{"id":5509,"date":"2020-11-08T23:57:03","date_gmt":"2020-11-08T23:57:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/extraterrestrial-hwy-and-area-51-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-10-10T03:42:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T03:42:27","slug":"zion-observation-point","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/zion-observation-point\/","title":{"rendered":"Zion\u2019s Observation Point: Hiking it the Easy Way"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-5509\" data-postid=\"5509\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-5509 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_hfyk780 tb_first tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-2 tb_eznk781 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_oxg4781    wow\" data-tf-animation=\"zoomIn\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Of all the wonderful places to hike and visit in Zion National Park, only one destination offers a spectacular view looking down the length of Zion Canyon. That destination is Observation Point.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_t0ug783 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_1vdo783 image-top rounded drop-shadow  tf_mw wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInRightBig\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-5512\" title=\"YouTube\" alt=\"Zion Canyon&#039;s Observation Point\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube.jpg 1280w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube-768x432.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube-1024x576.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_luv4780 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_27ft784 first\">\n                    <!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_cj0v997 button-bottom-center red  rounded embossed shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInLeft\" data-tf-animation_delay=\"1\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\"><\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <strong>Click image<\/strong> to watch Virtual Video Tour and see viewer comments.\nThen come back to get the rest of the story.        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n<!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_689t784 image-overlay bordered  tf_mw wow\" data-tf-animation=\"lightSpeedIn\" data-tf-animation_delay=\"1.5\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=p5mshUAgr-Y\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\n                   <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/ZionObservationYouTube.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-5605\" title=\"ZionObservationYouTube\" alt=\"ZionObservationYouTube\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/ZionObservationYouTube.jpg 640w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/ZionObservationYouTube-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>        <\/a>\n    \n    \n                <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_1jiv784   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Trip Specs<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_6icc780 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_9z9w785 first\">\n                    <!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_xfdp785  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Length<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            6.5 miles roundtrip        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n<!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_znno785  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Attractions<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <ul>\n<li>Access to Observation Point<\/li>\n<li>High plateaus of Zion<\/li>\n<li>Great views<\/li>\n<li>Remote side canyons<\/li>\n<\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_kfyr786 last\">\n                    <!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_opog786  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Difficulty<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <ul>\n<li>Long hike<\/li>\n<li>No services<\/li>\n<li>Hot in summer<\/li>\n<li>Little climbing<\/li>\n<\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n<!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_71rt786  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Elevation Gain<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <ul>\n<li>About 150 feet up\/down<\/li>\n<\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_kj4d780 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_n9uw786 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_y3tm787   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>There are two ways to reach Observation Point: the challenging (hard) way and the easy way. The hard way requires an eight-mile roundtrip hike and includes three miles that climbs just under a half mile vertically. That\u2019s really steep! In addition to the great view once you\u2019re at the top, this hike also takes you through the spectacular Echo Canyon \u2013 a slot canyon that has been carved into Zion\u2019s iconic red Navajo Sandstone. You have to be in excellent physical condition to take on this hike so we put it off until we could build up our endurance.