Observation Point
View from the top of the trail (about half a mile from the main overlook).
Angels Landing is right off my right foot in the picture.
You can see the switchbacks up the canyon wall behind me.
Our first big hike in Zion was to Observation Point and right off the bat I just want to say this was a hard hike!! It was a little over 8 miles long and the 4 miles to the top were straight uphill with very little relief. We began in the morning and immediately started an arduous uphill climb. Within minutes I was panting and sweating and the cold desert air still lingering in the canyon was MUCH appreciated. I loved this hike so much (although it was SO hard) and highly recommend it if you're visiting the park. My favorite part was the first canyon we hiked through and seeing how wind, earth and water have carved and shaped the rocks.
To do this ride the buss to the 7th stop for the Zion Canyon Shuttle in Zion's main canyon. If it's off season you can park your own car at the The Weeping Rock Trailhead. Follow the Weeping Rock Trail up the canyon towards Observation Point (there will be a sign with an arrow pointing in the correct direction). About a mile into the hike you'll come to an intersection with a trail, turn left onto Observation Point Trail. From this point if you come to any intersections in the trail keep following the trail to Observation Point. I believe there may be one other sign? I'm going to link the directions below:
Directions to hiking to observation point.
Some suggestions for your hike:
Bring a lot of water. I brought almost 3L for myself and all of it was gone by the time we got back to the parking lot.
Maybe skip the hike if you're not in great physical condition, if you still want to do it, give yourself the entire day to complete the hike and stop often.
Bring lunch to enjoy at the overlook. There's lots of room to sit and enjoy the view.
Don't feed the chipmunks... I know it can be tempting but as a general rule you should never feed wildlife.
When you're at the main overlook, you will be looking down on Angels Landing. If you have good eye sight you can see all the little people traversing the narrow ridge!
Stop every once in awhile and do a full 360 and enjoy the views!!
I hope everyone is having an awesome week!