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Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion NP


Highlights:

Rim view of Zion canyon, historic CCC trail, hoodoos, slickrock, shallow caves
Near:Springdale, UT
Scenery:
Distance:0.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:370 ft
Hike Time:0.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: If you want to look down into Zion Canyon from the rims without challenging your vertigo on the Angel's Landing or the Observation Point Trailsl, this short jaunt will satisfy your craving. Though short, the trail brings you through a fascinating rim country filled with hoodoos, overhanging caves, precipitous drops into slot canyons, and a magnificent view at the end of it all. The only thing in these parts you can't see from this trail is the Great Arch of Zion and that is because you stand on top of it.

It's an easy, sociable hike. You'll meet people from all over the world who have come here to see the legendary 2000 foot sandstone cliffs, reputed to be the tallest in the world. It's a good stop to make if you're heading for Bryce Canyon or Capitol Reef or points east of here. Bring your camera and a modest sense of adventure.

Trailhead: From the Springdale Entrance Station: Take Highway 9 east towards Mount Carmel. Immediately after emerging from the Zion Tunnel, turn right into the parking lot.

From the Mount Carmel Entrance Station: Take Highway 9 west towards Zion Canyon. Just before the Zion Tunnel (the second tunnel on this route), turn left into the parking lot.

The trail begins across the street next to the ranger booth. (Lat:37.2136 Lon:-112.9399)

Trail Guides for Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion NP:
Utahs National Parks
by Adkison (Wilderness Press)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Zion National Park, (435)772-3256
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joel Sax, who has posted  51 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Karen on 9/26/2007
This is a must do Zion hike. You won't be disappointed!

Reviewed by A. Riedel on 3/20/2005
This is a cool trail that you might as well undertake if you are stopped at the East tunnel entrance awaiting an RV. It's very short, very easy, although I did count 80 steps right at the beginning. There are some good drop-offs and just as Joel says, you get a good taste of some of the hairier trails in the park by taking this short way out. If you have the time, this is a must do!

Reviewed by Tanya on 8/7/2004
The Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion has a couple of features that most of the classic Zion Park hikes do not. For one you are able to do this hike without going into Zion Canyon. The canyon is only traveled by shuttle from early April until late October, the rest of the time you can drive your private vehicle into the canyon. The second feature is that with little effor you get a high elevation view of lower Zion Canyon. Besides the usual view of the magnificent towering monoliths of Zion, look for the Pine Creek slot canyon below as you hike the start of the hike and the small window in the Zion tunnel is visable from the trail. http://www.zionnational-park.com http://www.eastziontourismcouncil.org


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Washington County Hiking, Washington County Trails, Washington County Hikes

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