The Observation Point Hike In Zion National Park- Hiking to Observation Point in Zion National Park is a difficult but stunning hike. It is one of the best hikes in Zion National Park. You can hike this trail almost any day of the year. The views over the canyon is well worth all the switchbacks to get you to the top. Read here for all you need to know about the hike to Observation Point, how long, where to stay, how hard the hike is, when to go, what to bring and much more.
***Due to rock fall Observation Point is currently closed (Summer 2020). Read more about the closure on the Zion National Park Current Conditions Page. This link will also give you their COVID-19 policies.
Stats
Length: 4 miles one-way
Time: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: strenuous
Elevation Gain: 2100-ft elevation gain
Trailhead: The Weeping Rock Trailhead
Overview
When To Go
This hike can be completed year round. We went in the heat of the summer, it was stunning but hot! I bet this hike is gorgeous in fall or with a dusting of snow on it. There are some steep drops at the top, so I could see this hike being very difficult and dangerous with a lot of snow and any amount of ice on it.
Where To Stay
The best area to stay in would be Springdale, this will put you right outside of the national park gates. Easy to get into the park, you could even walk depending on where you stayed. We rented this entire house through AirBnB in La Verkin. La Verkin is about a 20 minute drive to Zion, and much more affordable than many places in Springdale.
The Route
The Start
To get to this hike you will get off at The Weeping Rock Bus stop, this will be the 7th stop along the route. I recommend going early in the day to beat the heat if going in the summer. The trailhead is right off of the bus stop. Once on the trail you will be passing breaking points for the Weeping Rock and Hidden Canyon Trails. After this the path becomes steep fast. I included more information about the Weeping Rock and Hidden Canyon trails at the bottom of this article.
There are many switchbacks to help with the incline of this hike. If going to Zion National Park be prepared for switchbacks on most hiking trails.
Echo Canyon
Eventually after the switchbacks up you will get to a more flat part of the trail leading you into the Echo Canyon Area. I really love slot canyons like this. And a big plus of this section is that the canyon area provided some much needed shade, even in the early morning.
Some people stop here and turn back on this trail, which I would recommend if not wanting to complete the entire Observation Point hike.
More Switchbacks
After the canyon area there are more switchbacks. Again, you can’t get away from them for too long in Zion. Eventually these will bring you to a more scenic view along the canyon as you will be walking along the rim. This was one of my favorite parts. Being able to really start to see over the canyon and into the park gave us some energy to push to the final viewpoint.
The Viewpoint
After seeing some peeks of the final destination along the trail you will make it to Observation Point. And it is so worth it! This viewpoint will put you right over the heart of Zion National Park. The colors are amazing in this park, and here you can see them all. I could have stayed here for a while looking at this unique landscape.
You really can see a lot from this viewpoint. Right below you will be the popular Angel’s Landing ridge, which we did the next day. You can see the switchbacks that you hiked up, the Virgin River winding through the park, and all the vibrant colors of the canyon.
We stopped to eat lunch off to the side of the viewpoint. Going early will help you beat the crowds, it started to get very busy at the top by the time we packed up from lunch. The trail back is the same as it is in.
Extensions For This Hike
These two hikes are directly off of the Observation Point Trail. They could be easily completed before or after the hike.
Hidden Canyon
- Length: 3 miles round trip
- Time: 3-6 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Hidden canyon was closed when we went. But looks like a great trail, would have been out first choice after Observation Point as a second hike of the day.
- Trail Link
Weeping Rock
- Time: 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Link
Weeping Rock is a very popular sight for those just doing short viewpoints along the park. Which means it is very busy! We wished we stopped by this viewpoint first, instead after hiking to Observation Point as it was very crowded mid day.
Tips For The Hike
Bring Lots of Water
This hike is long, so be prepared with water. We each brought about 2 liters per person. We ran out after this hike. There is no water refill at this bus stop, so we had to wait until reaching The Narrows stop to refill. Keep in mind that Zion does not have water at each trailhead.
Go Early
I recommend going early in the day to beat the heat if going in the summer. This was our first hike of the day. Going early will also help you beat the crowds. I would recommend getting one the first shuttles of the day if you can.
Pack It Out
You might want to bring snacks along this route as it is a long hike. Make sure that you don’t leave any trash or food scraps on the trail. It is very harmful to the animals.
What To Bring
You can refer to my complete Zion Packing List for what I brought on this trip. But for this specific hike I would make sure you have the following:
Hydration Bladders: we each filled 2 liter water bladders and I also ran out in the hot summer sun.
Electrolytes: to help with dehydration, I like to use a hydration tablet (I love the Nuuns as they are easy to pack) at least once a day. So I stuck one in my foldable water bottle
Sturdy Hiking Shoes: I wore my Vasques Hiking Shoes.
Day Pack: My favorite lightweight summer daypack is the Osprey Daylite Daypack
Snacks: we like jerky sticks, a peanut butter sandwich, granola bars, and trailmix to bring on our hikes.
Hiking Poles: I really do love hiking poles. And for Zion I felt like they are so necessary for saving your knees on those switchbacks. The also a must if planning on hiking The Narrows. I like my travel hiking poles
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
Watchman’s Trail
- Length: 1.4 miles one way
- Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Link
The Narrows
- Length: your call, up to 10 miles
- Time: to be determined
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Link
Angel’s Landing
- Length: 5.4 miles round trip
- Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trail Link
Emeralds Pools
- Length: 3 miles round trip
- Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Link
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