Hiking to Observation Point at Zion National Park (video)

October 23, 8:32 AMSalt Lake City Outdoor Recreation ExaminerJared Hargrave

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Observation Point at Zion National Park. Photo by Jared Hargrave

The most popular of the strenuous hikes in Zion National Park is probably Angel's Landing. Observation Point, however, gives Angel's Landing a serious run for its money as it's arguably more scenic, and definitely has fewer people clogging up the trail.

• Check out a slideshow of hiking Observation Point

The Observation Point Trail is located at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop and begins as a steep row of paved switchbacks that also ascend to the start of the Hidden Canyon Trail. When the path comes to a fork, hiking left continues on the Observation Point Trail. Soon after the switchbacks, the trail enters Echo Canyon which is a huge cleft in the side of Zion Canyon. Slots, towering cliffs, and a dark, natural tunnel are the highlights of the canyon that hikers (especially children) really enjoy.

After passing through Echo Canyon, the trail becomes steep once again as it winds around to the backside of the East Rim. Several switchbacks later, the trail tops out on the plateau where a short, sandy walk ends at the edge of Observation Point.

The view from Observation Point is the best in Zion National Park as the whole of Zion Canyon spreads out thousands of feet below. The Virgin River, Court of the Patriarchs, The Great White Throne and The Sentinel can all be seen from above as the view extends clear to Springdale and beyond. Even Angel's Landing looks like a mere foot stool that sits far below the edge of Observation Point.

A lack of crowds, incredible scenery, steep and exposed hiking, and adventure that can take up most of the day are a few of the reasons to skip the pack-train at Angel's Landing and find a sense of solitude at Observation Point.

Details: The Observation Point Trail is located at the Weeping Rock Trailhead in Zion National Park. It is 8 miles round-trip and there are options to continue on other trails such as Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain. Total elevation gain is 2,148 feet and the park recommends allowing 5 hours to complete the hike. To get a sense of what to expect, watch the video below.

Check out these other hikes at Zion National Park:

Hiking the Hidden Canyon Trail

Hiking the Watchman Trail

For more info: visit the Zion National Park page on the National Park Service website.