Observation Point | Zion Main Canyon

Hiking Observation Point - Zion Main Canyon Hiking Observation Point

Zion Main Canyon

Overview

RATING: Strenous
MAPS: Temple of Sinawava, UT

Sat

Sunny, with a high near 53. Southeast wind around 2 mph.

53 | 27

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

52 | 27

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 22

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 16

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

48 | 19

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None

Sat

Sunny, with a high near 53. Southeast wind around 2 mph.

53 | 27

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

52 | 27

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 22

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 16

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

48 | 19

View Full Weather Details
Looking down the main canyon

Looking down the main canyon

CLOSED as of 2019: Major rockfall in 2019 has closed this route from the Main Canyon. This description is left up in the hopes this historic trail is re-opened. This hike can still be done from the top via East Mesa Trail.

Observation Point is the hike to do in Zion if you are looking for big views. In my mind, it is tied with Angel's Landing for views. Angel's is a little more adventurous, but Observation gains a loftier perch and different perspective. If you are planning on doing both, do Angel's first. The view of Angel's from Observation Point really changes the perspective on Angel's Landing if you've already done it.

The hike can be done year around, but any snow or ice would make it incredibly dangerous. It has many sections of exposed trail hiking. Safe, and not difficult, but not recommended for young children or those afraid of heights.

If doing the hike in the summer, start early and bring several quarts of water. The first half of the hike is shaded until mid-morning, while the rest of the hike will be sunny and hot. Plan on having lunch or a snack at the top and take in the views.

Note: Observation Point can be done from the Main Canyon or from the top. This description is for the more common Main Canyon approach.
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Getting There

The trailhead is the Weeping Rock bus stop in the main Zion canyon. Only accessible via park shuttle in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Getting started at the weeping rock trailhead

Getting started at the weeping rock trailhead

View of angels landing from observation point trail.

View of angels landing from observation point trail.

Route

Head up the Observation Point trail. In about 15 minutes, it splits, with Hidden Canyon going off on the right. Stay left on the Observation Point trail. At 45 minutes, the trail flattens out as it enters Echo Canyon, which can be a nice respite from the heat on the way down. The trail crosses Echo and begins climbing the north side.

Stay on the trail as it climbs out of Echo and contours along its rim. A bit over an hour another junction is reached, this one is signed Cable Mountain/Deer Trap. Stay left on the main Observation Point Trail. The trail steepens again and switchbacks up to the top. Once it flattens out, one more junction is encountered. Go left to Observation Point in less than 10 minutes. The views are astounding!

Return the way you came.


Maps

Route / 6.68 miles / Elevation Range 4,368 - 6,531 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12S 328125mE 4126677mN

N37° 16' 15" W112° 56' 19"

Echo

12S 328643mE 4126611mN

N37° 16' 13" W112° 55' 58"

Point

12S 327981mE 4127517mN

N37° 16' 42" W112° 56' 25"

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