Observation Point

It's quite possible that the best day hike in Zion is the trek to Observation Point. At the top, it offers vast, sweeping views of Zion Canyon and beyond. The views are every bit as good as the more popular Angels Landing, but you have to work a little bit harder to get them, with 2100 feet of elevation gained in 4 miles. This hike also doesn't require the same exposure to steep drop-offs that turns some away from Angels Landing, so if you're in good shape but not overly fond of heights, Observation Point might be the better choice. The following description is from my hike in late September of 2011.

The Observation Point trail is accessed at the Weeping Rock trailhead and immediately starts climbing as switchbacks rise into shaded Echo Canyon and its towering, streaked sandstone walls. Echo Canyon itself would be a nice destination for those who don't have the time or ability to continue all the way to Observation Point. Echo Canyon is also one of the only shaded parts of the hike, so it might be a good place to rest before tackling the switchbacks that are soon to follow.

Echo Canyon:

After about 1.5 miles of enjoying Echo Canyon's relatively flat terrain, the trail reaches a junction with the East Rim Trail and access to Cable and Deertrap Mountains (hiking to these areas would best be done as a overnight trip.) Staying left at this junction takes you to Observation Point. This marks about the halfway point of the hike, but the majority of the elevation has yet to be conquered.

The rest of the hike is mostly all uphill with many switchbacks. The last half-mile becomes more gradual as you reach the top of the rim, and make your way towards the views that soon await.

The payoff proves to be well worth the long, uphill trudge. 

Note: The large, fin-like rock formation in the center is Angels Landing.



I rested under the shade of a juniper tree not far from the rim while enjoying my lunch and rehydrating. It was a warm, sunny late September day. I remember thinking how hot it would have been to try this hike two months ago.

I enjoyed the views until I finally made myself turn myself away and start retracing my steps, trying to enjoy the details of my descent.

As I neared the trailhead, I stopped at the trail junction to Hidden Canyon and decided to go check it out. It proved to be a worthwhile and scenic side trip, and one that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys canyon exploring. Keep in mind, there is some exposure to drop-offs while rising into this canyon.

It was an awesome day of exploring some parts of Zion that I had always wanted to check out. It only took me over 20 years of living in Southern Utah to do it. That's not bad, right?