<\/p><p>Well, we waited to long. In 2019, a major rock fall occurred at the top of Cable Mountain, which is immediately above the Weeping Rock trailhead and is the beginning of the trail to Observation Point. When that big slab of sandstone fell, it broke into big rocks and sand and buried the trail, along with the hikers on it. Luckily, only three people were injured in the event and nobody was killed. This trail is now closed and will probably remain closed through 2022.<\/p><p>So, since the only way to get to Observation Point right now is the \u201ceasy\u201d way, we thought we\u2019d give it a try. It requires driving out of the east entrance of the National Park and then backtracking on a dirt road to what is called the East Mesa Trailhead. After finding a place to park amongst the trees, it is a 3.3 mile (6.6 mile roundtrip) hike to Observation Point. And the best part of this hike? It is almost level the whole way except for a few gradual climbs. Now, that sounds \u201ceasy\u201d.<\/p><div class=\"g g-11\"><div class=\"g-single a-26\"><a class=\"gofollow\" data-track=\"MjYsMTEsNjA=\" title=\"Snap Shots West\" href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/ssw\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-2382 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Ad-800x500-bw2.gif\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><p>Although it doesn\u2019t pass through a scenic slot canyon, this easier trail does offer views down into two deep side canyons that eventually drain into Zion Canyon. It is well worth the effort to locate them using your topo map or the mapping app you use on your phone\u2019s built-in GPS and walk the short distances. Watch our video tour, details below, on how to download a file to load onto your phone that shows the places to see along this hike.<\/p><p>Once at the trailhead, walk due east and soon you\u2019ll see the signed trailhead to Observation Point.\u00a0 Pass through a fence marking the boundary of the National Park and, just after that, you\u2019ll see a kiosk sign that explains the hike.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_cbkv787   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Pictures<\/h3><p>Below are some pictures of what you will see along the way.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><div  class=\"module themify_builder_slider_wrap tf_clearfix module-slider tb_hnge787  slider-caption-overlay  \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"themify_builder_slider tf_carousel tf_swiper-container tf_rel tf_overflow\" data-lazy=\"1\"        data-visible=\"1\"\n        data-tab-visible=\"\"\n        data-mob-visible=\"\"\n        data-scroll=\"1\"\n                            data-auto=\"4000\"\n            data-controller=\"0\"\n            data-pause_hover=\"1\"\n                data-speed=\"normal\"\n        data-wrapvar=\"1\"\n        data-slider_nav=\"1\"\n        data-pager=\"1\"\n        data-effect=\"scroll\" \n        data-height=\"variable\"\n        data-css_url=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/pinboard\/themify\/themify-builder\/css\/modules\/sliders\/carousel,http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/pinboard\/themify\/themify-builder\/css\/modules\/sliders\/slider\"\n                    >\n        <div class=\"tf_swiper-wrapper tf_lazy tf_rel tf_w tf_h tf_textc\">\n                         <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(to right,#8ab1da 25%,#a2c1e0 25% 50%,#b3cceb 50% 75%,#c9dbf3 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#43351a 25%,#8a6c6c 25% 50%,#897165 50% 75%,#3b3036 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#233012 25%,#4a5431 25% 50%,#19260c 50% 75%,#494d34 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#0d1005 25%,#111500 25% 50%,#2f4054 50% 75%,#383a49 75%)\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy wp-post-image wp-image-5515\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr1\" alt=\"Observation Pt seen from Zion Canyon floor\" data-tf-srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-tf-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-5515\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr1\" alt=\"Observation Pt seen from Zion Canyon floor\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Observation Pt seen from  Zion Canyon floor<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(to right,#93a8d5 25%,#6483c3 25% 50%,#7b8fcc 50% 75%,#728ba9 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#98988e 25%,#d0cabe 25% 50%,#c1b09e 50% 75%,#424333 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#807b67 25%,#63624e 25% 50%,#cebbad 50% 75%,#a0968d 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#050500 25%,#aaaa92 25% 50%,#1f1a14 50% 75%,#23232b 75%)\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy wp-post-image wp-image-5516\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr2\" alt=\"ZionObservationPtSldr2\" data-tf-srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-tf-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-5516\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr2\" alt=\"ZionObservationPtSldr2\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>One of the 2 side canyons<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(to right,#2b2e01 25%,#3d96ff 25% 