Gallery

Hike:
Canyon Overlook

Gallery

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD

BY CAR:

From the Springdale & Zion Canyon Visitor Center, continue 1.4 miles on SR-9 to the south entrance of Zion National Park. Once inside the park, continue on SR-9 for another 5.9 miles. You will drive up a group of switchbacks on the mountain and eventually go through a tunnel. As soon as you exit the tunnel there is a small parking lot on your right-hand side. The trail starts right across the street.

BY SHUTTLE:

No shuttle available for this trail.

HIGHLIGHTS

Steps leading up to a maintained, rocky and uneven dirt trail
Shortest hike in the park to get you to a viewpoint above the canyon
Offers amazing views down into the Pine Creek slot canyon below
There is a cool shaded alcove with lush ferns growing out of the walls.
Other things to check out once you are at the viewpoint:
Route 9 switchbacks below, Bridge Mountain (the highest peak on the left side of the canyon), the East Temple (the impressive rock formation above the viewpoint to the right), the canyon wall to the left to spot “windows” of the tunnel, and the Pine Creek stream below

BEST TIME TO HIKE

Year round

SECRETS/TIPS

If parking is full, continue down the road and there are several other overflow parking lots or shoulders to park in.
Stop at the last bend of the switchbacks (3rd bend) while driving up the mountain to spot the Great Arch of Zion. Great place for a picture and if you look closely you can see people on top of it. That is where the Canyon Overlook Trail viewpoint is.
Go early as the small parking lot right outside the tunnel fills up quickly.
A great night hike to see a wonderful display of stars or sunset (make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp).

SPECIAL OR RECOMMENDED GEAR

Good walking/hiking shoes
Hiking sticks as this trail is more steep
Hat and sunblock
Flashlight or headlamp if you decide to go at night
Hydration pack

OTHER

Family friendly but keep a close eye on children as there is some steep cliffs on your way up.
Can be muddy after a rainstorm and icy in the winter
No dogs allowed
Restrooms located at the small parking lot