Checkerboard Mesa
A creamy white sandstone mound near Zion's east entrance. Crisscrossing layers and vertical fractures create a checkerboard pattern, making it the signature landscape of the east section.
Located on the eastern stretch of Highway 9, not far inside the east entrance, there is a roadside viewpoint where you can stop and take photos. The checkerboard pattern comes from crossbedding in ancient sand dunes and vertical joints caused by expansion and contraction from temperature changes. Along the east section there are many white and pink "petrified dunes" where you can pull over and wander (do not climb the loose rock surfaces). If you are driving, go through the tunnel and continue east to reach it.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Canyon Overlook Trail
- Zion–Mount Carmel Highway & Tunnel
- Great White Throne
- Zion Lodge
- Angels Landing Trail
- Observation Point
- Emerald Pools Trail
- Court of the Patriarchs