50%,#6c7654 50% 75%,#4f3a4d 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#313423 25%,#414b40 25% 50%,#515729 50% 75%,#3a4d47 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#53504b 25%,#726c6c 25% 50%,#fff7ee 50% 75%,#dfd4ce 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#0d0d0d 25%,#fff4e0 25% 50%,#d6a27b 50% 75%,#3a332b 75%)\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy wp-post-image wp-image-5517\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr3\" alt=\"ZionObservationPtSldr3\" data-tf-srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-tf-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-5517\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr3\" alt=\"ZionObservationPtSldr3\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>What the trail looks like<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(to right,#615b65 25%,#316aaf 25% 50%,#c4e4f9 50% 75%,#686367 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#404b5f 25%,#1e3658 25% 50%,#1f3b62 50% 75%,#b1a388 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#13182e 25%,#48554c 25% 50%,#5e3f2a 50% 75%,#b97f59 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#16192c 25%,#918e6b 25% 50%,#372f3a 50% 75%,#f2ba95 75%)\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy wp-post-image wp-image-5518\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr4\" alt=\"The view of Zion Canyon from Observation Point\" data-tf-srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-tf-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-5518\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr4\" alt=\"The view of Zion Canyon from Observation Point\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>The view of Zion Canyon from Observation Point<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>            <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_mev9780 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_x2og787 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_bet5708   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p style=\"text-align: center;\">Help fund our next trip and your next adventure by purchasing a subscription to Gaia GPS. We will receive a small commission from your purchase.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_bvu6788 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_eenw29   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- Skyscraper160x600 --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_g1s4780 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_a3ov789 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_b931304   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <div class=\"g g-11\"><div class=\"g-single a-17\"><a title=\"BackRoadsWest.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\/tour-planning\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-2382 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ad-800x500-TripPlan2.gif\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_nqsw793   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <div data-vi-partner-id=P00061717 data-vi-language=en data-vi-currency=USD data-vi-partner-type=\"AFFILIATE\" data-vi-url=\"https:\/\/www.viator.com\/St-George\/d23945-ttd\" data-vi-total-products=3><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/www.viator.com\/orion\/partner\/widget.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_s4j4382   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Hiking Route<\/h2><p>The trail is easy to follow. Its surface starts out a bit rocky but eventually turns to packed sand. The numerous pine trees that line the trail for most of the hike offer partial shade which is a nice bonus if you\u2019re hiking this trail in the warmer months. Along the way, you\u2019ll see the assorted vegetation that grows atop these highlands above Zion Canyon which average an altitude of 6,700 feet.<\/p><p>At about the 2.5 mile mark, you will see Zion Canyon through the trees in the distance. You will also see Observation Point jutting out over the canyon just to the right of the canyon.<\/p><p>At 3 miles, the trail intersects with the other trail (now closed) that comes up from the Weeping Rock trailhead. Turn right to continue the hike to Observation Point. Its only a short distance now and the trail skirts the side of the canyon.<\/p><p>By <em>carefully<\/em> looking straight down the cliff, it is easy to find the paved Zion Canyon Scenic Drive almost a half mile below. Just across the canyon you can make out the area called the Temple of Sinawava, which is the trailhead for the popular Narrows hike.<\/p><p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/><!-- Skyscraper160x600 --><br \/><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/><script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p><p>Finally, after 3.3 miles, the trail ends at Observation Point. From left to right, the panorama includes views of Echo Canyon, Cable Mountain, Hidden Canyon, the Great White Throne, Zion Canyon itself, Angels\u2019 Landing, and West Temple \u2013 all well-known landmarks of Zion Canyon.<\/p><p>Hiking either trail to Observation Point, whether it be the hard one or the easy one, is a rewarding experience. Once you have taken all that there is to see at the viewpoint, simply return the same way you came in.