Zion National Park – Canyon Overlook

Introduction:

What? :

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail to the viewpoint is one mile long out and back with only small elevation gain. The relatively easy to access viewpoint delivers one of the most rewording views in the park.

The view of the park side canyon below you all the way to the high mountain domes on the other side of the canyon is impressive.

This is one of the parks more popular spot and with it extremely small parking lot it can be overcrowded during most of the hours in the day.

 

 

 

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Travel Time and Milage to Zion Visitor Center:

Salt Lake City, UT: 4 hours 23 minutes, 308 miles

Las Vegas, NV: 2 hours 39 minutes, 160 miles

St Gorge, UT: 1 hour, 42 miles

Bryce Canyon: 1 hour and 50 minutes, 82 miles

Kanab, UT: 1 hour, 41 miles

Page, AZ: 2 hours 20 minutes, 116 miles

 

 

 

 

Where? :

The trailhead is located just at the east entrance/exit of Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, this is Highway 9 that cross through Zion National Park, from Springdale, Utah to Mt. Carmel Junction (connected to highway 89).

Depending on the traffic and the load on the tunnel entrance this can be 30 drive from Zion Visitor Center.

The start of the hike is located behind the ranger traffic booth on the north side of the road.

 

Google Map Link

 

 

 

When? :

Zion National Park is open year-round.

Spring and fall are the preferred time to visit here.

In summer temperatures are about 100f during mid-day so plan accordingly.

Try to start your hike early in the morning or late afternoon, evaluate the trail climbing difficulty and your hiking ability, bring enough water with you, snacks and light food, as well use sunscreen, wear hat, sunglasses and long sleeves.

Summer also is the most crowded time of the years, Zion get several hundreds of thousands of visitors every month, this create a lot of loads on the shuttle system and trail congestion and overcrowded locations.

One of the many benefits of hiking in Zion National Park is that its canyon elevation is not high (4,000-6,000ft), and most trails are doable year-round, thanks to the typically mild weather.

Winter months are cold, the night temperatures can be below freezing, and the days are around 60f. You might find snow and ice on trails.

 

 

Due note 1:

Parking at the end of the tunnel is extremely limited, be prepared to try multiple times to find a parking spot.

Another option is to park along the road farther away, there are more “official and non-official” offroad parking spots. You will need to walk back to the trailhead.

In any case do not block or park on the main park road.

 

Due note 2:

No shuttle service getting to this point.

 

Due note 3:

Pit toilets are available in the parking area.

 

Due note 4:

Pets are not permitted on any trail.

 

Due note 5:

The preferred time to visit here is at sunrise, when the sun start to illuminate the mountain on the other side of the canyon, and slowly getting down into the canyon floor.

Do not think you will be the only one here at sunrise, this is very popular location so many come here for sunrise.

During the late afternoon the sun will be setting on the far side.

 

Due note 6:

This is short and relatively flat trail so it is family-friendly but there are several long drop-offs sections where you need to make sure your kids are staying far from the edge side.

The cliff section are fenced but with children anything can happens.

 

Due note 7:

The trail is exposed to the sun so bring water with you, use sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.

 

Due note 8:

During the winter after snow storm the trail could be treacherous with possible ice and snow patches on the trail. Spikes and tracking pools are good addition.

 

Due note 9:

You can explore around the fenced protected viewpoint area but be very careful and stay away from the cliff edges, from here it is a 1000-ft fall all the way to the canyon below.

 

Due note 10:

If you are coming from the visitor center on highway 9 you will drive on a series of switchbacks climbing up a side canyon. Find a parking spot in the several roadside pullouts. From here you can see the Great Arch towering above you at the top section of the cliff. The Canyon Overlook viewpoint is on top of this arch.

 

Due note 11:

Inside the park along the canyon road the nearest snack bar, restaurant and souvenir store is located at Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5).

No service or other stores/food available on Zion-Mt. Carmel Road (highway 9).

 

 

 

 

My thoughts:

This hike is my favorite sunrise location in the park, trying to come when it still dark and enjoy the sunrise. Tt is short so you can walk it during the night before sunrise and it provide one of the best views of the park.

Later during the day, it is almost impossible to find parking spot nearby and the trail and the viewing platform is overcrowded.

 

 

The Hike:

From the road the trail begins with a short series of steps with a metal handrail up.

After short climb the trail level and follow a rock shelf above the deep, dark, Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon below.

The trail hugs the mountain side creeks and overcome steep cliff section with the help of small bridges.

Along this section you will pass few shaded rock alcoves with some ferns growing out of the walls.

After a short walk above the canyon the trail cross an exposed sandstone rocky section heading to the south.

 

Near the end of the trail, you will climb to an open slickrock platform, and the view opens.

Here you will reach the end of the trail and the cliff overlooking the canyon opening below you.

Look down and you will see the zig-zag winding road climbing up from the canyon all the way to the tunnel entrance (can’t be seen from this point). You can see the tunnel windows opening.

 

You can see the main Zion Canyon and views of the Towers of the Virgin on the other side of the canyon.

Towering above from the north is the impressive East Temple dome.

To the west above the canyon you can see several large domes, including, Bridge Mountain, the West Temple, the Towers of the Virgin and the Streaked Wall.

 

 

Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep along the trail.

In one visit we saw a small heard of bighorn sheep right near the trailhead.

 

 

Overall, this 0.9-mile out-and-back easy trail provide one of the most beautiful views in the park.

Plan for about 30-60 minutes visit here.

 

 

Additional Pictures: