Deertrap Mountain is the second of two summit destinations off the East Rim Trail in Zion's east-side high country. Where Cable Mountain delivers the historical cableway and a marquee canyon view, Deertrap is the quieter, more solitude-rewarding option — same general approach via the East Rim Trail, similar mileage and elevation gain, but with a less-developed summit and a fraction of the foot traffic.
How it differs from Cable Mountain
Both peaks branch off the East Rim Trail from the East Entrance side. Both are roughly 8-mile round trips with around 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Both end at viewpoints overlooking Zion Canyon from the east. The differences: Cable Mountain has the historical cable tower (a major draw), better-known views, and more traffic. Deertrap has no historical structure, slightly different but equally good views, and noticeably fewer people. On a peak-season Saturday, Cable Mountain might have a dozen parties at the summit; Deertrap might have one or two.
The walk
The East Rim Trail from the East Entrance climbs onto the mesa through ponderosa pine forest, traverses several drainages, and approaches the canyon's east rim. The Deertrap spur branches off the main East Rim Trail and continues to the summit area, which is a sandstone bench at the canyon's edge. Routefinding on the Deertrap spur is straightforward but the trail is less heavily worn than Cable Mountain's, so cairns and reading the terrain matter more.
What you see from the top
Looking west, Zion Canyon spreads out below you. The Great White Throne and the Three Patriarchs are across the canyon. Angels Landing is visible to the south. The Virgin River corridor runs through the canyon bottom. The view is genuinely close to Cable Mountain's — the two summits are within a half-mile of each other on the rim. Different photographic angles, similar overall composition.
What's at the summit
Not much. A sandstone bench, a few cairns, an informal overlook spot where most parties stop for lunch. No historical structure, no signage, no developed viewpoint. The "trap" of Deertrap's name is presumably the bowl-like form of the surrounding terrain, where game funnels through specific saddles — a hunter's term that survived from settler-era usage. Some parties extend the day by combining Cable Mountain and Deertrap on the same trip; the spurs are close enough that doing both in one out-and-back is feasible for strong hikers.
Why locals do this one
Solitude. Cable Mountain has become better-known and gets more traffic. Deertrap remains quieter. For locals who want the East Rim experience without sharing the summit with other parties, Deertrap is the choice. It's also the trail to bring more experienced hikers to — the routefinding is just enough harder than Cable Mountain to feel real.
Heat, seasonality, and conditions
Same as Cable Mountain. Mesa elevation around 7,000 feet means cooler temperatures than the canyon floor. Summer is comfortable. Spring and fall are excellent. Winter conditions on the mesa can ice the slickrock or close the UT-9 access. Check NPS conditions before going in any shoulder season.
Where it fits
Deertrap Mountain is the East Rim Trail destination for hikers who've done Cable Mountain or who actively prefer less-trafficked routes. It pairs naturally with a Cable Mountain trip on a longer day, with a Diana's Throne summit on a different day, or with a Mt. Carmel cultural visit on a non-hiking day. For visitors building a Zion itinerary that includes the east side, both Cable Mountain and Deertrap are worth knowing about; choose based on whether you want the historical site or the solitude.