<\/p><p>This trail is not advisable during the winter and spring months simply because the snow and rain turns the soil into deep, slick mud. This includes the road to the trailhead. Even with a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle, the road is impassable.<\/p><h3>Trip Map<\/h3><p>To help plan your trip, either use our interactive Google Map below or download our GPX file that points out the places to see that are mentioned in this chapter.<\/p><p><a href=\"\/blog\/gpx-files\/ZionObsrvPt.gpx\" download=\"\">Click here<\/a> to download our GPX file for the hike to Observation Point. We recommend using a GPS mapping app, such as Gaia GPS, to view these points on your computer or to locate them using GPS with your mobile device or phone. Click the ad below to purchase Gaia GPS using our discount code and we&#8217;ll earn a few dollars to fund our next trip.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" \/><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/map\/\">Learn more<\/a> about our maps.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module maps pro -->\n<div  id=\"tb_gfjj790\" class=\"module module-maps-pro tb_gfjj790  tf_lazy\" data-zoom=\"12\" data-type=\"TERRAIN\" data-address=\"37.3, -112.958041\" data-scrollwheel=\"1\" data-draggable=\"enable\" data-disable_map_ui=\"\" data-polyline=\"\" data-geodesic=\"\" data-polylineStroke=\"2\" data-polylineColor=\"\" data-trigger=\"\" data-mapid=\"\" data-legacymarkers=\"\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"maps-pro-canvas-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"maps-pro-canvas\" style=\"width:100%;height:400px\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<template>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"37.29684996239435, -112.90040011521505\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-hiker.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTrailhead & parking\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"37.29685224015597, -112.91643225942815\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-hiker.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe first side canyon\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"37.28902162542317, -112.929770962\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-hiker.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSecond side canyon: Mystery Canyon\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"37.281284037, -112.93657073\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-hiker.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTrail Jct to Weeping Rock\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"37.2786399, -112.9403010 \" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-hiker.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tObservation Point\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/template>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n<!-- \/module maps pro -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_86jn780 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_258q790 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_wh1n791   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Support Us<\/h3><p>Help us fill up our tank with gas for our next trip by donating $5 and we&#8217;ll bring you back more quality virtual tours of our trips!<\/p><p>Your credit card payment is safe and easy using PayPal. 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That destination is Observation Point.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5512,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,24,8,17,18,21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-floraplants","category-geology","category-hike","category-season-fall","category-season-summer","category-utah","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO 4.9.9 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Of all the places to hike in Zion National Park, only one destination offers a view looking down the length of Zion Canyon. That destination is Observation Pt.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-image-preview:large\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Cliff Bandringa\"\/>\n\t<meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"observation point,zion canyon,zion national park,east mesa trailhead,hike,great view\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/zion-observation-point\/\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO (AIOSEO) 4.9.9\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BackRoadsWest Trips Blog | A new kind of travel guide for the 21st Century\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hiking Zion\u2019s Observation Point | BackRoadsWest Trips Blog\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Of all the places to hike in Zion National Park, only one destination offers a view looking down the length of Zion Canyon. That destination is Observation Pt.\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/zion-observation-point\/\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-11-08T23:57:03+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-10T03:42:27+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Hiking Zion\u2019s Observation Point | BackRoadsWest Trips Blog\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Of all the places to hike in Zion National Park, only one destination offers a view looking down the length of Zion Canyon. That destination is Observation Pt.