When I was younger I lived in Orderville for a few years. This small town is just east of Zion National Park and we would often make the drive through Zion to the “big city” of St. George.
It has been interesting to see how social media has skyrocketed the popularity of this park over the years. 30 years ago when we would make the drive, we would be one of the few cars on the road and now it is bumper to bumper traffic in some areas.
While I miss the untouched beauty of the park, I am also happy that so many people have fallen in love with Zion just as I have.
There are so many incredible hikes in the park, but the one hike you can not miss is the Canyon Overlook Trail.
This hike really packs a punch! It is only 1-mile round trip and leads to the most spectacular overlook.
Tips for Hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail
Table of Contents
- How to get to the Canyon Overlook Trail
- What to expect while hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail
- The Canyon Overlook
- Why we love the Canyon Overlook Trail
- A few more recommended hikes and sites in Zion
How to get to the Canyon Overlook Trail
The beginning of the Canyon Overlook Trail can be found as soon as you exit the Mount Carmel Tunnel if you’re heading east, or just before you reach the tunnel if you’re heading west.
Parking can be tricky, as there are limited spots. There are two separate parking lots. If you are driving east, the parking lot will be on your right immediately after exiting the tunnel.
If you are driving west, there will be a separate parking lot on your right or limited parking along the road. The trail starts on the north side of the road just east of the tunnel.
Just note that if you are driving west, there are no left turns allowed into the parking lot just outside the tunnel. You must drive through the 1-mile tunnel then look for a spot to turn around if you are looking to park in that lot.
During peak season you may have to sit and wait in the parking lot until other hikers leave.
As a side note, right at the base of the parking sign is a trail leading down to a hidden slot canyon that you can explore if you have time!
What to expect while hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail
Even though the Canyon Overlook Trail is only about .5 miles to the lookout, don’t be fooled, it is still a good work out!
The trail starts out with some steep switchbacks then follows along a steady incline. It is manageable for most ages and skill levels. We saw hikers ranging from young children to grandparents while on the trail.
However, if you do choose to take young children, use extreme caution. There are many steep cliffs and sheer drop-offs.
Safety rails have been installed along some portions of the trail, but there are still plenty of exposed areas.
The trail itself is beautiful with juniper and pinyon pines dotting the red Navajo sandstone cliffs.
You can often see Desert Bighorn Sheep scattered along the steep topography. If you look below you can also spot the Pine Creek Narrows, a popular technical canyoneering site.
At one point you’ll cross a boardwalk bridge extending over the cliffs that leads to a shaded overhang.
*Related Post: Check out our guide Lower Pine Creek Falls: How to Find the Secret Waterfall in Zion National Park
The Canyon Overlook
You’ll know that you are getting near the final lookout when you see people posed on rocks in the distance taking selfies!
As you reach the final destination, the panoramic views will take your breath away.
The fenced overlook sits on the rim of Pine Creek Canyon.
It is perched right above The Great Arch that can be seen from the road below.
It offers a striking view over Zion Canyon flanked by the Towers of the Virgin, West Temple, The Sentinel, and Bridge Mountain.
This overlook truly is one of the best vantage points in the park. It is similar to the sweeping valley views you’ll find at the famed Angels Landing hike, but the hike is so much easier.
For secluded views, there are many rocks you can scramble up on either side of the official overlook. It is a wide area and easy to find a space away from the crowds.
Why we love the Canyon Overlook Trail
Not only is the hike short and the views some of the best in the park, but you won’t find the same throngs of tourists on this trail as you will at the more popular hikes like the Narrows and the Emerald Pools.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is gaining popularity, but still remains a discreet destination for many.
Another advantage of this hike is that it is easily accessible. It is located outside the “shuttle bus only” section of the park that is restricted during the months of March through October.
If you are planning a visit to Zion National Park, be sure to hike the Canyon Overlook Trail, you will be glad that you did!
A few more recommended hikes and sites in Zion
- Lower Pine Creek Falls: This awesome .7-mile roundtrip trail leads to a waterfall with a pool you can play in. Check out our guide for all the details.
- Weeping Rock: 0.4-mile trail leads to a waterfall you can stand behind.
- Riverside Walk: 2.2-mile roundtrip trail on a paved path through the canyon. This leads to the beginning of the Narrows hike.
- Narrows Hike: 9 miles roundtrip. One of the most popular hikes, lots of river crossings.
- Court of the Patriarchs: Shortest trail in the park with only a 40-foot ascent.
- Emerald Pools: 0.6 miles to lower pools, 1 mi to middle pools, 1.25 to upper pools. The Hanging Gardens are found along the first section of the trail to the lower pools.
- Angels Landing: Strenuous 5.4-mile roundtrip hike with dangerous drop-offs and incredible views.
- Petroglyph Canyon: A relatively unknown short hike from the road that leads to ancient petroglyphs.
- Observation Point: You can reach this viewpoint from a long and strenuous hike at the Weeping Rock Trailhead in the main canyon. However, an easier and shorter alternative is by taking the 6.4-mile roundtrip East Mesa Trail.
- Timber Creek Overlook: This lesser-known 1-mile roundtrip trail leads to beautiful views of Kolob Canyon.
- Checkerboard Mesa: This fascinating geological formation can be found on the east side of the park.
- Grafton: A little ghost town right outside the park that is considered to be one of the most photographed ghost towns in the West.
- Rent a bike from Zion Cycles in Springdale: You can attach the bike to the front of the shuttle bus then ride the bus to the last shuttle stop. Spend the day riding down the canyon and stopping along the way to hike.
- Perseid Meteor Shower: If you visit the park in mid-August you will be treated to the Perseid Meteor Shower. This is the most popular meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere with sightings of 100 meteors falling per hour. The unpolluted skies above Zion National Park are the perfect spot to observe this phenomenon. Each year the park hosts a special program, check the National Park website for details.
- You can find a roaming herd of buffalo at the east entrance of the park.
- Honestly, there are no bad views in Zion! Just pull over and explore every chance you get!
- If you’re looking for more recommendations, this Zion with Kids guide is really helpful!
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