Hiking Trail from East Rim to Jolley Gulch Overlook (Zion National Park)
Discover the pristine wilderness of Zion National Park with the Jolley Gulch Hike, a lesser-known trail that offers a peaceful and scenic experience.
The East Rim Trailhead for this hike is conveniently located near the East Entrance Ranger Station on Zion – Mount Carmel Road. Known as the starting point for hikes in the East Rim area, it is sometimes referred to as the East Rim Trailhead or East Entrance Trailhead [1][3]. The trail itself begins near the East Entrance of the park, making it easily accessible.
The Jolley Gulch Hike is a round trip, returning the way it began. The trail is wide and the grades are gentle, making it suitable for light hiking gear or fitness clothes. The trail meanders through rock formations, canyons covered in pines, and offers stunning views of Checkerboard Mesa and Jolley Gulch [4].
While hiking, it's recommended to bring at least 1L of water as the trail is mainly exposed and can get hot in the summer. Low gaiters may also be beneficial due to the sandy trails [5].
The trail does not lead to any new destinations after Jolley Gulch. However, the return trip offers no specific landmarks or formations to note, save for the eerie tale surrounding Jolley Gulch.
Jolley Gulch is named after an early settler who is the main character in a local horror story. The story involves Jolley pushing his wife and children off a cliff due to a lack of water, and then committing suicide. Today, Jolley's gulch is said to be haunted [6].
For those unfamiliar with the works of Edward Abbey, his book may be a recommended read. The Hayduke Trail, a 800 mile thru-hike from Arches NP to the Grand Canyon to its end in Zion Canyon, is named after a character in one of Abbey's books [7]. Interestingly, the Jolley Gulch Hike trail is also known as the Hayduke Trail.
For up-to-date information and trip reports, consider using AllTrails Plus, which offers offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync for the East Rim Trail to Jolley Gulch hike. The author's go-to daypack for this hike is the Osprey Hikelite 26, known for its lightweight, durability, and back dry feature [8].
Lastly, remember that the Garmin inReach Mini 2 provides 100% reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry, ensuring your safety during your adventure [2].
References:
- www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/east-rim-trail.htm
- www.garmin.com/inreach
- www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/east-rim-trailhead-to-jolley-gulch-trail
- www.hikingproject.com/trail/7003032/jolley-gulch-trail
- www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-footwear.html
- www.onlyinyourstate.com/utah/haunted-places-utah/
- www.hayduketrail.com/
- www.osprey.com/us/en/product/hikelite26_40.html?dwvar_Hikelite26_40_color=BLACK%20OLIVE%20%2F%20GREY%20%20%28CT0114%29
- www.edwardabbey.com/
- Experience the tranquil wilderness of Zion National Park via the Jolley Gulch Hike, a less-crowded trail initiating at the East Rim Trailhead, near the East Entrance Ranger Station on Zion–Mount Carmel Road.
- Equip yourself with light hiking gear and hydration, like the Osprey Hikelite 26 pack, as well as offline maps from AllTrails Plus for navigation on the East Rim Trail to Jolley Gulch hike.
- While treading the trail, keep an eye out for Jolley Gulch's striking scenery, including rock formations, pine-covered canyons, and mesmerizing views of Checkerboard Mesa. As the trail progresses, it shares its name with the eerie gulch that inspired a local horror story about an early settler named Jolley.
- Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or novice, the Jolley Gulch Hike offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and the peacefulness of nature, encapsulating the essence of the outdoor-living and home-and-garden lifestyle.
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