The Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park is jaw-dropping, easy, and can be done in under an hour. But is it better than the famous Observation Point?
Last updated: August 14, 2025
Zion Canyon Overlook Hike
Hidden in the eastern part of Zion National Park, the Canyon Overlook Trail has all for a memorable hike. It’s short, easy to get to, and features some of the best natural landmarks of the park. But above all, the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail culminates your hike with the iconic views of the canyon.
Furthermore, the path is surrounded by ample unofficial and more challenging trails (we hiked one of them, the Shelf Canyon Trail, and it was the highlight on our Zion hiking adventures). Compared with them, the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a piece of cake.
You can hike it alone, with friends, family, and even kids. Some obstacles wait for you on the way up. Yet none of them are insurmountable. Hikers of all ages and ability levels confidently reach to the top of the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail and come back to the trailhead as easily.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO THE ZION CANYON OVERLOOK HIKE?
If you’ve ever googled Zion National Park, the images of a deep canyon photographed from above appear at the top of the search page. While the park allows you to admire the iconic views from different vantage points, the area at the end of the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is often considered one of the prime destinations for photographers. Do you need any other reasons to climb to the Canyon Overlook? Here are just a few of them.
1. Some of the Most Beautiful Views of the Zion Canyon
The first why is easy. The vistas from the viewing platform at the end of the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail are gorgeous. The expanse of the canyon, its giant rock formations, zigzagging Route 9 with vehicles that look like toy cars… An unimaginable natural masterpiece opens up, unfolding views you’ve only dreamed of seeing.
2. Scenic Views of Other Zion’s Landmarks
The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is straightforward. You can’t stray away from it and accidentally hike to any other places. Feasting your eyes on many splendid natural landmarks along the way is inevitable, though. In fact, for many hikers, it’s another reason to hit the trail and hike to the very top of the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail.
Once at the viewing platform, keep an eye on such formations as Bridge Mountain, known as the highest peak on the left side of the canyon.
Have you seen “windows” while passing through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel on your way to the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail? If you look closely to the left canyon wall, those same tunnel “windows”, peaking through the gigantic cliff wall, may still give you goosebumps.
Last but not least, the Pine Creek Canyon, winding below, rewards the hikers with additional epic photo opportunities.
3. Admire Switchbacks on Route 9
The zigzagging Route 9, the only way to get to the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail while driving from the South Entrance, unfolds at the bottom of the canyon. Its switchbacks may have given you a hard time while driving up. From the top of the canyon, though, they look astonishing.
Nature and humans seem to cooperate to create a space that is well balanced and harmonious. Truth be told, Route 9 complements the canyon, but you won’t see to what extent until you hike all the way to the Zion Canyon Overlook.
4. Drive through the Epic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
Ok, I admit, it’s probably not the most valid reason to hike to the Zion Canyon Overlook. You can drive through the tunnel back and forth without slowing down and attempting to trek to the vantage point. The paved pathway carved out of the mountain indeed deserves all the fuss and attention. On the other hand, since you’ve made all the way to the eastern side of the park, a hike to the Zion Canyon Overlook is almost mandatory at this point.
5. One of the Iconic Places to Photograph in Zion National Park
The views from the top leave you speechless and offer outstanding opportunities for photographers any time of the day. Yet if you hike to the Zion Canyon Overlook before sunrise or sunset to capture the first or last sun rays of the day, you won’t want to look down into the scenic canyon at any other time anymore.
6. Hike to Zion Canyon Overlook with Kids or Elderly
The trail is relatively easy and suits most hikers regardless of their age or fitness level. Not all Zion’s official paths with remarkable views at the top offer such accessibility.
The Best Time to Hike to Zion Canyon Overlook
The Canyon Overlook Trail is open all year round and welcomes nature enthusiasts whether it’s sunny or gloomy outside. Some caution and common sense, however, should be always exercised while hiking in this area. The path gets muddy during the rainy season. In winter, ice may appear on the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail.
TIP: Additionally, considering the difficulty of finding an open parking spot near the trailhead, it’s best to hike to the Zion Canyon Overlook early in the morning or later in the afternoon. And since we’re touching on the best time to avoid the crowds, if it’s feasible, skip hiking to the Zion Canyon Overlook in the summer or during school breaks. One of only a few official trails in this part of the park, the trail can remind you of a zoo.
Where to Start Your Hike: Location and Directions
The Zion Canyon Overlook trailhead is located in the Upper East Canyon section of the national park and is inaccessible by park’s shuttle. Thus, driving or biking (TIP: You can’t bike in the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel) is required to get to the trailhead.
From Springdale, follow Route 9 for nearly 1.5 miles to the South Entrance with the Zion Canyon Visitor Center on the right. Once you present your America the Beautiful pass or pay entrance fee, continue on along Route 9 toward the East Entrance for almost 6 miles. The road zigzags up the mountain and eventually passes through the 1.1 mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
The parking lot is nestled to your right from here. Parking spaces are limited, though, and get packed fast. An overflow parking lot with a ranger station and restrooms is located farther down the road on your left.
READ MORE: How to Get around Zion National Park: Shuttle, Car, Bicycle
ZION CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL
Facts
- Distance: 1-mile, round-trip trail
- Difficulty Level: easy to moderate
- Elevation Gain: 187 feet
- Time: 1 hour or less
Hiking the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
The Zion Canyon Overlook hike feels strenuous at the beginning of the trail. A few sets of uneven stairs climb higher and higher, gaining elevation speedily. Once you’ve hiked through this section, the uneven dirt trail becomes more gentle, gradually climbing all the way to the Zion Canyon Overlook from here. In some areas, the path remains mostly flat. The views down into Pine Creek Canyon, however, can frighten at this point.