\" \/>\n\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"aioseo-schema\">\n\t\t\t{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/zion-observation-point\\\/#article\",\"name\":\"Hiking Zion\\u2019s Observation Point | BackRoadsWest Trips Blog\",\"headline\":\"Zion\\u2019s Observation Point: Hiking it the Easy Way\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/cliff\\\/#author\"},\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/11\\\/YouTube.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":720,\"caption\":\"Zion Canyon's Observation Point\"},\"datePublished\":\"2020-11-08T23:57:03+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-10T03:42:27+00:00\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/zion-observation-point\\\/#webpage\"},\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/zion-observation-point\\\/#webpage\"},\"articleSection\":\"Flora\\\/Plants, Geology, Hikes, Season: Fall, Season: Summer, Utah\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/zion-observation-point\\\/#breadcrumblist\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog#listItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\",\"nextItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/hike\\\/#listItem\",\"name\":\"Hikes\"}},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/hike\\\/#listItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Hikes\",\"item\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/hike\\\/\",\"nextItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/zion-observation-point\\\/#listItem\",\"name\":\"Zion\\u2019s Observation Point: Hiking it the Easy Way\"},\"previousItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog#listItem\",\"name\":\"Home\"}},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/zion-observation-point\\\/#listItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Zion\\u2019s Observation Point: Hiking it the Easy Way\",\"previousItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/hike\\\/#listItem\",\"name\":\"Hikes\"}}]},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"BackRoadsWest Trips Blog\",\"description\":\"A new kind of travel guide for the 21st Century\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/cliff\\\/#author\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/cliff\\\/\",\"name\":\"Cliff Bandringa\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/zion-observation-point\\\/#authorImage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3070f9b6dc5e9947e9e6797308c9ae74?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"width\":96,\"height\":96,\"caption\":\"Cliff Bandringa\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/zion-observation-point\\\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.backroadswest.com\\\/blog\\\/zion-observation-point\\\/\",\"name\":\"Hiking Zion\\u2019s Observation Point | BackRoadsWest Trips Blog\",\"description\":\"Of all the places to hike in Zion National Park, only one destination offers a view looking down the length of Zion Canyon. 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That destination is Observation Pt.","og:url":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/zion-observation-point\/","article:published_time":"2020-11-08T23:57:03+00:00","article:modified_time":"2025-10-10T03:42:27+00:00","twitter:card":"summary","twitter:title":"Hiking Zion\u2019s Observation Point | BackRoadsWest Trips Blog","twitter:description":"Of all the places to hike in Zion National Park, only one destination offers a view looking down the length of Zion Canyon. That destination is Observation Pt."},"aioseo_meta_data":{"post_id":"5509","title":"Hiking Zion\u2019s Observation Point | #site_title","description":"Of all the places to hike in Zion National Park, only one destination offers a view looking down the length of Zion Canyon. 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That destination is Observation Point.<\/p>\n<img src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube.jpg\" title=\"YouTube\" alt=\"Zion Canyon&#039;s Observation Point\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube.jpg 1280w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube-768x432.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/YouTube-1024x576.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/>\n<h3><\/h3> <strong>Click image<\/strong> to watch Virtual Video Tour and see viewer comments. Then come back to get the rest of the story.