HIKING TO CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL - ZION NATIONAL PARK
Where to park
This hike is not accessible using the Zion Shuttle, so you will have to go in your own car. Located just east of the tunnel, there is a small designated parking area immediately after you exit the tunnel on the right, but if you continue driving forward there is an overflow parking area on the left.
This trail is about a mile round trip, about an hour hike with great views of lower Zion Canyon along the way. Once you get to the viewpoint at the top the views of Pine Creek Canyon are totally worth it!
How to get there
Once you find a parking spot the trailhead is located on the left, directly in behind the ranger station. First up, a flight of stairs, with odd steps that are a bit slick to step on but good thing there is a rail to hold on to (it’s a lot more tricky when you return).
Although it is rated easy and quick, I was surprised to come across a iron bridge with a railing on the side of the mountain. The bridge itself is fairly sturdy but I personally got a little nervous crossing, especially since it goes around a corner. Keep an eye out for crowds coming in the opposite direction, there is a small area with railing where you can stand to wait if people are walking across.
On you way back make sure to cross quickly to avoid bumping into someone midway or before you arrive at the bridge look ahead to see if you can spot any other hikers coming your way.
Quickly after getting off the iron bridge there is mini cave where you can take a small break and enjoy the view while cooling down. If you’re like me, it’s also a good place to step aside and let other hikers go ahead if you want to catch your breath or sip some water.
After a second of relaxing/enjoying the view at the cave, there is a narrow area where you have to cross one person at a time. When I went it happened to be wet due to the snow melting, so just keep an eye out for slipper rocks. After crossing that it’s a straight trail up, just continue on the worn out path.
Once you arrive the trail will open up to a widen area with a fence that overlooks the Upper East Canyon. On your left you’ll see Bridge Mountain, the highest peak on the left side of the canyon. On your right you’ll see the East Temple, the beautiful rock formation above the overlook.
Then you just return the same way you came in, keep an eye out for hikers coming in your direction and be courteous to others.
If this is your first time at Zion I highly recommend this to be your first hike, it’s short and easy with an awesome view at the end! Regardless if you’ve been to Zion or not try to arrive early to avoid the crowds in narrow spots, it’ll make your hike go more smoothly.
I have provided you with a map of Zion that shows different hiking trails in the link below. Canyon Overlook Trail is located as number 15 on the map, it’s a small trail located on the west side of the park.
Zion is by far my favorite place to hike, I really enjoyed my time here. I hope to visit again in the near future, have you been to Zion National Park? Comment below your favorite hike!
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