CHECKERBOARD MESA CANYON

Hiking Information Photos 1 2

entering Checkerboard Mesa Canyon to the west of Checkerboard Mesa (Zion National Park) -- © 2009 Joe Braun Photography

For Those Who Miss Hidden Canyon:

With its distinctive cross-hatching patterns on a cone-shaped White Cliffs formation, Checkerboard Mesa is one of the most recognizable and photogenic landmarks in Zion National Park. Tourists who drive Route 9 through the Upper East Canyon can stop and view the formation at the Checkerboard Mesa parking lot and viewing area located just down the road from the East Entrance ranger station. The drainage just to the west is unofficially known as Checkerboard Mesa Canyon and makes for a pleasant little hike. This drainage is also the gateway for longer hikes on the Parunuweap side of the White Cliffs.

Rating:
Moderately strenuous day hike
Access:
Route 9 in the East Canyon, just west of Checkerboard Mesa
Time Required:
2-4 hours (hike to Checkerboard Mesa saddle and back)
Length:
1.2 miles one-way from Route 9 to the saddle in Checkerboard Mesa Canyon
Elevation Change:
450-ft ascent up the canyon
Seasons:
Year-round although winter conditions are unpredictable.

Hiking Up Checkerboard Mesa Canyon:

A hike up Checkerboard Mesa Canyon to the saddle (highpoint) could take 2-4 hours at a moderate pace. Starting at the large parking area or one of the smaller pull-offs down the road, carefully walk along the road to find the mouth of the drainage west of Checkerboard Mesa alongside the neighboring formation traditionally known as "Crazy Quilt Mesa" and begin hiking up the canyon. The hike is moderately strenuous with pleasant canyon scenery comparable to the more well-known Hidden Canyon that has been closed since 2019 due to the Weeping Rock rockfall.

While there are no difficult obstacle challenges in this hike, you will have to navigate various obstacles in the canyon, from downed logs to various boulders and rock formations. One notable problem is the boulder obstacle; instead of attempting to climb it, you can hike back a bit and scramble up to the walk-around path that follows the shelves on the left/east side of the canyon to get past.

When you get near the head of the canyon, you will see the crux of the hike: a steep overgrown landslide that is roughly 200-feet tall; follow the trail-of-use that zigzags its way up the sandy hill. Once on top of the saddle, you can enjoy views in both directions--to the north, you can see the White Cliffs near Route 9 and to the south, you catch your first glimpse of the vast scenery above Parunuweap Canyon far in the distance. If the saddle was your destination, this high point is a great place to have lunch and then return the way you came.

the view from the saddle in Checkerboard Mesa Canyon (Zion National Park) -- © 2009 Joe Braun Photography

Longer Hiking Options:

Checkerboard Mesa Canyon is also used as the gateway to longer adventures, including hiking all the way down to remote Parunuweap Canyon via the "Checkerboard Mesa Escape Route" and the Misery Canyon technical canyoneering route. Random exploration of the hills and formations on the south side of the White Cliffs is also pleasant and you could turn this into a loop hike by using Separation Canyon to the west as an alternate start or exit. WARNING: All of these longer routes require preparation and excellent navigation skills. Be sure to bring any navigation aids (maps, GPS, compass, etc.) and know how to use them.

Joe's Spin:

While not in any top-ten list of things to do in Zion, this little drainage makes for a fun little hike in lesser-travelled territory. If you are a fan of and remember hiking Hidden Canyon, the scenery and feel of this canyon should be right up your alley.

VIEW THE PHOTOGRAPHS! Return to the Upper East Canyon


Checkerboard Mesa Topo Map
 

Please note: This web site and all images on this site are the property of CitrusMilo Adventures ©2025. Unauthorized public or commercial use of any of the images or text on this website without explicit permission is strictly forbidden.