While Angels Landing and the Narrows are the most talked about trails in Zion National Park, there are several other trails with incredible views, overlooks and features. Canyon Overlook Trail is the perfect example of this! This short trail offers up a different vantage point of Zion Canyon and is sure to wow any visitor to Zion National Park.
Quick Info About Canyon Overlook Trail
TRAIL LENGTH: 1 mile total, out and back
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: I would call this an easy hike. The park has it rated as moderate, but I would actually say it’s easy.
IS THE TRAIL FAMILY FRIENDLY? There are definitely a lot of drop-offs along this trial. I did this hike carrying Charleigh at 8 months old, but this wouldn’t be one I would personally let my really small children walk on their own.
ENTRANCE FEE: Zion National Park, has an entrance fee of $35. This fee covers 7 days of exploring the park! However, if you’re a lover of national parks and visit more than two parks with fees in a year, I would highly recommend getting the annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass.
GENERAL LOCATION: This is located between the East Zion Entrance and the South Zion Entrance and is accessible via both. However, shuttles do not stop at this trailhead.
PARKING FOR THE TRAIL: Parking is extremely limited, so know that you may have to pull into each lot multiple times looking for a spot. You’ll have to park in designated areas, though, otherwise you’ll be blocking the road. Just be patient and know that it’s so worth it.
Getting to Canyon Overlook Trail
There are two ways you can get to Canyon Overlook Trail: via the South Entrance or via the East Entrance. Where you’re staying/coming from will likely impact this choice.
Getting to Canyon Overlook Trail via the South Entrance
This is the way that we got to Canyon Overlook Trail. You drive in like you’re going to enter Zion Canyon. You’ll pass the Visitor Center and turn right on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. This will take you up the windy road with some truly stunning views of Zion National Park and at your own control, as the rest of Zion Canyon you have to access by shuttle the majority of the year. The Canyon Overlook Trail parking area is on the right side of the road just across from the trailhead, and there’s another parking area just down from here on the left, and it only adds a tiny bit extra onto your hike. This is the best option if you’re coming from the Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. We stayed in La Verkin so this was our main entrance.
Getting to Canyon Overlook Trail via the East Entrance
If you’re getting to the Canyon Overlook Trail via the east entrance, you’ll enter on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and simply stay on it. The trailhead will be just before entering the tunnel. So, the parking areas will be on the right first, and then the left. This would likely be the entrance you would take if you’re coming from Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Phoenix and Denver. If you stay in Kanab this would be your main entrance.
PLEASE NOTE: If you’re driving a larger vehicle (camper and RVs included) you may need to arrange a permit to enter the tunnel. More information on that can be found here.
The Canyon Overlook Trail Hike
This trail is very straightforward. There aren’t any trails that connect with it, so it would be very far to stray from the path. It’s also a decently populated trail, but know that there are some sheer drop-offs and tripping hazards.
The trail follows along a small canyon and you’ll mostly be along the cliffside. The trail is rock and I could see it being very slippery when wet. There are sections with railings where the trail is especially narrow or the drop off is especially steep. The scenery along the trail is beautiful. There are trees along this trail and even ferns and mosses near sections where the water runs off into the canyon which is one of the things I love about Zion: desert reds and oranges with sage and olive greens all in one place.
The trail ends with, you guessed it, a canyon overlook down into Lower Zion Canyon. Here many of the stunning peaks of the canyon walls are visible, like The West Temple and the Altar of Sacrifice. Here you can also see cars finish their descent into the canyon on the road. It gives a nice perspective to just how high up you are. The end of the trail is fenced off by a small chainlink fence to help prevent slips and falls. Up here there are lots of large bouldery areas that make for a really nice spot to sit and enjoy the view for however long you like. Simply return the way you came when you’ve taken in the view as long as desired. As always, don’t forget to hike responsibly!
Check Out These Other Popular Trails in Zion National Park
ANGELS LANDING: This iconic trail is not for the faint of heart, but has a stunning payoff! Don’t forget permits are required 24/7.
TIMBER CREEK OVERLOOK TRAIL: This trail is located in the Kolob Canyon section of the park. This is a short but incredibly scenic trail.
RIVERSIDE WALK: This trail follows the Virgin River deep into Zion Canyon. This leads all the way to the beginning of The Narrows. Our trail guide is coming soon!
EMERALD POOLS: This waterfall trail is a very popular hike that many people do on a visit to Zion, with three different sections/falls.
Did You Enjoy This Post? PIN IT So Others Can Too!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a reservation with Booking.com, a travel insurance policy with World Nomads or a purchase with Amazon through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you.
Be sure to read the terms + conditions of these sites when booking or purchasing!
No Comments