Observation Point

Observation Point a classic trail in Zion National Park. The trial begins at the Weeping Rock trailhead which leads to Observation Point. The entire hike offers outstanding views of some of the iconic images of ZNP. The uphill hiking along the mountainside offers striking viewpoints to the hikers. This trail is a challenging one where hikers can experience the excitement with dizzy drop offs and breathtaking scenery when looking from the top down into the Zion Canyon. It’s a strenuous 8 mile hike that can be completed in 4 to 6 hours. The trial includes lots of uphill hiking on a hard paved trail that was narrowed by the Canyon walls.

On the way, hikers can get a peek of the mysterious Echo Canyon with its beautiful slickrock structures, and gorgeous white cliffs. However, this is not as scary as Angels Landing, with an elevation gain of approximately 2,100 feet. Observation Point is considered as a beautiful and challenging trail that hikers can truly enjoy.

The Observation Point hike begins at the trailhead of the Weeping Rock. Take the shuttle to the 7th stop on the Zion Canyon route. You’ll soon reach the top of the Canyon. Once there, you can take a look down below at the gorgeous views of Angels Landing and Weeping Rock over the valley. Approximately at the middle of the initial climb from Weeping Rock you are at the spur trail that leads to Hidden Canyon. Many guidebooks suggest that the Hidden Canyon hike can be a quick diversion from the Observation Point, but it does not give you enough time to explore more in Hidden Canyon. You must be able to spend at least 4 hours separately to learn more and truly experience the canyon.

Once you cross the Hidden Canyon, the hike can get fast until the trial reaches the Echo Canon. It is a large surface canyon sanctuary, which is approximately 1,000 feet above the Valley. The trail surroundings quickly change, where you will be surrounded with Canyon Walls as the temperature gets cooler. Once there be sure to take a look at the darker section of Echo canyon.

The trial leads to the dry streambed and then maintains a slow climb until you reach the other side of the canyon. A mile into the Echo Canyon hike, you will get to the junction going through the East Rim Trail with trailheads to a less accessible and tougher trail that takes you around Echo Canyon to Cable Mountain, The East Entrance Trailhead, and The Deertrap Mountain. Don’t forget to visit the East Rim Trail; it is a beautiful scenic trail that requires a complete day to fully explore it.

Once across the Junction of the East Rim Trail, the trail continues its vertical zigzags as it reaches it’s final climb via the Upper White Cliff structures. After a 2,100 foot increase in elevation, you will have reached the rim of sandy upper plateau. The last mile towards the northwest takes a loop around the main canyon. On the way, you will cross the trail junction through the East Mesa Trail; it is a rarely used alternative route to the Observation Point from the east border of the park.

At the south trailhead of Observation Point, you can witness the beautiful rim-vantage-point with a 270 degree view, where you can see Angels Landing and the beautiful valley road below. You can have a peaceful lunch at this gorgeous sandstone destination. On your way back, remember, the downhill paved trail may hurt your knees, so go slowly and take your time to reach the destination.

The hike from Weeping Rock to the Popular Observation Point is an excellent route to take. The zigzag trail can be a tedious task for some, but, the view and picturesque surrounding observation point can help you overcome all your troubles. It’s truly worth a try. The beautiful views at Echo Canyon, the White cliffs, and the dark slots gives an amazing feeling to hikers. The hike is exciting and one you’ll want to visit time, and time again.