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Canyon Overlook Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (151)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Zion National Park
  5. East Zion
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“A short trail that leads to incredible views of Zion Canyon. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.2

KM

Out and Back

5,233' 1,595 m

High

5,181' 1,579 m

Low

101' 31 m

Up

101' 31 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly This quick jaunt will allow the kids to get out of the car and deep into the Zion magic within minutes.

Overview

This short trail is among the most popular in Zion National Park. Though not as spectacular or well-known as Angels Landing, Canyon Overlook can give you a unique perspective of the area with much less work and fewer heebie-jeebies. The destination is an overlook of Pine Creek Canyon looking westward toward the larger Zion Canyon. In a mere 1-mile round-trip hike you can briefly experience the slickrock hiking for which Zion is famous and enjoy a classic view of part of the national park. - Overview by Jesse Weber, Outdoor Project

Description

The Canyon Overlook Trail offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon. Located in the East Canyon portion of the park, the trail is actually one of the few official trails in the area. This unfortunately means that the shuttle does not stop at this trailhead. To do this hike, you must enter the park in a private vehicle.

The trailhead is a collection of stone steps that ascend the ridge directly across the road from the first parking area. The trail passes through shaded alcoves with ferns and trees, across a planked boardwalk and through a moist grotto, and over bare slick rock, wandering its way to the edge of an impressive cliff overlook. There are sheer drop-offs alongside, but most of these are protected by a metal railing.

You can see the expanse of Zion Canyon from the overlook, with its monumental formations visible on either side. You can see the road as it switchbacks below the west end of the Mount Carmel Tunnel. The West Temple, Towers of the Virgins, Streaked Wall, and Beehives all make up part of this tremendous view. The East Temple rises directly above the overlook, towering more than 2,200 ft above the canyon floor. The Great Arch lies recessed into the cliff-face below the overlook.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Zion National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith with improvements by Jesse Weber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 151 votes

#2

in East Zion

#60

Overall
  4.7 from 151 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in East Zion

#11

in Utah

#60

Overall
9 Views Last Month
4,192 Since Feb 4, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
13%
13%
65%
4%
6%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Zion Canyon Overlook with Rainbow
Aug 25, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Fire on the rocks
Feb 5, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Canyon Overlook Trail
Jan 5, 2018 near Springdale, UT
Neat.
Jul 6, 2016 near Springdale, UT
Backpacking the kids up the Canyon Overlook Trail brings rewarding views for the whole family.
May 14, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Zion National Park from Canyon Overlook
Jan 22, 2016 near Springdale, UT

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 12 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Dec 7, 2024
Stewart Carnes
Aug 8, 2024
Colsen Conway
0.7mi
Jul 14, 2024
Robert Anderson
0h 45m
Apr 27, 2024
Rustin Reese
Apr 4, 2024
Justin Mandeville
Mar 31, 2024
Patrick Blake
First hike in Zion
Mar 19, 2024
Aaron Johnson
Nov 10, 2023
Claire Finley
Longer than anticipated, cool features along the way. Look for the red handprint in the cave area.

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