\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=p5mshUAgr-Y\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <img src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/ZionObservationYouTube.jpg\" title=\"ZionObservationYouTube\" alt=\"ZionObservationYouTube\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/ZionObservationYouTube.jpg 640w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/ZionObservationYouTube-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/> <\/a>\n<h3>Trip Specs<\/h3>\n<h3>Length<\/h3> 6.5 miles roundtrip\n<h3>Attractions<\/h3> <ul> <li>Access to Observation Point<\/li> <li>High plateaus of Zion<\/li> <li>Great views<\/li> <li>Remote side canyons<\/li> <\/ul>\n<h3>Difficulty<\/h3> <ul> <li>Long hike<\/li> <li>No services<\/li> <li>Hot in summer<\/li> <li>Little climbing<\/li> <\/ul>\n<h3>Elevation Gain<\/h3> <ul> <li>About 150 feet up\/down<\/li> <\/ul>\n<p>There are two ways to reach Observation Point: the challenging (hard) way and the easy way. The hard way requires an eight-mile roundtrip hike and includes three miles that climbs just under a half mile vertically. That\u2019s really steep! In addition to the great view once you\u2019re at the top, this hike also takes you through the spectacular Echo Canyon \u2013 a slot canyon that has been carved into Zion\u2019s iconic red Navajo Sandstone. You have to be in excellent physical condition to take on this hike so we put it off until we could build up our endurance.<\/p><p>Well, we waited to long. In 2019, a major rock fall occurred at the top of Cable Mountain, which is immediately above the Weeping Rock trailhead and is the beginning of the trail to Observation Point. When that big slab of sandstone fell, it broke into big rocks and sand and buried the trail, along with the hikers on it. Luckily, only three people were injured in the event and nobody was killed. This trail is now closed and will probably remain closed through 2022.<\/p><p>So, since the only way to get to Observation Point right now is the \u201ceasy\u201d way, we thought we\u2019d give it a try. It requires driving out of the east entrance of the National Park and then backtracking on a dirt road to what is called the East Mesa Trailhead. After finding a place to park amongst the trees, it is a 3.3 mile (6.6 mile roundtrip) hike to Observation Point. And the best part of this hike? It is almost level the whole way except for a few gradual climbs. Now, that sounds \u201ceasy\u201d.<\/p><p>[adrotate group=\"11\"]<\/p><p>Although it doesn\u2019t pass through a scenic slot canyon, this easier trail does offer views down into two deep side canyons that eventually drain into Zion Canyon. It is well worth the effort to locate them using your topo map or the mapping app you use on your phone\u2019s built-in GPS and walk the short distances. Watch our video tour, details below, on how to download a file to load onto your phone that shows the places to see along this hike.<\/p><p>Once at the trailhead, walk due east and soon you\u2019ll see the signed trailhead to Observation Point.\u00a0 Pass through a fence marking the boundary of the National Park and, just after that, you\u2019ll see a kiosk sign that explains the hike.<\/p>\n<h3>Pictures<\/h3><p>Below are some pictures of what you will see along the way.<\/p>\n<img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(to right,#8ab1da 25%,#a2c1e0 25% 50%,#b3cceb 50% 75%,#c9dbf3 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#43351a 25%,#8a6c6c 25% 50%,#897165 50% 75%,#3b3036 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#233012 25%,#4a5431 25% 50%,#19260c 50% 75%,#494d34 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#0d1005 25%,#111500 25% 50%,#2f4054 50% 75%,#383a49 75%)\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr1\" alt=\"Observation Pt seen from Zion Canyon floor\" data-tf-srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-tf-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr1\" alt=\"Observation Pt seen from Zion Canyon floor\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript> Observation Pt seen from Zion Canyon floor <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(to right,#93a8d5 25%,#6483c3 25% 50%,#7b8fcc 50% 75%,#728ba9 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#98988e 25%,#d0cabe 25% 50%,#c1b09e 50% 75%,#424333 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#807b67 25%,#63624e 25% 50%,#cebbad 50% 75%,#a0968d 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#050500 25%,#aaaa92 25% 50%,#1f1a14 50% 75%,#23232b 75%)\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr2\" alt=\"ZionObservationPtSldr2\" data-tf-srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-tf-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr2\" alt=\"ZionObservationPtSldr2\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr2-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript> One of the 2 side canyons <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(to right,#2b2e01 25%,#3d96ff 25% 50%,#6c7654 50% 75%,#4f3a4d 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#313423 25%,#414b40 25% 50%,#515729 50% 75%,#3a4d47 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#53504b 25%,#726c6c 25% 50%,#fff7ee 50% 75%,#dfd4ce 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#0d0d0d 25%,#fff4e0 25% 50%,#d6a27b 50% 75%,#3a332b 75%)\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr3\" alt=\"ZionObservationPtSldr3\" data-tf-srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-tf-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr3\" alt=\"ZionObservationPtSldr3\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr3-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript> What the trail looks like <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(to right,#615b65 25%,#316aaf 25% 50%,#c4e4f9 50% 75%,#686367 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#404b5f 25%,#1e3658 25% 50%,#1f3b62 50% 75%,#b1a388 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#13182e 25%,#48554c 25% 50%,#5e3f2a 50% 75%,#b97f59 75%),linear-gradient(to right,#16192c 25%,#918e6b 25% 50%,#372f3a 50% 75%,#f2ba95 75%)\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr4\" alt=\"The view of Zion Canyon from Observation Point\" data-tf-srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-tf-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-800x450.