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Observation Point

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.9 (181)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Zion National Park
  5. East Zion
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“An awe-inspiring hike leading to some of the best views in Zion National Park. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

6.7

Miles

10.8

KM

Out and Back

6,519' 1,987 m

High

4,388' 1,337 m

Low

2,131' 649 m

Up

2,130' 649 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly If your kids are up for anything, can handle the heat, and can enjoy a proper hike, this is one to challenge them with. The views at the end are worth it.

Currently closed due to rockfall damage: nps.gov/zion/index.htm

Overview

This steep and strenuous route takes hikers from ~4,000' all the way to 6,500' in the short span of 3 miles. Though difficult, this hike culminates at one of the best viewpoints in Zion - Observation Point.

Be prepared for very steep grades, especially on East Rim Trail and the first section of East Mesa Trail. So, essentially the entire way!

Need to Know

Best in late spring and fall, the Observation Point route typically has deep snow in the winter that can remain until late spring. During the summer months this hike can get very hot and dry. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen, regardless of time of year.

Description

Starting from the Weeping Rock Trailhead, take Weeping Rock Trail heading south, then make a right to join East Rim Trail. From here, East Rim heads straight up a slot in Zion Canyon, directly across from Angel's Landing, so the views are spectacular.

Continue up the canyon, past Hidden Canyon Trail on your right, and all the way to an intersection with East Mesa Trail. All the while ascending some incredibly steep switchbacks with little to no respite from the sun.

Once at the intersection with East Mesa Trail, turn left. Starting from East Rim Trail, East Mesa climbs very steeply, switchbacking multiple times until it eventually contours south of a small mesa. Once the trail levels off, all of the hard stuff is done.

After contouring along this smaller mesa, head left onto Observation Point Trail. The trail works its way out to the edge of the canyon rim and offers absolutely astounding panoramic views of the canyon. You'll have clear views of Angel's Landing to the southwest, while the Great White Throne will be in sight due south.

Flora & Fauna

Wet riparian communities in the canyon bottom give way to the pinyon-juniper community, a desert forest full of life at higher elevation. These slow growing evergreens are both cold and drought tolerant, supporting a diversity of wildlife to rival the riparian areas. Juniper trees, being more drought tolerant, dominate the transition zone between the lowland communities and the pinyon-juniper forests.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Zion National Park

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by John Oleksowicz
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 181 votes

#1

in East Zion

#26

Overall
  4.9 from 181 votes
5 Star
87%
4 Star
12%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in East Zion

#3

in Utah

#26

Overall
47 Views Last Month
13,921 Since Feb 10, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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71%
1%
Add a Photo

Photos

Traverse Echo Canyon's tunnel of color along the East Rim Trail.
Mar 18, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Observation Point final view.
Jun 12, 2016 near Springdale, UT
The first mile of the East Rim Trail is utterly stunning.
Apr 18, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Observation Point
Feb 5, 2015 near Springdale, UT
View from Observation Point
Feb 18, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Observation Point- Zion National Park. Happy 100 years to our National Parks!
Apr 17, 2016 near Springdale, UT

3 Comments

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 26, 2023
Lauren Bricker
drive to east mesa trailhead 685 ft elevation gain 7.2mi — 2h 46m
Aug 11, 2023
Moayad Mar
May 19, 2023
Jennifer Rutkowski
7mi
Aug 1, 2022
Eric X
Simply put, it's the best hike at Zion.
Jun 5, 2022
Catherine Basil
Amazing! 6.7mi — 2h 30m
May 15, 2022
Megan Pollard
6.7mi — 3h 00m
Oct 29, 2021
Marcy K
May 18, 2021
Tammy McClain

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