Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion National Park

The highest ease of hike to spectacular view ratio in Zion. Parking is difficult, but well worth the effort. The hike itself is easy, with the hardest part up front as you climb 100 steps or so in the first part of the hike. After that, there are a couple of simple rock scrambles and a few ledges with a 10 to 15 foot drop. Nothing hard or exceptionally dangerous, but something to be aware of. The end of the 1/2 mile trail is a 1000 foot vantage point that overlooks Pine Creek Canyon and the beginning of Zion Canyon. Amazing.

This is a great sunrise spot. The parking lot (which is directly after the tunnel when traveling from the visitor center) fills very quickly. We arrived about 45 minutes before sunrise and hiked to the overlook in the dark. Don't forget your headlamp or flashlight. The trail is rocky and steep - you. want to wear proper shoes. It is an out and back trail that takes about 35 minutes to complete. There is approximately 190 feet of elevation gain, and the trail is rated as moderate. There is a small bridge you will cross and a few spots with steep drop offs, but there are rails or wide paths in those areas. The view from the. top. is beautiful - a vast canyon with red cliffs that shine when the sun hits them in the morning.