Canyon Overlook Trail
Canyon Overlook Trail
5
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This one-mile hiking trail starts just outside the east entrance to the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, and leads to a dramatic observation point that provides impressive views of Zion's rugged landscape.
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5.0
949 reviews
Excellent
781
Very good
148
Average
17
Poor
3
Terrible
0
JBB1971
18 contributions
Aug 2022
I did not make it very far. I am not afraid of heights at all, but this trail was awful if you have edge-phobia. There are no railings with huge drop offs. I had to turn around after I made it up the stairs and to the first flat area. I did Observation Point, overlooking Angel's Landing with no issues, and handled all of the switchbacks at Bryce, but this was tough for me. Parking is crazy, as we got parked in by people waiting for spots. Someone moved the cones from the area next to the handicapped spot so he could park there. Another guy drove the wrong way down the road to try to butt in and get a parking space. The park ranger came out 3 times in the 30 minutes I was waiting for the rest of my party at the trailhead. She even had to call for another ranger to come help her with the people who wouldn't move their cars. Let's just say this was a stressful place for me! The rest of my family went on the trail and took photos- good view, for sure! They assured me I made the right choice by sitting this one out, though. Just keep in mind that it seems like an easy one (1 mile total- how bad can it be), but it is challenging if you're like me.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bodeyzafa
Valrico, Florida, United States165 contributions
Jan 2020 • Business
We got to the park 30 minutes before sunrise. It was light enough to see and the hike was not strenuous. It was cold but there was little wind. The reward was seeing the sun rise off the far peaks and over the canyon. There was a professional photographer there and he was very pleasant to interact with, no ego. Was an absolute must do. Bucket list item
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rish m
11 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We hiked this 1st thing after landing. We flew in to Vegas from MI and drove to Zion. We stayed at an airbnb called Nama-Stay right by the foothills and cannot recommend it enough. Take a look at my review for that.
This trail is easy although it says moderate. I could see why it is. There are some areas you have to scramble and navigate. But if you are in average shape, it should be a no problem.
For me I was concerned about my knees( past acl surgeries) but honestly it is pretty good hike without any problems.
The view from the top, is amazing and hard to beat.
This trail is easy although it says moderate. I could see why it is. There are some areas you have to scramble and navigate. But if you are in average shape, it should be a no problem.
For me I was concerned about my knees( past acl surgeries) but honestly it is pretty good hike without any problems.
The view from the top, is amazing and hard to beat.
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise G
San Diego, United States14 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
I can’t recommend this less traveled trail highly enough. Just stunning views down into Zion canyon from about 1000 feet higher than Angel’s Landing. If you want the reward of this incredible view without the crowds & the death defying Angel’s Landing climb, this is it! We started at sunrise from the East Mesa Trailhead about 3 miles of dirt road from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. Although a dirt road it is fine for a regular car up to about 1/2 mile before trail head.
Written 5 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rae H
San Jose, CA89 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
We were there on a Sunday. It was very busy but everyone was wearing masks and respectful and patient (I’ve a 5 year old). My kids loved scrambling on the rocks (even if my heart was in my mouth). The view at the end is breathtaking. It took us approx 1.5 hours to complete (rem busy Sunday, young kids and taking in the views). Would highly recommend when you’re in Zion. Was my favorite hike.
Written 21 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn T
Louisville, KY283 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
We had a big crew of 16 people, ranging in age from 14-57. We had 3 who opted out early on in the hike up, because they are afraid of heights, and parts of the trail are narrow. The rest of us enjoyed the sweeping views and the hike up was not too difficult, with the exception of one narrow spot that was a bit icy. There are several great spots at the top for photos and you should allow time to just enjoy the view and get great pics.
Written 9 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karin H
Minneapolis, MN617 contributions
Mar 2022
The trail is really fun to hike, offering many interesting things along the way. The views from the end of the trail are incredible and absolutely worth the hike.
The trail starts with a lot of stairs, but don't be discouraged, the stairs don't continue forever. The trail flattens out after that.
There are some narrow areas that are close to the edge and some spots have guard rails. There's also a fun little boardwalk and a cave halfway through that make it interesting.
The views at the end are incredible and there's plenty of space to spread out for a picnic if you want.
I took a star off because the parking situation was terrible. We went on a Saturday morning and drove around for 20 minutes trying to find parking. We had to turn around to try to find parking on the other side of the road. We finally found some but it was a 0.5 mile walk from the car to the start of the trail. I can't even imagine what it would be like in the summer during peak season! Get there early.
The trail starts with a lot of stairs, but don't be discouraged, the stairs don't continue forever. The trail flattens out after that.
There are some narrow areas that are close to the edge and some spots have guard rails. There's also a fun little boardwalk and a cave halfway through that make it interesting.
The views at the end are incredible and there's plenty of space to spread out for a picnic if you want.
I took a star off because the parking situation was terrible. We went on a Saturday morning and drove around for 20 minutes trying to find parking. We had to turn around to try to find parking on the other side of the road. We finally found some but it was a 0.5 mile walk from the car to the start of the trail. I can't even imagine what it would be like in the summer during peak season! Get there early.
Written 16 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EpicGuy12
Queen Creek, AZ878 contributions
Nov 2020
If you are looking for a short and easy trail that just about anyone can do then this would be a great one. The view from the top is amazing no matter time of the day but either sunset or sunrise would be ideal. The trail can get busy and the small parking lot across the street from it fills up very quick so you might have to park on the side of the road and walk to it.
