マーカガントプラトーの絶景の山頂・トップ5

Checkerboard Mesa is one of Zion National Park's most well known features. The name was given due to the horizontal and vertical lines crisscrossing the rock face like a checkerboard.

Climbing Cedar Canyon on Utah's Highway 14 from Cedar City is an unforgettable journey through spectacular scenery, rising from the valley floor into a dramatic canyon carved through vibrant red and pink cliffs towards the high Markagunt Plateau. Prepare for a very long, sustained ascent of approximately 17 miles, gaining over 4,000ft to reach very high elevations near 10,000ft. The climb is predominantly steady, averaging around 4-5% with the steepest miles approaching 8%. You'll eventually reach aspen and fir forests high on the plateau. Be very mindful of the very high altitude and expect significant temperature drops from base to summit; variable mountain weather is common.

This hike is a highlight

Checkerboard Mesa is one of Zion National Park's most well known features. The name was given due to the horizontal and vertical lines crisscrossing the rock face like a checkerboard.

The Watchman Trail, starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, climbs 368 feet (112 meters) to the stunning Watchman Overlook. Here hikers can overlook the Watchman, Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, and the town of Springdale. This viewpoint can get busy, so it's nice to get an early start. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Visitor Center, and bikes are not allowed on the trail.

The Brian Head is accessible by a short dirt road. You can enjoy a relaxing hike and get to the peak with panoramic views of Ashdown Gorge Wilderness and Cedar Breaks. There is a shelter at the top that can be good for a picnic.

Great views and better/further than from Angels Landing. The Hidden Canyon Trail and East Rim Trail within Zion NP are closed (long-term closure due to a major rockfall, September 2023). No one knows for how long as you wait for the next rockfall. The East Mesa Trail to Observation Point is open year-round. Due to the dirt road to the trailhead, Ponderosa Ranch Cabins offers a shuttle service. It's best to bring a rain jacket. Even when the weather looks good, there are often short rain showers. I experienced this on several days in Zion National Park.

This majestic lookout spot on a stone formation provides an iconic view of Zion. Come early to get the best view and fewer crowds! As far as running goes, please note that running is generally not encouraged at Zion National park due to how busy and populated it is.