Weeping Rock

Weeping Rock Trail one of the shortest trails in Zion National Park. The trial totals at half-mile round-trip, but due to the steep climb and broken pavement it makes it unsuitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The trailhead starts at the drainage stream where you can see cottonwood, maple and ash trees. The trail is easily accessible to all age groups and attracts visitors with its beauty, short length and gorgeous location. When you reach the top, prepare for slippery rocks as the moss covers the rocks and walkway. The route is wet because of constant water dripping off of the rock.

Weeping Rock is a bowl-shaped alcove, where the lower part of sandstone has worn away. Steps round off at an engraved area like a sponge absorbs water which then leaves it slowly, feeding the hanging gardens on the rock. The excess water drips into the waterhole below. The water slowly slides within the sandstone formation, making the water flow outside the rock giving the impression that the wall is weeping. While there are several weeping walls in ZNP, this trail is featured with a platform, paved trail and viewing area for visitors under the alcove back.

Weeping rock is an unsighted suspended arch. In this section of the park, it rains every day of the year. The delicious spring water dripping out of the rock takes almost 1000 years to go through the permeable Navajo Sandstone. The flow slows at the thick and less spongy Kayenta sandstone layer, and then reaches a downhill course where the water drips on the visitors below. The charm of the weeping rock draws visitors to sit under it’s fall of raindrops for several hours.

A round trip takes only 10 minutes to hike, and it is rated as easy and friendly trail. The trail starts at the Weeping Rock trailhead. Take the shuttle and get off at the 7th stop, walk through the parking lot, and cross the small hikers bridge to reach the viewing area. From there you can enjoy the ecstatic water showers with the entire family. Remember though it is a paved trail, wheelchair accessibility is not available due to the steepness and broken pavement.

Hikers who are looking for more serious hiking can go further from the Weeping Rock Trail which will lead them to the popular Observation Point trail, East Rim Trail and Hidden Canyon to Cable Mountain Trail, amongst other trails.

The trail is clearly marked and provides information signposts about the plant life and other interesting features. To reach the stream below you can use steps at the bridge. The stream can be enjoyed most during the summer months. You can also find restrooms in the parking lot. It may be useful to find more information about Weeping Rock if you are planning to explore the trail.