Written 19 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angelmusicmaven
New York City, NY254 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Some stairs, but not too challenging. Great to do late afternoon or whenever the colors are kind of changing... you definitely want light and visibility to come back down. You should be fairly agile and if you have kids, they MUST be cautious and careful- but anyone with common sense will be fine. Not the most epic view in the Park but it's not as crazy crowded and you can get there by car!
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iowacityia
iowa city, ia2,691 contributions
Jan 2023
My wife and I arrived to the trailhead around 1pm. We approached from the valley, and read that the trail and parking was located shortly after going through the tunnel. This was indeed the case, and it was fairly busy, so we needed to drive up the road a short bit to find a parking spot. There is a restroom near the trailhead. The hike is a lot of fun. Plenty of climbing. There were plenty of icy, wet, and muddy spots on the trail. We did not hike with traction devices, but we do hike with trekking poles. That helped. The good thing about that time of the day is that trail is mostly in the sunshine, so there were plenty of dry sections of the trail. We did encounter a fair amount of people on the trail, but nothing too bad. It was a fun hike, and a nice end point view. We would certainly do this hike again.
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How quickly do the small parking areas fill up in the morning? We’re coming early May
Written 28 January 2020
parking lot holds very few cars. You will park along the road with everyone else. Not a big deal. The view is the best. The climb is crazy at parts, but very doable.
Written 1 February 2020
We are staying in Springdale two nights. Going to do the shuttle scenic drive our first day.
The next day we will be heading to Bryce... Do we have to enter into the "Park South Entrance" to get on the Zion~Mount Carmel Hwy/Hwy 9? We want to hike the Canyon Overlook Trail on our way out that second day....hope to find parking. Does any one bother you if you park on the shoulder?
Written 17 June 2019
That’s the logical entrance if you are staying in Springdale. When you exit the tunnel there is a small parking lot on the right. Immediately after the tunnel. If it’s full, there is another parking area just up the road on the left. You cannot park on the side of the toad. Early is the key to getting a parking spot.
Written 18 June 2019
Quelles sont les heures de la journée ou le parking du Canyon overlook trail est le moins chargé?
Merci
Written 1 June 2019
Early morning is the best time. I was there before 10AM in October. When I came back to the car, others were waiting for my spot. In fact, there was a lot of vehicle shiffling about so I could back out.
Written 1 June 2019
hi, if we drive to the Canyon overlook trail from the Zion visitor center, then after hiking the trail, should we continue to drive to the East entrance? is there any scenic view to see along the drive from canyon overlook trail to the East entrance? as we live in the West part of the Zion national park, so if we drive to the East entrance, we will need to drive back the whole way to our hotel, so I want to know is it worth to drive to East entrance? or we can turn back after hiking the Canyon overlook trail, no need to drive further east? thanks.
Written 22 May 2019
I believe the tunnel is on the way from the Visitor Center to Canyon Overlook trail. So you'd go through it anyways. I think it's worth the drive to keep going and see Checkerboard Mesa. I don't think it's that much out of your way anyways.
Written 3 June 2019
With the construction road closures in effect until April 30, what’s the best route to get to canyon overlook trail from Las Vegas?
Written 25 April 2019
Im arriving at Zion on Tuesday 9th April with a young family (daughter is 5). I want to walk Emerald Pools and Canyon Overlook Trail in the morning then go to Bryce in the afternoon. Which walk in Zion should l do first (given possible parking difficulties at Canyon Overlook)? Thanks
Written 31 March 2019
You are more likely to find parking for the Canyon Overlook Trail if you get there early. For Emerald Pool, you would need to park at the Visitor Center and then take the shuttle bus.
Written 2 April 2019
Do you recall if the small parking lot for the Canyon Overlook trail can accommodate a 30 ft RV?
Written 18 March 2019
better to continue east for a ways, get turned around and then park on the north side as you're westbound. When you see the yellow diamond sign "Tunnel Ahead" that's your cue to pull over and park as soon as you pass the sign. You'll have maybe a hundred yards to walk on the side of the road to get to the trailhead.
Written 20 March 2019
Is it best to do this hike in the morning or afternoon in term of lighting and photography - taking photos directly into sunlight isn’t ideal :)
Written 21 September 2018
It’s best to do it at sun rise You see the sun rising and lighting the rocks it’s perfect for pictures
Written 22 September 2018
I'm interested in stopping as I drive through Zion November 1st in the morning. Would this hike likely have snow or ice that time of year? I'm mildly afraid of heights so not sure if it's for me or not. I'm an experienced hiker but the sheer drop offs I am unsure about! Thanks!
Written 26 July 2018
You would probably encounter ice that time of year. I hiked it in early April and it was 32 degrees then. At that altitude the likelihood of ice increases. It's a must see lookout and such a beautiful hike. It was the only hike in the whole park that I would have done again in the same trip.
Just play it by ear and if you get there later in the day remember the sun could always warm up and melt any ice.
Written 13 August 2018
I am OK with steep trails however I am not thrilled with exposure. How narrow is the trail where there are steep drops?
Written 7 March 2018
This is a great trail however, there are some very narrow parts with steep drops. That said, sometimes there is a guardrail. Sometimes there is a bit more room to hug the side of the rock. There is a part where a bridge becomes the trail, hugging the side of the mountain. All the steep drops have some sort of protection but visually you will see them.
Written 11 March 2018
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