Sweeping view of Zion Canyon's red sandstone cliffs and canyon floor seen from Angels Landing summit.

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Observation Point

A challenging summit hike rewarding adventurers with Zion's most spectacular panoramic views

(103)

$$$$Zion National Park, UT

About

Observation Point stands as one of Zion National Park's most rewarding yet demanding hiking experiences, offering what many consider the finest vista in the entire park. This dramatic viewpoint sits 2,148 feet above the canyon floor, providing a bird's-eye perspective of Angels Landing, the Virgin River, and the entire Zion Canyon stretching into the distance.

The traditional route from Weeping Rock has been closed due to rockfall, but determined hikers can still reach this coveted viewpoint via the East Mesa Trail. This alternative approach requires a roughly 40-minute drive from the main canyon to reach the trailhead, followed by a more moderate but significantly longer trek. While the East Mesa route covers approximately 10 miles round trip with less elevation gain than the original path, it still demands proper preparation and stamina.

Those who complete the journey find themselves at one of the most photographed spots in southern Utah. The sweeping 360-degree views encompass the entire main canyon, with Angels Landing appearing surprisingly small from this lofty perch. The white and red sandstone cliffs create a natural amphitheater below, while distant peaks frame the horizon in every direction.

Hikers should start early to avoid afternoon heat and carry more water than they think necessary - the desert climate and extended exposure can quickly lead to dehydration. The trail sees fewer crowds than Angels Landing, partly due to the longer commitment required, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both solitude and unparalleled views. Many visitors declare the panorama from Observation Point superior even to the famous Angels Landing perspective, with the added benefit of actually looking down upon that iconic formation.

Best Time to Hike Observation Point

Fall (September through October) is the most favorable window — temperatures are moderate, the mesa terrain is dry underfoot, and the canyon views benefit from clearer air and lower sun angles. Spring brings cooler conditions but snowmelt can make portions of the approach wet or muddy in March and early April. Summer hiking is possible in the early morning hours, but the East Mesa offers less shade than canyon-bottom routes and heat builds quickly on exposed sections by mid-morning in July and August. Monsoon season from July through September also raises flash flood risk in the canyon bottoms visible from the viewpoint; check conditions before heading out. Winter visits require preparation for cold temperatures and potential snow or ice on the mesa.

Trail Tips for Observation Point

Because this trailhead sits outside the main park shuttle corridor, you are committing to a longer round trip with no mid-point bailout option via shuttle — plan your turnaround time before you start.
The mesa terrain is firm and generally well-graded, making standard hiking boots appropriate; the distance demands footwear you can cover 10 miles in comfortably.
Cell service is limited throughout much of Zion, and the East Mesa trailhead is particularly remote — download offline maps and the NPS Zion trail information before leaving the main canyon area.
The viewpoint rim is exposed with significant drop-offs; use caution near edges, particularly if the ground is wet from recent weather or morning frost.

Getting There

Because the traditional Weeping Rock trailhead is closed due to rockfall, Observation Point is currently accessed via the East Mesa Trail, which requires a separate drive of roughly 40 minutes from Zion Canyon's main area to reach the trailhead. This approach does not connect to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or the canyon shuttle system — you will need a vehicle to reach the East Mesa starting point. The drive involves leaving the main park corridor and reaching the trailhead from the east side. Check nps.gov/zion for current road conditions and trailhead access details before your trip, as conditions on the approach can change seasonally.

What to Expect on Observation Point Trail

The East Mesa Trail to Observation Point offers a notably different character than canyon wall ascent routes. The approach travels across an elevated mesa, moving through open terrain before arriving at the rim viewpoint. Walking here is less technical than switchback-heavy canyon climbs, but the approximately 10-mile round trip demands sustained effort and good pacing. At the viewpoint, the destination is a 2,148-foot drop to the canyon floor below — a perspective that places the entire length of Zion Canyon in view at once, with the Virgin River visible as a thin ribbon far beneath. The sandstone cliffs form a broad amphitheater below, and the scale of the canyon becomes fully apparent only from this height. Unlike trails that put you inside the canyon walls, this route puts you above them, looking down on formations that seem much smaller from this elevation.

Reviews (103)

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Michaela Trubačová

2 months ago

If we had to choose just one viewpoint in Zion National Park, this would be it. The hike via East Mesa is surprisingly easy, and while most of the trail is through the forest, the final viewpoint completely took our breath away. Looking down over Angels Landing and the entire Zion Canyon from more than 2,000 feet above is something we'll never forget. We actually preferred this view over Angels Landing. You get a much wider panorama, far fewer people, and none of the stressful chain sections. Just be aware that the dirt road to the trailhead can become difficult after rain. If conditions aren't ideal, the shuttle from Zion Ponderosa is a great option. If you're looking for the best view in Zion without the crowds or exposure, Observation Point should be at the top of your list.

Alberto J. Lanuza

11 months ago

Need to drive like 40 mins before starting the trail. It is a long walk but mostly flat. The view is Amazing. I would recommend it more than angels landing. Totally worth it if you feel like doing 10miles walk.

Jordyn Zamora

2 months ago

I chose Observation Point over Angels Landing on my second Zion visit and came away thinking it was the better hike. The trail climbs through a hidden canyon that most people walking the valley floor never see, then emerges on a high plateau with a view straight down onto Angels Landing and the full length of Zion Canyon below. I could watch hikers on the chains from above, which gave me a perspective on the scale of the canyon I had not gotten from anywhere else. The climb is long and sustained, around eight miles round trip with significant elevation gain. I brought three liters of water and finished all of it before reaching the trailhead again.

Melody Moe

a year ago

Getting to the trail (part of the adventure): Gravel & dirt roads the whole way with foot deep divets at the end on the last stretch. 4-wheel drive is A-MUST if you go in spring, winter, or any other time where the road might be wet & muddy. I did not have 4-wheel drive - just a car and I had to do a balancing act with the car on the way in and out to make sure my tires didn't fall in, lol, quite nerve wrecking, so definitely recommend the 4-wheel drive! The hike: 7 miles round trip to the top & back. Parking lot has about 20 spots. I got there early 7:10am (3rd car there), but shuttles (paid for service) drop people off here also, so there were about 10 people I passed on the path. Gravel, sand, and stone paths the whole way - I jog/walked it in & out, because #1 I had time restraints this morning #2 fairly easy hike with wide paths - once you get closer to the top there are other small overlook trails I would recommend to take a moment to view on your way up (not marked, but you can see the visible trails). Since I got to the top early, I had the view to myself, which was amazing to sit, listen to the silence, and take it all in. As I was getting ready to leave, another couple came up, and we were able to take pictures for each, which was also nice. Parking lot was full when I got back around 9:30am. A car was waiting and took my spot when I left (lots of posted signs about being sure to only park in designated parking spots). The views: Must-see with your own eyes. Pictures do not do it justice. Make sure to take in the view from all sides. Overall a must-do hike. Views at the top are worth the long, but easy hike to the top.

Aaron B

a year ago

What a great trail and amazing view. We used the East Mesa trailhead, about 8 miles round trip, fairly easy walking with great views along the way. I recommend using the shuttle they offer at Zion ponderosa ranch resort, it was $7 per person. The drive to the trailhead was messy a truck can easily make it but if you have a rental car it can get a little sketchy, and there is limited parking at the trailhead

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