Checkerboard Mesa
A striking Navajo Sandstone summit near Zion's east entrance, famous for its mesmerizing grid-like crack patterns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easy roadside access
Checkerboard Mesa
Best Time
Easy roadside access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking Navajo Sandstone summit near Zion's east entrance, famous for its mesmerizing grid-like crack patterns.
"A quick and worthwhile stop with a small pullout for photos and a peaceful desert view."
📸 Quick Photo Stop
Perfect for a brief stop to capture unique geological formations. No facilities available, so plan accordingly. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Easy Roadside Access
Located right off the highway, making it a convenient stop for travelers entering or exiting Zion. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Checkerboard Mesa Formation
Near Zion's East Entrance
Witness the iconic Navajo Sandstone summit with its mesmerizing grid-like crack patterns.
Scenic Highway Pullouts
Along State Route 9
Several small pullouts offer convenient spots for photos and to admire the unique desert landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Stop, Big Impact
Best for Geology Buffs & Quick Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Quick Photo Stop
Perfect for a brief stop to capture unique geological formations. No facilities available, so plan accordingly. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Easy Roadside Access
Located right off the highway, making it a convenient stop for travelers entering or exiting Zion. :car:
🚶♂️ Short Walk Potential
While primarily a viewpoint, some pullouts offer short trails for a closer look at the formations. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Quick Photo Stop
Perfect for a brief stop to capture unique geological formations. No facilities available, so plan accordingly. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Easy Roadside Access
Located right off the highway, making it a convenient stop for travelers entering or exiting Zion. :car:
🚶♂️ Short Walk Potential
While primarily a viewpoint, some pullouts offer short trails for a closer look at the formations. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Checkerboard Mesa a striking and unique geological formation, perfect for a quick photo stop. Its accessibility and distinctive patterns are highlights, though the lack of facilities and its brief nature mean it's best appreciated as a scenic roadside attraction rather than a destination in itself.
"This small parking lot is located a short distance from the East Gate Entrance to the Zion and provides an excellent viewpoint of Checkerboard Mesa. There is usually no problem finding a parking space during the off-season, but you will not find any other park facilities located here, i.e. restrooms."
Thomas B
"Checkerboard Mesa is a striking sandstone formation near Zion’s east entrance, known for its unique grid like pattern. It’s a quick and worthwhile stop with a small pullout for photos and a peaceful desert view, away from the main crowds. Definitely worth a quick visit for nature and geology lovers."
Eric L
"Checkerboard Mesa is an iconic Navajo Sandstone summit located in Zion National Park east of the Zion – Mount Carmel Tunnel. The unusual crack pattern in the sandstone hills resemble a grid much like you would see on a checkerboard. There are several pull outs along the highway and trailheads into some of the Zion backcountry."
Doug Ho
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Checkerboard Mesa is located along State Route 9, just before the East Entrance of Zion National Park. It's easily accessible by car with several pullouts for parking.
Yes, Checkerboard Mesa is a prominent geological feature within Zion National Park, situated near its east entrance.
The easiest way is by driving along State Route 9. There are designated pullouts that allow you to stop and admire the mesa.
While there isn't a formal, long trail directly up the mesa, some pullouts offer short, informal paths for closer exploration of the surrounding rock formations. The 'checkerboard rock zion' search might lead to discussions about these informal routes.
No, it's quite straightforward to find as it's a prominent landmark right off the main highway leading to Zion's east entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Checkerboard Mesa is located within Zion National Park, so an entrance fee is required to access the park. However, viewing the mesa from the roadside pullouts does not require an additional ticket.
Checkerboard Mesa is an outdoor natural formation and is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. The park entrance hours may vary seasonally.
No, the roadside viewpoints for Checkerboard Mesa are included with your Zion National Park entrance fee.
You do not need to book tickets specifically for Checkerboard Mesa. Your Zion National Park entrance pass is all you need.
The main restriction is to stay on designated paths and not to climb on the fragile sandstone formations to preserve them.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary activity is admiring and photographing the unique checkerboard-like patterns of the sandstone. It's a great spot for a quick nature break and to appreciate geological formations.
No, there are no restrooms or other park facilities directly at the Checkerboard Mesa viewpoints. The nearest facilities are typically at the park entrance or further into Zion.
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes here, just enough time to take photos and appreciate the view.
It's generally less crowded than the main canyon areas of Zion, especially outside of peak season, making it a peaceful stop.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to step out of your car and explore the immediate area around the pullouts.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the sandstone, making for excellent 'checkerboard rock zion' photos.
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the colors of the sandstone. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the formation.
Yes, the pullouts offer various angles to capture the mesa against the desert sky. Experiment with different perspectives from the roadside.
Drone usage is restricted in Zion National Park. Always check the latest park regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
Its unique, naturally formed grid pattern is highly distinctive and visually striking, offering a different kind of beauty compared to Zion's canyons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Checkerboard Mesa
This formation is one of the most prominent landmarks near Zion's east entrance, standing out against the surrounding desert terrain. Its unique appearance sets it apart from the towering canyon walls found elsewhere in the park, offering a different, yet equally captivating, geological spectacle. The contrast between the smooth, rounded surfaces and the sharp, etched lines of the 'checkerboard' is particularly striking.
Visiting Checkerboard Mesa: Practicalities
While the main attraction is the view from the roadside, some visitors enjoy exploring the immediate surroundings via short, informal trails. If you choose to step off the paved areas, wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven desert terrain. Remember to stay on marked or established paths to protect the fragile desert ecosystem and avoid disturbing the natural formations. The 'checkerboard hike' or 'checkerboard mesa trail' searches might yield information on these informal routes, but caution is advised.
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