The Best View in Zion? Hiking Guide to Observation Point

Ever since I hiked to Observation Point in 2018, I’ve been enamored by the view up top. The view, looking westward through Zion Canyon and down at Angels Landing, was awe-inspiring and humbling.

It felt like you were on top of the canyon. Because you were.

It was so pretty that I chose it as the place to propose to my now-fiancée. If that’s not a testament to its beauty, I’m not sure I’ll be able to convince you otherwise.

Inside, we’ll dive into everything you need to know for hiking to Observation Point in Utah’s Zion National Park.

Hiking Guide to Observation Point Trail in Zion National Park

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My Experience Hiking Observation Point from East Mesa Trailhead

So, I’ve done this trail now twice. Once from the bottom and once from the East Mesa Trailhead. (We’ll only talk about the East Mesa one.)

You wouldn’t know it from starting at East Mesa, but the views at the end are superb! I’d argue they are even better than Angels Landing because you’re higher up and you get to look down on all the tiny people hiking Angels Landing.

The trail starts just outside the Zion National Park boundaries and gradually climbs 300 feet over the first 2.5 miles. This part is pretty bland as you’re hiking in the high desert. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection, because the trail doesn’t have much shade.

From here, you’ll drop about the same elevation over the next mile. This is where you’ll reach the stunning Observation Point view.

There are a few nice spots to take photos and enjoy views of Zion Canyon. While I haven’t been up here for sunset, it would make a phenomenal view. And the trail would be easy to manage in the dark with a headlamp.

Getting to the East Mesa Trailhead: Drive or get a shuttle

The dirt road from Zion Ponderosa Ranch to the start of the Observation Point trail at East Mesa trailhead is known for being in pretty rough shape. And this gets exacerbated when it rains.

Deep grooves and mud can stop sedans in their tracks.

Even though we had a 2WD SUV, I had no idea what the conditions would be. So we paid for a shuttle from Zion Ponderosa Lodge to take us in and out. For our hike in mid-May, we probably could have made it, but the final half mile from where we were dropped off to the technical trail was terrible.

We started our day in Springdale and drove the supposedly 45 minutes to the resort. As with all national parks, there can be delays, so be prepared.

Once you arrive on site, park in the big, gravel parking lot and go into their shop. The shuttle is $7 per person. You can learn more about booking a shuttle here.

Zion Canyon, Weeping Rock Trailhead Remains Closed

When I first did this in 2018, we were able to hike in from Zion Canyon at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop. It was a much more challenging trail as you literally climbed from the bottom of the canyon to the top. However, the view on the approach was fantastic!

This trail is currently closed due to the risk of rockfall. Unfortunately, any reopening date is unknown.

FAQ about the Observation Point hike

Are there bathrooms at the trailhead?

No bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Use the ones at the Ranch before taking the shuttle or driving down the road.

Is this a family-friendly hike?

Yes! The Observation Point trail is definitely family-friendly. I would caution, though, that there are severe drop-offs at the end of the hike. If you plan to bring a small child, please keep them close.

How big is the parking lot at the trailhead? And how bad is the road

The parking lot is relatively small. I cannot remember how many cars could fit, but I would estimate 15-20. The last segment of the road is what I would consider pretty bad and the area of concern.

That said, if you have AWD and above-average clearance, you should be fine. The most pressing issue is avoiding it when conditions are muddy.

Can you get food at Zion Ponderosa Ranch?

Yes, food and beverages are available at the Ranch before or after your hike.

Where to Stay Around Zion National Park

If you want to keep it easy, stay at Zion Ponderosa Resort. However, you are a bit far from the main Zion Canyon.

Most people will stay in Springdale (more expensive, easy access), Virgin, or Hurricane (a 35-minute drive to the west entrance).

Hotel pricing in the winter months is almost criminally low. They’re 50-70% lower than during peak travel season. So, if you’re looking for a far less expensive and busy season, explore around the holidays.

Places to stay in Springdale

• Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites
• Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott

Places to stay elsewhere near Zion

• AutoCamp Zion
• Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane/Zion National Park
• Holiday Inn La Verkin Zion Park by IHG
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park

How to Visit Zion?

The easiest place to travel to Zion from is Las Vegas. It’s about a 2-hour drive, mostly on highways. From Salt Lake City, to the north, you can expect a 4-hour drive. And finally, from Phoenix, it’s a 6.5-hour drive.

What Hiking Gear is Needed for the Observation Point Trail?

Here’s a good place to start with hiking gear. If you’re going in the shoulder seasons, make sure to have a puffy jacket, gloves, and a beanie.

• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun shirt or sun hoodie
• Hiking Shoes or Trail Runners
• Hiking Shorts or Hiking Pants
• 25L+ Hiking Pack
• 2L hiking bladder or water bottles
• Garmin inReach 2
• Garmin Fenix hiking watch
• Light jacket for mornings
• Hiking Poles

Best Time to Visit Zion National Park?

I firmly believe the best time to visit Zion National Park is in the shoulder seasons. This can be anywhere from March through May and October and November.

First, summers in Zion can get warm – upper 80s to low 100s. That’s not really fun to hike in. Secondly, this is when everyone’s traveling, and it can get chaotic in such densely populated areas. Thirdly, as I mentioned above, hotel prices can get remarkably high during peak season.

Save yourself a lot of money, and have fewer people on the trails outside of the summer months.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Observation Point Trail in Zion National Park

Hiking up to Observation Point is one of the best views in Zion; it’s far less chaotic than Angels Landing, and you don’t need a permit! It’s one of the reasons why it’s been one of my favorite trails for over half a decade.

If you have Zion National Park on your travel docket, make sure to add this one in, and you’ll be in for a fantastic time.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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