The hardest part of the Observation Point Trail-the 2,000-foot vertical ascent-is now behind you. Keep away from the edge and exercise caution while hiking. Warning: Watch your step! In places, the edge of the trail has thousand-foot dropoffs. Spectacular views unfold in all directions the higher you climb. Much of this section consists of steep switchbacks blasted into Navajo Sandstone. Bear left at the junction to begin the final ascent. The East Rim Trail Junction marks the halfway point to Observation Point. The East Rim Trail rises to the east rim of Zion Canyon, providing easy access to Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain, before dropping into East Zion. East Rim Trail Junction (2.1 Miles)Īt just over two miles you’ll reach the junction with the East Rim Trail-one of the most popular backpacking trails in Zion. After exiting the narrow slot canyon, over 1,000 feet of vertical elevation change awaits. Cool, shady and filled with fabulous geology, Echo Canyon is a great place to take a break. This narrow canyon, located roughly 1,000 feet above the floor of Zion Canyon, is one of the most interesting destinations en route to Observation Point. Eventually, after rounding a sharp corner, the trail flattens out en route to Echo Canyon.
In late October/early November, brilliant foliage lights up Zion Canyon.
Glorious views of Angels Landing and The Organ unfold below. Weeping Rock is visible to the north, while The Great White Throne rises over 2,000 feet to the south.Īfter 0.7 miles you’ll reach the junction with the Hidden Canyon Trail.
A series of steep switchbacks zigzag up the steep canyon walls. Trail Descriptionįrom the Weeping Rock Shuttle Stop, cross a small footbridge and follow the signs to Observation Point. The Observation Point Trail starts at Weeping Rock Shuttle Stop #7. In winter the trail can be icy and dangerous. In summer the trail can be crowded (though not nearly as crowded as Angels Landing). Spring and Fall are the best seasons to hike Observation Point. (See “Observation Point Alternate Route” below.) Observation Point Trail FactsĮlevation Change: 2,150 feet Best Times to Hike the Observation Point Trail
*Alternate RouteĪ second, significantly easier route to Observation Point starts at the East Mesa trailhead. Once at the rim, it’s an easy 0.8-mile stroll to the viewpoint, which sits on a rocky outcrop filled with juniper trees and piñon pines. But the trail is wide enough that even those with a fear of heights should feel comfortable. As you ascend the trail, you’ll pass through Echo Canyon (a dramatic, shadowy slot canyon), then climb a series of exposed switchbacks to the rim.Īt times, the dropoffs on the switchbacks are dramatic. The most challenging and scenic route to Observation Point is a four-mile, one-way hike that starts at Weeping Rock (shuttle stop #7) on the floor of Zion Canyon.
As you gaze down the full length of Zion Canyon, dozens of fabulous peaks cascade towards the horizon. Once you have taken in the views, the return trip is back through the canyon and along the East Rim with arrival at the Weeping Rock parking lot.Observation Point is situated 2,000 feet above the northern end of Zion Canyon, offering panoramic views of Zion National Park. From there, it is approximately one more mile to reach Observation Point and the breathtaking views. The hike to Observation Point follows along the East Rim until you exit Echo Canyon where you arrive onto the east rim plateau. An experienced hiker should be able to complete the Hidden Canyon and Observation Point Trail hikes in three and six hours respectively. The 3.7 mile trail has an elevation of over 2200 feet and contains a significant number of switchbacks. The Observation Point Trail hike is considered the most strenuous hike within Zion National Park and takes most hikers the better part of a day to complete. There will be signs along the trail to point you in the right direction.
Hike Hidden Canyon into Observation Point TrailĪfter returning to the trailhead at Weeping Rock, branch left to Observation Point.