| Rating: | Easy short family hike. |
| Access: | Canyon Overlook Trailhead/parking lot (just to the east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel on Route 9) |
| Time Required: | 30 minutes-1 hour |
| Length: | 1 mile round-trip |
| Elevation Change: | mostly level after the initial steps up. |
| Seasons: | Year-round, but take caution of any ice or snow in winter. |
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Observation Point is a safer hike than Angels Landing. OP is much less traveled. Is longer and steeper. AL has a 1000 foot drop off on both sides and is not for small children and is a problem for people with a fear of heights. .Both are excellent hikes with incredible views, and have amazing scenery.Observation Point is 8 miles round trip, AL is 5 miles.If you get dropped off for OP, I believe its around 7 miles top to bottom. " We started at 8 am so the way up was mostly in the shade which helped a lot. Start early, bring lots of water (I brought 1.5L and husband 3L and we finished it all) and snacks, and take breaks when needed (we spent 4 hr 45 min total on this hike). " http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/observation-point-trail-zion-national-park
FYI, I've only visited this trail once and it was in February when there was snow run-off in the mountains above to supply the pools. I've heard that in the summer the pools become dried up some what and full of pond scum (which doesn't sound as pretty)" - http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/many-pools-zion-national-park
If your goal is to get away from people,Observation Point sees only a fraction of visitors of Angels Landing.You actually look down on Angels Landing across the canyon.If you continue further up the west rim trail past Scouts Lookout, you will get away from the masses that flock there to start the final push to the top of the Landing.
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| switchbacks at the top |
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| looking down on Angels Landing |
For hike with more of a thrill factor,Angels Landing wins, for the fact you walk right on the edge.
The shuttle is a good idea if you don't like the idea of a steep slog out of the canyon.
On the Angles Landing hike "Everyone in your group can get to Scouts Lookout, which is just before the last section to Angels Landing.That is easy." " hike to Scout Lookout which is about 3/4 of the way up. All of the treacherous stuff is after Scout Lookout. "
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Many Pools: This trail is a hidden treasure of Zion National Park. Not really a trail it's more of an open canyon made of sandstone. Therefore there's a decent amount of rock scrambling, but nothing dangerous about it. That being said, the kids loved this hike more than any other in Zion. The rock scrambling was more like a playground than a hike for the kids.
The trail is appropriately named. There are several dozen pools that all connect to each other and flow slowly from one pool into another. And they are all gorgeous. We also saw a herd of big horn sheep up on the bluffs above us. FYI, I've only visited this trail once and it was in February when there was snow run-off in the mountains above to supply the pools. I've heard that in the summer the pools become dried up some what and full of pond scum (which doesn't sound as pretty)" - http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/many-pools-zion-national-park
"Trailhead - Drive along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, heading east from the small tunnel and look for the second drainage on the north side of the highway. Large white monoliths are visible landmarks from the road as well as the hiking route that passes between a small dome-like mountain and a larger mountain to the right. There is a pull-out .8 miles from the end of the small tunnel where you park, before continuing on foot 150 yards east, following the beaten path down into the bowl on the north side of SR-9. Stay in the drainage, going away from the 1930's built culvert. The terrain changes from soft sand to smooth washed stone and walls open up as northern travel leads to potholes, and big slabs of flat stone make a nice walking path. A big rock, that appears to be laying on its side, forms a short slot canyon on the right. Two large Ponderosa Pines and two large Juniper trees offer a momentary reprieve from the sun while a huge boulder provides a charming backdrop for a dwarf waterfall about a half-mile into this scenic stroll. Soon the "trail" gets steeper as water-gnawed receptacles become more common. To the east is a black-capped hoodoo and impressive views are revealed in all directions. Some distant slickrock is carved with crossbedding similar to that on Checkerboard Mesa and there are many water filled basins.
Alcove - You will approach a lovely alcove .7 miles into the hike where, in the wet conditions, you will find a waterfall and hanging garden. A Pinyon and two Juniper trees should help find the landmark. Navigate around this obstacle by taking the sandy path to the west. The canyon widens to expose a broad sandstone bowl and brilliant blue skies before shear rock walls close in. Towering slickrock begins to rise higher on both sides of the route. Streams of water have carved a winding path through the hard surface below, while above, red stains and striations steal the show. Prickly Pear and Yucca Cactus, Ponderosa and Pinyon Pines, Manzanitas, Junipers and Shrub Live Oak dot the landscape. One mile into the hike is the top of the pools sitting at an elevation of 6209 feet. Most hikers will turn around at this point." - http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-hike-manypools.htm
Emerald Pools: This hike is a perfect short and easy hike for tourists and first-timers to Zion, but be prepared for potential crowds. Also keep in mind that waterflow in Emerald Pools is usually quite light, so if you are expecting Yosemite-volume waterfalls, you will be disappointed unless you are visiting during the spring runoff or during a rainstorm.
HIdden Canyon: Hidden Canyon Trail is a 3.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Springdale, UT that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Hidden Canyon is a strenuous 2.4 mile out and back trail that bears right opposite the Weeping Rock Trail and ascends steep switchbacks and along a cliff face into the mouth of a narrow canyon crevice between Cable Mountain and the Great White Throne. The trail offers some awesome views and provides steel chains set in the rock to assist with traversing a dangerous cliff. This trail is not recommended for children. Mosquitoes get bad once you actually enter the Hidden Canyon, Prepare accordingly
Narrows: Just to clarify, there are a couple ways to do the Narrows.The thru hike which is 16 miles and usually done as an overnight or an extremely long day.Also a shuttle is needed for a drop off at the trailhead.
Narrows: Just to clarify, there are a couple ways to do the Narrows.The thru hike which is 16 miles and usually done as an overnight or an extremely long day.Also a shuttle is needed for a drop off at the trailhead.
Or, the bottom up hike, which starts at the end of the Riverside walk.This is the one most people do.You can walk upriver a little ways or go as far as the required turn around at Big Spring which is about 10 miles round trip.To get the most out of the hike, you should plan to see Wall Street andOrderville Canyon.
Trails: http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-zion-national-park
weather and climate: http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/weather-and-climate.htm
professional zion site with info about scenic drives: http://www.myzionpark.com/maps/driving-itineraries/scenic-drives-inside-zion-park/
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