Basically, you hike to the Zion Canyon Overlook along the narrow path, carved out of the cliff walls. While the gigantic stonewall protects you on your right, to the left, the trail is wide open, amusing or frightening you (depending on your tolerance of heights) with the beautiful views into the abyss.
What to Expect on the Trail
On top of the nerve-racking views to your left, the Zion Canyon Overlook hike spices up your adventure with a few obstacles, a moist grotto, and shaded alcoves. Kids can’t pass the latter without stopping here and building their versions of balancing rocks.
TIP: A planked boardwalk connects several sections of the path. Hike this part of the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail with respect to other visitors. People with intense fears of heights may walk extremely slowly here. Wait for them to pass, without rushing them or trying to squeeze in front of them. Hiking the narrow path to the popular overlook tests not only your hiking skills but also patience.
Once you’ve successfully completed your ascent to the Zion Canyon Overlook, the narrow path opens up to a wide “amphitheater” with railings at the far end. Pat yourself on the back, you’re reached the top of the Great Arch.
Next Step: The astounding views into the canyon as well as the towering walls on both sides are the best rewards for braving the heights for the past 30 minutes. Half of the Zion Canyon Overlook hike is done. Turn back and follow the same route once you’ve had enough of the wondrous views surrounding you.
CANYON OVERLOOK VS. OBSERVATION POINT
Despite the popularity of the Canyon Overlook Trail, it’s not the only place to admire the gorgeous panorama of Zion National Park. The Observation Point offers equally impressive vistas at the top and on the way up. Those who have at least two days to spend in Zion National Park should do both hikes.
If time is limited, pick the one that suits you best. Here’re a few things to consider before hiking to the Zion Canyon Overlook or Observation Point.
Zion Canyon Overlook Hike
The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is the shortest hike of them two. It’s relatively easy and suits hikers with different activity levels. Once you pass the stairs, the hike turns into more of a leisurely walk with a few insignificant obstacles near the end of the trail.
Observation Point Hike
The Observation Point Trail entices mostly advanced hikers, eager to go far and conquer greater obstacles to reach the famous overlook. Unlike the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, a hike to the Observation Point can take from several hours to half a day.
Several trails lead you to the Observation Point. The path that starts at Weeping Rock trailhead runs for nearly 4 miles one way, steadily climbing up until it reaches the viewpoint.
TIP: Due to occasional rock slides, some areas in Zion National Park may be temporarily closed. Check out the national park service official website before hiking to the Observation Point.
Another popular trail to the Observation Point starts from the East Mesa trailhead. This hike is easier, but nowhere close to the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail. Overall, the path runs for 6.6 miles out and back and takes from 3 to 4 hours to complete. Significantly fewer hikers stick to this route.
Who Can Hike to the Canyon Overlook?
If you can walk and climb the stairs, the Zion Canyon Overlook hike is for you. Ranking as an easy to moderately difficult trail, it fits beginners and advanced hikers, elderly nature lovers, and kids. Yet if the fear of heights makes your heart drop, walking near the edge of the cliff with no other barriers but a few sporadic guardrails, separating you from the great abyss, can be challenging.
As the trail runs up the stairs, wheelchairs or strollers can’t be used on the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail.
Tips for Hiking to Zion Canyon Overlook
- Wear good hiking shoes. The Canyon Overlook Trail features some stairs and boulders and can be slippery in some sections, wear good, non-slip shoes is required.
- Bring hiking sticks along. For the majority of people, hiking sticks are optional on this trail. You can easily hike up and down the cliff without any additional equipment. Others may use hiking sticks for extra support. Do what feels right for you.
- Protect your skin from the sun. Some sections of the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail are exposed to the sun. So, protect your skin by wearing a hat and using sunblock.
- Pets are not allowed on the trail. Many national parks prohibit bringing pets on the trails. The Canyon Overlook Trail is not an exception.
- No permit is required. You don’t need any permits to hike to the top of the Canyon Overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zion Canyon Overlook Trail kid-friendly?
Children can hike along the entire Canyon Overlook Trail. Yet you still need to be careful and keep a watchful eye on the young hikers especially along the exposed sections of the trail. Moreover, don’t let your kids get too close to the cliff edge at the overlook.
How long is the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail?
Zion Canyon Overlook is a 1-mile, round-trip trail, with a steep ascent via a series of stairs at the trailhead. The farther you go, the smoother the trail gets.
Is the Canyon Overlook hike difficult?
The Canyon Overlook Trail is considered a moderate difficulty hike. The most challenging section of the trail includes climbing the stairs right at the trailhead. A few challenging stretches emerge as you get closer to the Canyon Overlook. Overall, the majority of hikers can successfully complete the Canyon Overlook Trail in about one hour.
Can you drive to the Canyon Overlook trailhead?
Yes. Driving is the preferable way to get to the trailhead. The park’s shuttle doesn’t operate in this section of Zion National Park. The trailhead sits on the east side of the tunnel across the road from the parking lot.
Final Thoughts
This completes our guide to hiking to the Zion Canyon Overlook. If you still debate whether you should slog along this narrow trail, I’d say just trust your gut feeling. If the fear of heights is too great, skip the Canyon Overlook hike and don’t regret it. Otherwise, there are no other excuses to not challenge yourself to eventually feast your eyes on some of the most epic views in the park.
