Observation point trail full#

Once you have taken in the views, the return trip is back through the canyon and along the East Rim with arrival at the Weeping Rock parking lot. From there, it is approximately one more mile to reach Observation Point and the breathtaking views. The hike to Observation Point follows along the East Rim until you exit Echo Canyon where you arrive onto the east rim plateau. An experienced hiker should be able to complete the Hidden Canyon and Observation Point Trail hikes in three and six hours respectively. The 3.7 mile trail has an elevation of over 2200 feet and contains a significant number of switchbacks. The summarized directions to East Mesa Trail head to see Observation Point: Enter North Fork County Road outside of Zion National Park (2-3 miles east of the eastern entrance of Zion). The Observation Point Trail hike is considered the most strenuous hike within Zion National Park and takes most hikers the better part of a day to complete. There will be signs along the trail to point you in the right direction. Due to inclement weather some adventure activities may be changed or canceled.Hike Hidden Canyon into Observation Point TrailĪfter returning to the trailhead at Weeping Rock, branch left to Observation Point. That was three easy miles across the East Mesa Trail to Observation Point, and then four miles down to the canyon. ** Zion Ponderosa Resort is an exclusive outdoor recreational facility. So, today we were doing a seven mile hike. * Activity passes are transferable and non-refundable Guided activities are not available during this time frame. Staff Lunch Break: Our recreation staff take a lunch break from 12:00 noon to 12:45 p.m. Click the link to use our online recreation reservation request form. Cancellations of reservations within 48 hours of trip departure are non-refundable. We WILL refund or reschedule if weather conditions prohibit participation in your scheduled activity. Please note that by reserving your space we have turned away other clients and this cancellation policy protects the resort from monetary loss. Reservations / Cancellations: We do encourage you to make a reservation in order to guarantee space for you and your group on Zion Ponderosa recreation adventures. Canyoneering is available from March to November each year - weather permitting. Baldy in 1922, Zion visitors had to hike 18 miles to reach the viewpoint. This includes ATV tours, horseback rides, Jeep tours, and paintball. Johnson christened Observation Point and Mt. Please Note: Most recreation activities are weather-dependant and, therefore, may not be available during wet time-frames and/or cold months. When you have limited time on your vacation and want to experience the most you can, saving time on the hike is golden. Another benefit to accessing the trail from our property is that it takes about 3-4 hours roundtrip. I especially like this spot just after dinner because the sun is beginning to set and the colors in the canyon awe me each and every time.

In fact, about halfway to Observation Point there is a great spot to sit, rest, take photos, and soak in the beauty of the canyon to the right. I chose access from the east boundary of the park, which eliminates hiking up the mountain, but does not compromise the experience in any way. When hiking this trail from the park shuttles, it takes about 4-5 hours roundtrip and it’s best to begin early in the morning to begin your ascent before the sun bakes you. Why? Well, accessing it from our property here at Zion Ponderosa makes it easy and the hike is filled with diverse landscaping and spectacular views. Entering Echo Canyon, the trail leaves the expansive, exposed views of Zion Canyon behind. Observation Point is visible from here it is on top of the white promontory with a reddish cap.

Observation point trail full#

Although the park is full of stunning vistas, various levels of hiking trails, and an abundance of water and vegetation, Observation Point remains my favorite. After a final long traverse to the north, the trail reaches the mouth of Echo Canyon, about 1.3 miles from the trailhead and 1,000 feet above the canyon floor. Observation Point is one of my favorite hikes in Zion National Park.