey Hikelite 26, a lightweight, durable daypack with a back-drying trampoline mesh, and the Altra Lone Peak 9, offering comfort for long distances and improved grip, are recommended for hiking on the East Rim Trail.
AllTrails Plus provides up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync for hikers to stay connected and safe during their hikes.
The Garmin inReach Mini 2, with its 100% reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry, is a must-have for emergencies during hiking trips.
After finishing the hike, remember to follow the trail back the way you came.
For those wanting to learn more about the area, Edward Abbey's works are recommended as a great introduction to his writings.
The Hayduke Trail, an 800-mile thru-hike, passes through this section of the East Rim Trail, extending from Arches National Park to the Grand Canyon and ending in Zion Canyon.
Since the East Rim Trail's crossing includes Zion Ponderosa’s land, it's important to respect private property rules such as no littering and considerate parking.
Do not forget to bring at least 1L of water due to the trail's exposure and potential heat in the summer.