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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
938 reviews
Excellent
772
Very good
147
Average
16
Poor
3
Terrible
0
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN2,798 contributions
Feb 2021
So much reward for the effort. It is a 2 mile out and back hike that is only mildly strenuous with minimal elevation change. Amazing views of Zion Canyon at the end of the trail. I did this hike several times when visiting Zion including at sunset, early afternoon and at sunrise to experience the different effects that light would have on the canyon . The most enjoyable time was sunrise with less crowds and great photography. Midday before 3p also provided for great photos. Sunset was a bit underwhelming for photography as the sun drops down over the mountains to the south leaving the canyon in shadows. Parking is tricky. Only a small lot on the right just after exiting the tunnel. Another small lot just down on the left but if these are full proceed down the road as there are many places to park on the side of the road although this will leave a longer walk back to the trailhead. Beware that you can't make a left into the small lot nearest the trailhead if approaching from the east and you will have to proceed back through the tunnel.
Written March 7, 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.
iowacityia
iowa city, ia1,757 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 February 9, 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.
angelmusicmaven
New York City, NY225 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 October 29, 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.
JBB1971
15 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 August 14, 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.
Jason Homey
Lewis Center, OH616 contributions
Mar 2021
Without the possibility of hiking observation point and Angel's Landing not being in the cards, this was our next best option. And oh what an option it is. This hike is only 1 mile long BUT you can have the same amazing views you get from the above mentioned trails.
First off, arrive early because parking is a little tricky. The good part, the hike isn't that hard and is only a mile. The better news, the payoff is amazing. We went on a Tuesday morning during spring break and the views were spectacular. There are about three great lookouts from the main finishing point of the hike. Take your time and enjoy the view.
First off, arrive early because parking is a little tricky. The good part, the hike isn't that hard and is only a mile. The better news, the payoff is amazing. We went on a Tuesday morning during spring break and the views were spectacular. There are about three great lookouts from the main finishing point of the hike. Take your time and enjoy the view.
Written April 4, 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, MN620 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 April 16, 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.
IslandJackCharlotte
Charlotte, NC48 contributions
Aug 2020
My wife and I toured Utah last month, and our final 3 days were in the Zion Canyon area. Our last hike in Zion was my favorite. This is a relatively short trail (1 mile+ roundtrip) with a breathtaking view of the canyon below. Exciting hike that at times was right on the edge of a short dropoff, but it is safe for all ages as railings are provided in some areas. We saw numerous young children on this trail as well as hikers 60+ years old. Finding a parking spot may be a bit of an issue on busy days so find the first spot you can on the side of the road and then walk to the trailhead. Otherwise, if you're driving east-to-west direction and trying to get as close to the trailhead as possible to park, if a spot is not available, you'll have to drive thru the tunnel before you're able to turn around and come back to find a spot.
Written September 15, 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.
SandJ J
7 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Ok. I have to add some details about this hike for those who, like me and my husband, thought the drop offs at this hike all have railings. They don't! In fact, there is no rhyme or reason for the end of some railings and the start of others. There are sections where you can take a wrong step and topple off the side. Reading some reviews sounds like this is scary because of heights but safe because of railings. Beware if you are afraid of heights that there are plenty of sections of this hike with sheer drop offs and no railings!
Had to turn around at that bridge because it was just too much. Bummer because I did really want to see the view.
Had to turn around at that bridge because it was just too much. Bummer because I did really want to see the view.
Written July 18, 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.
Denise G
San Diego, United States13 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 April 5, 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.
Lynn T
Louisville, KY265 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 January 9, 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.
DanMoose
Appleton, WI121 contributions
How quickly do the small parking areas fill up in the morning? We’re coming early May
griffins at the beach
Satellite Beach, FL306 contributions
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.
deepsea29c
Palm Beach FL37 contributions
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?
Mosslady53🌴
Myerstown, PA1,250 contributions
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.
MyriamSEGUR
Toulouse, France160 contributions
Quelles sont les heures de la journée ou le parking du Canyon overlook trail est le moins chargé?
Merci
Mosslady53🌴
Myerstown, PA1,250 contributions
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.
ELKW
United States11,770 contributions
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.
Heather C
Portland, OR39 contributions
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.
With the construction road closures in effect until April 30, what’s the best route to get to canyon overlook trail from Las Vegas?
Gotnoseoul
Seoul, South Korea16 contributions
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
Scott B
Berkeley Springs, WV93 contributions
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.
John F
Joshua Tree, CA1 contribution
Do you recall if the small parking lot for the Canyon Overlook trail can accommodate a 30 ft RV?
Cameron M
Mobile, AL737 contributions
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.
kidsb4me
Hampton East, Australia417 contributions
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 :)
stacyi3081
Jensen Beach, FL12 contributions
It’s best to do it at sun rise You see the sun rising and lighting the rocks it’s perfect for pictures
torontogirl2009
Toronto8 contributions
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!
GeniaCosgrove
Louisville, KY30 contributions
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.
L B
Tinton Falls, NJ709 contributions
I am OK with steep trails however I am not thrilled with exposure. How narrow is the trail where there are steep drops?
CharlotteDayTripper
Charlotte, NC1,420 contributions
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.
Canyon Overlook Trail (Zion National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Canyon Overlook Trail
- We recommend booking Canyon Overlook Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Canyon Overlook Trail tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Canyon Overlook Trail:
- Day Tour to Zion Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon From Las Vegas (From $239.00)
- Ultimate Utah Bundle Self-Driving Audio Tour (From $36.00)
- Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour (From $16.99)
- Full- Day Small Group Tour of Zion National Park (From $285.00)
- Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Self-Driving Audio Tours (From $28.99)
- Hotels near Canyon Overlook Trail:
- (0.09 mi) Zion Canyon Bed and Breakfast
- (0.08 mi) Harvest House Bed and Breakfast
- (0.12 mi) Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites
- (0.15 mi) Flanigan's Resort and Spa
- (0.19 mi) Desert Pearl Inn
- Restaurants near Canyon Overlook Trail:
- (0.13 mi) Whiptail Grill
- (0.09 mi) Hoodoos
- (0.17 mi) Spotted Dog
- (0.14 mi) Flanigan's Inn & Restaurant
- (0.35 mi) Springdale Candy Company