Canyon OverlookHiking Difficulty
Moderate
Length
0.50 mi
Trail Traffic
Light
Route Type
Out and Back
Highlights
Trail Surface
Native
Accessibility
Bathrooms Available
Suitability
Recommended Use
Hiking
Directions
To reach the trailhead, you’ll need to take Route 9 to the area by the Upper East entrance to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, where you can find a parking lot. (Note that these lots fill up quickly in the summer months, but if you take a quick walk, there are more further east.) You’ll find the trailhead behind the ranger traffic booth on the north side of the road.
Description
If you want a hike that’s short and sweet and a view that stays with you, look no further. The Canyon Overlook trail wanders above the Pine Creek slot canyon, through beautiful green, shady alcoves, and over bare slickrock before it finally opens up to the edge of a cliff we call the Overlook. Here you’ll want to pull out your camera and joins the ranks of thousands who’ve taken some of the best pictures of Zion Canyon in this very spot. A plaque at the viewpoint will point out some of the major landmarks, like the monumental rock formations that make up the walls on either side of the canyon, as well as East Temple, Bridge Mountain, and Pine Creek Stream down below.
Fun fact: Up until the 1940’s, this trail was known as the “Great Arch Trail” because the overlook stands over the great arch that Utah is known for. It was renamed “Canyon Overlook” because you can’t actually see the arch from where you’re standing on the overlook.
Finally, while the trail has a rail and can be a great choice for children, just know that there are a few open spots where a fall could happen.
Pictures
