If you’re like us, then you were probably disappointed to find out that the main trail to Observation Point is closed.
We first heard about the closure in February this year and were told it would likely reopen by May. On our most recent visit to Zion in October - yes we can’t get enough!- no one had any idea when the trail would re-open again, there’s a lot of work to do following major rockfall.
We’d been dreaming of seeing those views from Observation Point which eclipse even those from Angels Landing for years so we were pretty sad about missing out. But where there’s a will there’s a way, and we found out about another route to the best view in Zion National Park.
This one is not the epic hike the famous track from the canyon floor was, but it is a quick and easy way to still get to Observation Point. Best of all - very few people know about it, so we found we had the very top to ourselves for a while!
Here’s what to expect from reaching Observation Point through the back door.
The alternative Observation Point Trail
Observation Point Trail stats
Distance: 7.15 miles (11.5km) return
Elevation: 680 ft (207m)
Type of trail: Out and back
Time taken: 2 hours 20
The trail
If you’re not so much a fan of hiking as you are of good views, then you’ll be pleased to know that this route is much quicker and easier than the traditional route. It doesn’t require a shuttle service to reach either, making it easy to squeeze into your Zion itinerary.
For us this meant one glorious thing: we could visit for sunset! It was the only sunset from a trail we could do in the park, as the last shuttles were leaving before dusk during our visit in fall. If you don’t mind walking back in twilight and partially in the dark, we’d highly recommend a late start for this one!
Anyway back to the trail. The beginning of the hike is not as well marked as you’ll probably have been used to in the rest of Zion. Start from the car park and head along the sand until you see a fence. At the opening, go through the fence and you’ll see the big signpost for the Observation Point trail.
As we mentioned the trail itself is not going to win any best hikes in Zion award - it’s largely flat and on a mixture of sand and rock with very little in the way of views for much of the way. However, you can make quick work of it, particularly if you’re visiting early or late in the day and don’t have to contend with too much heat. The trail is quite exposed so in the middle of the day it would probably feel roasting.
The landscape is mainly desert scrub and it’s not unattractive, but it’s also nothing compared to any other Zion hike. But don’t worry because the view at the end will more than make up for it!
It’s also a good opportunity to see a part of the park that most people don’t get to see, and we enjoyed the peace and serenity of walking in one of America’s most visited parks in absolute solitude.
The only other time we’ve experienced that was when visiting Zion in winter.
The final view at the summit
After just over a couple of miles you’ll get your first glimpse of the mountains and there are more trees around which provide some shade and also a bit more interest.
From this point in the hike the trail gets prettier and you’ll start to get a few more views. The track begins to descend a little and get narrower before you reach the junction which meets up with the Observation Point trail which begins in the canyon (the one that’s currently closed).
The track flattens again as you make your way around to the view point. We couldn’t believe we were actually heading towards views of Zion Canyon at this point because it really doesn’t look like any other part of the park we’ve visited.
It isn’t long before the trail gets narrower still and quite rocky (but never difficult) and you hit the red rock and sand that are synonymous with this amazing national park. The track ends very abruptly as it reaches the cliff edge and you realise you’ve made it to Observation Point!
Read next: The best hike in Bryce Canyon - Navajo & Peekaboo Loop
Observation Point trail - the summit
The summit is surprisingly big at Observation Point, or it certainly feels like it when you get it to yourself or with just a few others.
There are quite a few different points you can sit and take in the views, including the main area and also some big breaks in the trees on the right hand side of the track.
The right side of the summit
Looking down on Zion Canyon is incredible, and you can actually see the entire spine of Angels Landing - it really doesn’t look walkable from up here!
Watching the sunset over one of our favourite views in the entire park was a moment to remember, and if you can make it for sunset (or even better sunrise) you won’t regret it!
Watch out for all the chipmunks though as they are seriously mischievous, and not in the least bit phased by humans. They will rifle through your bag or run up your leg given half the chance (both happened to us!).
If you have come for sunset, you’ll walk back partially in the dark, but we thought it was easy enough. The track is mostly level and the terrain is pretty good, so as long as you have a torch, it’s nothing to worry about.
Essential info about the Observation Point Trail
Getting to the Observation Point via the East Mesa Trailhead
The alternate route to Observation Point is by taking the trail that starts from the East Mesa Trailhead. You can find the trailhead on Google Maps through this link.
This is on the eastern side of the national park and takes about an hour to drive to from Springdale. This is primarily because a significant part of the drive is down an unsealed road.
Whilst the dirt road doesn’t require a 4 wheel drive, it is still slow going and rough.
Best time to hike the Observation Point Trail via the East Mesa Trail
The trail should be accessible any time there isn’t significant snowfall. You begin the trail at just over 5500ft so if there has been heavy snow the road will be closed (even if there is little snow in the canyon there is always more in this area).
If you can hike in spring or fall crowds will be a lot lower, although this is generally a very quiet trail (for now at least as most people we spoke to hadn’t heard of it!).
Hiking at sunrise or sunset will give you the most beautiful light for photographs of the canyon, with sunrise being the best of the two (we got lazy with our early starts after having got up for sunrise to hike the Narrows!).
Zion National Park Entrance fee
You can use the America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass to get into Zion (US80 per annum), otherwise it will cost $35 for entry with a car for 7 days, $30 for a motorbike or $20 per person on foot or by bicycle.
As the National Parks Pass is $80 for the year, we felt it was worth it if you plan on visiting more than three national parks in a year.
Packing suggestions for Zion
Having the right gear can make a huge difference, whether it’s hiking during the hot summers, or the potential snow in the winter. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon, REI or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on REI or Amazon
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check then out on REI or Amazon
For winter
Where to stay in Zion
Cable Mountain Lodge
When it comes to staying in Zion, the majority of accommodation is concentrated in the nearby village of Springdale. We stayed at Cable Mountain Lodge and absolutely loved it.
The lodge is literally steps away from the entrance to the park and the Visitor Centre, meaning you won’t lose any time driving to and from the park!
The rooms here are beautiful, comfortable and have stunning views of the Watchman and Zion Canyon.
Many rooms also come with kitchenettes which allows you to self cater which was a massive bonus for us. It was the perfect place to relax after a long day covering many of the best Zion National Park hikes.
There’s a pool and hot tub with great views. The pool wasn’t open on our visit as it is outdoors but we definitely made use of the outdoor hot tub - even when it was snowing!
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Are you planning a trip to Zion? Would you add Observation Point to your must do hike list? Let us know in the comments below!
