Zion: East Rim Jeep Tour with Checkerboard Mesa & Jolley Gulch

Summary

Checkerboard Mesa views & Jolley Gulch descent on a quick Zion adventure

You’ll ride through Zion’s pine forests by Jeep, catch your breath at Checkerboard Mesa’s wild patterns, then descend into Jolley Gulch for an optional short hike above its deep slot canyon. Local guides share stories and snacks along the way—it’s fast-paced but leaves you with these odd flashes of silence and awe you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

I hopped into the Jeep still brushing pine needles off my jacket, not really knowing what to expect from this East Rim tour. Our guide, Tyler—who grew up around Zion—tossed us bottles of water and grinned like he knew something we didn’t. The engine rumbled as we bumped through the forest, sunlight flickering through tall ponderosas. There was this sharp, clean smell in the air—almost like cold stone after rain. I tried to take a photo out the window but gave up; you kind of have to be there for that first look at Checkerboard Mesa. The lines on the rock are so weirdly perfect, almost like someone carved them with a giant ruler.

Tyler stopped and pointed out where his dad used to take him hiking as a kid. He told us how locals call it “the checkerboard” because of those crisscross grooves (I tried repeating the Paiute name and totally butchered it—he laughed). From there we started down toward Jolley Gulch, which is steeper than I thought. The Jeep rattled so much my teeth felt loose for a second. When we stopped again, Tyler said if anyone wanted to walk over for a top-down view of the slot canyon, now’s the time. It’s only two minutes but my legs were jelly from gripping the seat so hard—I went anyway. Looking down into that narrow crack, 200 feet deep and silent except for some distant bird noise… I still think about that moment sometimes.

The climb back up was slower; we crossed dry riverbeds and I kept spotting little animal tracks in the dust (maybe coyote? Tyler said probably). Snacks tasted better than usual after all that bumping around—just trail mix but somehow saltier in the cold air. We rolled back onto the plateau with our hair full of dust and everyone kind of quiet for a minute, which felt right somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep tour to Zion landmarks

• Travel in loop to Checkerboard Overlook
• Stop at Checkerboard Mesa viewpoint
• Descend into Jolley Gulch
• Optional short hike to slot canyon view
• Climb out crossing river bed
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long does the East Rim Jeep tour in Zion take?

The tour lasts about one hour from start to finish.

Is there an option to hike during this Zion Jeep tour?

Yes, there's an optional two-minute unguided hike at Jolley Gulch for a top-down view of the slot canyon.

Are snacks or drinks included on this tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included during the tour.

What landmarks do you see on this Jeep tour?

You’ll visit Checkerboard Mesa overlook and Jolley Gulch slot canyon area.

Is this Zion Jeep tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at the starting point.

What should I bring for fall or winter tours?

Bring hats, gloves, coats—warm clothing is recommended during colder months.

What’s included

Your experience includes bottled water and snacks along the route as you travel by Jeep with a local guide through Zion’s East Rim to Checkerboard Mesa and Jolley Gulch before looping back to your starting point.