Echo Canyon now Weeping Rock Approach Closed

[Brit Beermonster]

Hi all,

Planning a trip to Zion in a week or so and need some info on Echo.

Now that the entry is via East Rim Trailhead/Stave Spring what's the distance before the canyon? I'm estimating 5 miles in, 5 miles out from East Rim Trailhead, is that about right?

Would it be better, shorter, to approach from Ponderosa Ranch and if so, how far can you drive in? From Tom's book it looks like you can drive into Ponderosa for Mystery, can you do the same for Echo via Stave? It looks possible to drive onto West Pine St in Ponderosa but what are the road conditions, 4x4 required? And what about parking?

I've done Echo before but only via Weeping Rock approach so any info from the other side greatly appreciated, thanks.

[ratagonia]

Hi all,

Planning a trip to Zion in a week or so and need some info on Echo.

Now that the entry is via East Rim Trailhead/Stave Spring what's the distance before the canyon? I'm estimating 5 miles in, 5 miles out from East Rim Trailhead, is that about right?

Would it be better, shorter, to approach from Ponderosa Ranch and if so, how far can you drive in? From Tom's book it looks like you can drive into Ponderosa for Mystery, can you do the same for Echo via Stave? It looks possible to drive onto West Pine St in Ponderosa but what are the road conditions, 4x4 required? And what about parking?

I've done Echo before but only via Weeping Rock approach so any info from the other side greatly appreciated, thanks.

Ponderosa approach is OK for 2WD car, except the last 100 feet or so; and there's a couple parking places just for that. From there it is a pleasant 40 minute downhill hike to where the trail crosses the canyon (and you can drop in there). On the way out, it is perhaps an hour 20 minutes to hike out back to the car.

Be sure to check with the Wilderness Desk for the current status of the trail.

Tom

[Brit Beermonster]

Thank you Tom, looks like the route above is the one I'd picked from one of your betas, and on Google Earth.
Regards,
Matt.