Observation Point Trail

At 6,521 feet in elevation atop Mount Baldy, and jutting out into one of the widest sections of Zion Canyon, right around the Big Bend, Observation Point commands a view of nearly every major attraction in the canyon. Hikers receive a spectacular vista of the lower end of Zion Canyon, with view out farther than the mouth of the canyon. The hike itself is very steep, with short sections of inviting, level strolls through beautiful Echo Canyon. Hikers ascend nearly 2,000 feet during this trek; this is definitely not a trip for the casual, ridiculously-out-of-shape tourist. However, if paced properly, and well-hydrated, this can be a fun, challenging hike that will leave satisfaction, both in memory, and in photographic record.

Note - This trail is only accessible from East Zion via Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

Please visit the official Zion National Park page for the latest trail information.

Trail Head: 37.271047, -112.937425
Trail Type: Hiking
Length: 8 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Strenuous

WEEPING ROCK TRAILHEAD [CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO MAJOR ROCKFALL]

The Observation Point hike begins at the Weeping Rock Trailhead, in Zion Canyon. It follows the East Rim Trail up and out of the canyon.

ECHO CANYON

This short canyon leads hikers to the junction between the Observation Point Trail and the East Rim Trail. It is a beautiful narrow canyon, suspended 1,100 feet above the Floor of the Valley Road. The trail follows along a shelf above the canyon floor. Below the trail the canyon drops into an extremely narrow slot, which is a challenging technical route. A canyoneering permit is required to descend Echo Canyon. During runoff months, the narrow walls of Echo Canyon can produce potentially dangerous torrents. The canyon continues past the Observation Point fork.

OBSERVATION POINT TRAIL JUNCTION

At this point, the Observation Point Trail forks from the East Rim Trail and begins its final ascent of Mount Baldy.

OBSERVATION POINT

Mount Baldy is very flat at its summit, part of the Temple Cap Formation, and the Point is located on the western end of the plateau, where it juts out into the canyon.

EAST RIM TRAIL [CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO MAJOR ROCKFALL]

The East Rim Trail takes hikers from the East Entrance of Zion, to the bottom of Zion Canyon. Considered one of the greatest hikes in Utah, it passes through some of the most scenic parts of the park, offering views of just about every major attraction.