Observation Point - Zion National Park, Utah + National Park, Hike, view point

From this Observation Point you can see Angels Landing and the West Rim to the right. Cathedral Mountain, Castle Dome and the Three Patriarchs are farther down the canyon but also visible to the right. To the left is the East Rim, including Cable Mountain, Great White Throne, and the Watchman at the far south section of the park. Below, the Virgin River skirts around Angels Landing and the Organ, forming Big Bend.

This challenging trail has dizzying drop offs and spectacular scenery. The well maintained path zigzags its way up the steep East Rim Trail, before proceeding through Echo Canyon. This deep gorge is filled with sandstone pockets, small trickles of water dot the landscape. Near the top of the trail, past familiar red Navajo Sandstone, is the white rock known as the Temple Cap formation.

There are steep ascents and long switchbacks along this eight mile, round trip trail. The Weeping Rock alcove can be viewed for much of the hike and if you are there after heavy rains you might see several waterfalls. The entrance to several other hikes branch off this trail. For instance, Hidden Canyon Trail intersects the Observation Point Trail. At the one and a half mile mark the canyon trail takes off on its own. Bypass this spur and continue north to reach Observation Point. After several more altitude climbing switchbacks the trail becomes fairly level. A right hand turn would lead into Echo Canyon. Continue past this to reach the point.

The quick elevation gain of this trail makes the hike strenuous. Most of the trail is along carved slickrock, or paved pathways. You make this hike in full sun and the steep downhill return can be hard on toes and knees. This hike can be made year round if snow and ice aren't present on the trail. Get an early start in the hot summer months to take advantage of the western exposure and shade in the morning.

From Salt Lake City: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. Exit onto Hwy 20. Then follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to Zion's east entrance.

Observation Point information:

Day Hike - Yes

Distance - 8 miles round-trip

Average Hiking Time - 5 hours round trip

Difficulty - Strenuous, this is a long steep climb.

Sun Exposure - Full Sun

Permits - not needed

Trailhead - Weeping Rock parking lot

Trailend - Same as trailhead

Trail Access - From late March to late October park at the visitor center and ride the shuttle to Weeping Rock trailhead. Otherwise, drive into the canyon and park at the Weeping Rock parking lot.

Peak elevation - 6508 feet

Hazards - Cliffs at high elevations

Water Availability - Unreliable, bring your own water

One online reviewer said, "I hiked up to observation point the day after doing Angels Landing. Both are very different in their challenges but this one definitely won on the spectacular views stakes. The challenging walk is uphill for around 3.5 miles and flat for around half a mile. It doesn't have the white knuckle chains of the landing so it's easier to take in the views. The variety of the scenery is quite simply stunning. It's a hard walk but before you know it you are actually looking down onto Angels Landing and at the summit you have simply one of the most staggering views in the US to perfectly compliment your feeling of achievement. Definitely do this one!''

Another reviewer gave this advice, "The hike to Observation Point provides some of the best views anywhere on the Colorado Plateau and was easily one of my top three favorite hikes which included seven national parks in the southwestern United States. While perhaps not quite as spectacular as hiking the Zion Narrows to Big Springs, this hike is most definitely worth the effort. The trail begins at Weeping Rock in the main canyon of Zion NP. The trail immediately ascends via numerous switchbacks which can easily leave you breathless. However, within a mile you will arrive at the junction with the Hidden Canyon Trail, and the view looking back toward Angels Landing, the Pipe Organ, and the bend of the Virgin River is amazing! Before long the trail levels out and you enter Echo Canyon. Echo Canyon is a popular slot canyon that is particularly beautiful in the early morning light. The trail is actually cut out of the side of Echo Canyon with a sheer sandstone wall to your left and a 20-30 foot drop-off to the right. The trail, however, is rather wide, so those with acrophobia should not have too much difficulty. This, alone, is a terrific destination for those who would like a short hike. Once you exit Echo Canyon you begin to see the towering white cliffs characteristic of the East Rim. Beyond lays a vast high desert wilderness populated by deer, mountain lions, and a variety of other interesting animals. The views continue to get better as you gain more elevation, and you get great side views of the Great White Throne. The trail branches off, the left going to Observation Point; the right is the East Rim Trail continuing on to Deertrap Mountain, Cable Mountain, and other destinations more suitable for a multi-day trip. The trail continues to gain even more elevation, but the views are spectacular. Finally, you reach the canyon rim and can make out where Observation Point is located over 1/2 mile away. As you trace the rim the views into the canyon keep unfolding further, revealing many of the formations you saw while riding on the shuttles. If you are hiking early in the summer or in early spring, wildflowers are abundant in this area. You are continually teased with views of the canyon until you finally reach Observation Point, 4 miles from where you began and 2,200 feet higher.''