Observation Point: Zion's Best View
The hike to Observation Point is long, steep, full of switchbacks, and surprisingly short on shade... and it is absolutely worth every step.
When we visited Zion, Observation Point was one of the park's most popular hikes, though it often took a back seat to Angels Landing and The Narrows. We intentionally chose Observation Point because it promised an incredible viewpoint without the permit requirements, crowds, or nerve-racking final ridge that Angels Landing is famous for.
This hike began at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop. We visited in June, when private vehicles were not allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, so we happily relied on Zion's excellent shuttle system. Camping at South Campground made it easy to catch one of the first shuttles of the morning and get an early start.
If you're hiking in Zion during the warmer months, start as early as you can. The trail climbs immediately through a series of switchbacks, and the morning shade disappears quickly. Looking back toward the parking area, it was amazing to see how much elevation we had already gained in such a short distance.
About halfway through the initial climb, the spur trail to Hidden Canyon branches off. We had hoped to explore it on our way back, but after finishing Observation Point, a swim in the Virgin River sounded much more appealing. Hidden Canyon remains on our list for another visit.
After the first climb, the trail enters Echo Canyon, which quickly became one of our favorite sections of the hike. The towering sandstone walls, twisting canyon, and changing light made us slow down, take photos, and simply enjoy wandering through the landscape.
One of the things I loved most about this hike was how much the scenery changed along the way. The sandstone shifted from warm orange to deep red and pale white, and the trail constantly alternated between narrow canyon passages, exposed ledges, and open viewpoints.
Eventually, the trail began its final sustained climb over stone and concrete switchbacks. This was easily the toughest section of the day. We stopped often for water breaks, taking advantage of every patch of shade we could find. Starting early made all the difference. A couple of hours later, the heat would have made this climb much more difficult.
Near the top, the trail leveled out and entered a forest of pinyon pines and shrubs. The path became softer underfoot as it wound through red dirt toward the final overlook. Even before reaching Observation Point, the views stretched for miles in nearly every direction.
The trail eventually follows the cliff edge before opening onto Observation Point itself.
We arrived with only about a dozen other hikers. Everyone naturally spread out across the overlook, quietly finding their own place to enjoy lunch and soak in the view. A few summit beers even appeared.
For us, this was the best view in Zion National Park.
Standing high above Angels Landing and looking down the length of Zion Canyon was an unforgettable experience. Every switchback, every water break, and every step uphill suddenly felt worthwhile.
The hike back down was much easier on our lungs, although it was certainly harder on our knees. We were grateful to have trekking poles, especially descending the endless switchbacks.
One thing that always amazes me on these hikes is that while I'm busy looking at the sweeping landscapes, Andrea somehow notices the tiny details I walk right past. Some of my favorite photographs from this hike weren't the enormous canyon views at all, but the textures, colors, and small details she found tucked into the sandstone along the trail.
Back at South Campground, we celebrated the best way we knew how. We grabbed a few snacks, found a cold drink, and headed straight for the Virgin River. Sitting in the chilly water with tired legs after a long day on the trail was just about the perfect ending to one of our favorite hikes in Zion.
(Sad) Trail Update
Since our visit, the original Observation Point Trail from Weeping Rock has been permanently closed following a major rockfall in 2019.
Observation Point is still accessible today via the East Mesa Trail and the East Rim Trail, both of which approach the overlook from outside the main Zion Canyon.
Although hikers can no longer experience the route we describe above, I wanted to leave this post as a record of what it was like to hike one of Zion's classic trails before it closed. If you're planning a visit, be sure to check the National Park Service website for the latest trail conditions before heading out.
