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Canyon Overlook Trail

A scenic half-mile walk with sweeping views of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River.

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$$$$Zion National Park, UT

About

Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the most accessible hikes in Zion National Park, delivering big views without the commitment of a full-day trek. The trail starts near the east entrance, just outside the Mount Carmel Tunnel, and takes about 30 to 45 minutes round trip.

Trail Details

It's paved for the first stretch, then transitions to a well-maintained dirt path that climbs gently through pinyon and juniper forest before opening onto a dramatic overlook. From the top, you're standing 1,000 feet above the Virgin River with unobstructed views down Zion Canyon.

On a clear day, you'll see Angels Landing, the Watchman, and the massive red walls that define the park. The light changes throughout the day, so morning or late afternoon visits offer especially rich colors. Bring a camera and water, even though the hike is short.

Who Should Hike It

This trail works well for families with kids who want a real Zion experience without the intensity of the Narrows or Angels Landing. Dogs are welcome too, and the terrain is manageable for most fitness levels.

Planning Tips

Parking fills up quickly during peak season
Ideal stop if you're coming from the east side or heading toward Bryce Canyon
Go early or late to avoid midday heat and full sun exposure on the overlook

Best Time to Hike Canyon Overlook Trail

Fall (September through October) is the most comfortable window — temperatures on the exposed overlook are manageable throughout the day, and the canyon walls catch warm afternoon light. Spring brings strong color and cooler conditions, though the overlook can be windy. Summer is workable if you limit your time on the exposed overlook to the morning hours, before the sandstone platform heats up and the sun is directly overhead. In winter, the trail itself is often passable but can carry ice on shaded rock sections near the top; check conditions before visiting. Unlike canyon-bottom hikes, snowmelt does not directly affect this route.

Trail Tips for Canyon Overlook Trail

The path along the canyon wall includes uneven sandstone and some narrow sections — sturdy footwear with grip performs better than sandals here, even though the overall distance is short.
From July through September, afternoon thunderstorms can build quickly in the park. Exposed overlooks are not safe places to be during lightning — if clouds are building, plan to be off the overlook before early afternoon.
The overlook is fully open to the sky with no shade structure; sun protection matters here even on a short outing, and conditions can feel significantly hotter than the air temperature when the sandstone is radiating midday heat.
Cell service is limited throughout much of the park — download any maps or navigation tools before entering, and make sure any contacts know your plans.

Getting There

The trailhead sits along the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway near the east entrance, just outside the Mount Carmel Tunnel. This is not a shuttle-accessed trailhead — visitors drive directly to the parking area adjacent to the tunnel. The access road puts it conveniently between the east entrance and the main canyon, making it a natural stop whether you are arriving from Highway 89 or leaving the park eastbound. Check nps.gov/zion for current road and tunnel conditions before your visit, as the tunnel has height and length restrictions that affect larger vehicles and RVs.

What to Expect on Canyon Overlook Trail

The trail begins just off the highway with a short paved stretch that quickly gives way to exposed sandstone and packed dirt. As you gain elevation, the path narrows and passes along the edge of a canyon wall — there are drop-offs on one side, so the trail requires some attention to footing, especially on loose sections near the top. The overlook itself is an open promontory with nothing between you and a deep view into the canyon below. The scale of what you see from that perch — the canyon depth, the width of the valley, the sheer walls across from you — tends to catch hikers off guard given how short the approach is. Wind is common at the overlook and can be strong, particularly in spring and fall.