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This beautiful, challenging trail is a very rewarding, moderately traveled route to reach Observation Point.


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Map Key

10.9

Miles

17.6

KM

82%

Runnable

6,522' 1,988 m

High

5,499' 1,676 m

Low

2,453' 748 m

Up

2,453' 748 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

This beautifully technical trail provides arguably the best View of Zion from the stunning Observation Point. Climb through the rough terrain and descend into the canyon as this trail provides a worthy alternative to some of the recently blocked trails due to rock falls. You'll be rewarded with abundant beautiful scenery along the way ranging from forest and canyon views to contouring mesas and a finale overview of the magnificent Virgin River at Observation Point.

Need to Know

This trail is a part of Zion National Park and requires paying the National Park Entry Fee to access.

Description

This beautiful trail is a great day hike to Observation Point. Starting on the short Stave Spring Trail, this route begins on a plateau covered in trees and follows a portion of the East Rim Trail as it descends from the plateau edge down to the canyon below. Traverse through the canyon to connect to the East Mesa Trail and begin the ascent as you wind your way up the northern edge of the canyon all while overlooking a small mesa to your side. The trail continues to wind and contour along the edge until the short end of the Observation Point Trail brings you to the Observation Point overlook.

The technical challenges and elevation changes of the route are rewarded by stunning views of Zion's East Mesa and the Virgin River valley below. This trail is the gift that keeps on giving as many unique beautiful vistas will be enjoyed all throughout the journey.

At points in the canyon, the trail may be hard to track, but following the rock cairns setup along the trail to help guide you to the start of East Mesa Trail.

The trail is best in the late spring and fall. The trail typically has deep snow in the winter that can remain until late spring. During the summer months the trail can get very dry and hot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Colin Huff

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 6 votes

#4

in East Zion

#2479

Overall
  4.7 from 6 votes
5 Star
83%
4 Star
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3 Star
17%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in East Zion

#163

in Utah

#2,479

Overall
30 Views Last Month
943 Since Apr 1, 2021
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

On our way to Observation Point.
Sep 8, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Vertical rocks on the ascent to Observation Point
Oct 22, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Zion Canyon and its winding Virgin River
Oct 22, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Observation Point trail
May 11, 2021 near Springdale, UT
The trail leading up to Observation Point
Sep 8, 2017 near Springdale, UT
A glimpse of Angel's Landing from the East Rim Trail
Oct 22, 2017 near Springdale, UT

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