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"ZionObservationPtSldr4\" alt=\"The view of Zion Canyon from Observation Point\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ZionObservationPtSldr4-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript> The view of Zion Canyon from Observation Point\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Help fund our next trip and your next adventure by purchasing a subscription to Gaia GPS. We will receive a small commission from your purchase.<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><br \/> <br \/> <ins style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/> <\/p>\n<p>[adrotate group=\"11\"]<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Hiking Route<\/h2><p>The trail is easy to follow. Its surface starts out a bit rocky but eventually turns to packed sand. The numerous pine trees that line the trail for most of the hike offer partial shade which is a nice bonus if you\u2019re hiking this trail in the warmer months. Along the way, you\u2019ll see the assorted vegetation that grows atop these highlands above Zion Canyon which average an altitude of 6,700 feet.<\/p><p>At about the 2.5 mile mark, you will see Zion Canyon through the trees in the distance. You will also see Observation Point jutting out over the canyon just to the right of the canyon.<\/p><p>At 3 miles, the trail intersects with the other trail (now closed) that comes up from the Weeping Rock trailhead. Turn right to continue the hike to Observation Point. Its only a short distance now and the trail skirts the side of the canyon.<\/p><p>By <em>carefully<\/em> looking straight down the cliff, it is easy to find the paved Zion Canyon Scenic Drive almost a half mile below. Just across the canyon you can make out the area called the Temple of Sinawava, which is the trailhead for the popular Narrows hike.<\/p><p><br \/><br \/><ins style=\"display: block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/><\/p><p>Finally, after 3.3 miles, the trail ends at Observation Point. From left to right, the panorama includes views of Echo Canyon, Cable Mountain, Hidden Canyon, the Great White Throne, Zion Canyon itself, Angels\u2019 Landing, and West Temple \u2013 all well-known landmarks of Zion Canyon.<\/p><p>Hiking either trail to Observation Point, whether it be the hard one or the easy one, is a rewarding experience. Once you have taken all that there is to see at the viewpoint, simply return the same way you came in.<\/p><p>This trail is not advisable during the winter and spring months simply because the snow and rain turns the soil into deep, slick mud. This includes the road to the trailhead. Even with a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle, the road is impassable.<\/p><h3>Trip Map<\/h3><p>To help plan your trip, either use our interactive Google Map below or download our GPX file that points out the places to see that are mentioned in this chapter.<\/p><p><a href=\"\/blog\/gpx-files\/ZionObsrvPt.gpx\" download=\"\">Click here<\/a> to download our GPX file for the hike to Observation Point. We recommend using a GPS mapping app, such as Gaia GPS, to view these points on your computer or to locate them using GPS with your mobile device or phone. Click the ad below to purchase Gaia GPS using our discount code and we'll earn a few dollars to fund our next trip.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" \/><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/map\/\">Learn more<\/a> about our maps.<\/p>\n<template> Trailhead & parking The first side canyon Second side canyon: Mystery Canyon Trail Jct to Weeping Rock Observation Point <\/template>\n<h3>Support Us<\/h3><p>Help us fill up our tank with gas for our next trip by donating $5 and we'll bring you back more quality virtual tours of our trips!<\/p><p>Your credit card payment is safe and easy using PayPal. Click the [Donate] button to get started:<\/p><p>[paypal-donation]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Subscribe<\/h3> <p>[mc4wp_form]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>See all our comprehensive virtual tour guides at<\/em>:<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"BackRoadsWest\" href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg\" alt=\"BRWlogo\" width=\"300\" height=\"40\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo.jpg 438w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p> <ins style=\"display: inline-block; width: 468px; height: 60px;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9021992350535116\" data-ad-slot=\"7695972004\"><\/ins><\/p>\n<h3>More Trips<\/h3> Would you like to explore more of Utah? <a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/category\/utah\/\"> See more trips <\/a>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5509"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7989,"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5509\/revisions\/7989"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}