If Angels Landing is Zion’s adrenaline rush, then Observation Point is its cathedral. Rising higher than any other accessible overlook in the canyon, this trail delivers a panorama that makes you pause, breathe and realize just how vast Zion truly is. From here, Angels landing looks small, and the canyon walls stretch endlessly in every direction, painted with the desert’s reds, creams and shadows
The Hike
Observation Point can be reached a few different ways – and your choice of route will shape your experience.
- Weeping Rock Trail (Closed): Once the most direct option, climbing 8 miles round trip with over 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Currently closed due to a massive rockfall, with no known reopening date.
- East Rim Trail: A longer trek, roughly 20 miles round trip, accessed form the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway or Stave Spring Trailhead. A full-day challenge reserved for the determined
- East Mesa Trail (Recommended): The most accessible route, at about 7 miles round trip. The trailhead requires a high-clearance vehicle, but the hike is manageable – less intense than many of Zion’s climbs, yet still rewarding.
Each option has its own character, but all share the same reward: the highest viewpoint in Zion Canyon.
What to Expect – The East Mesa Trail
Unlike many of Zion’s hikes that test your nerves with sheer drop-offs and cliffside scrambles, the East Mesa Trail offers a quieter, steadier path to the canyon’s most commanding view.
The trail begins by winding through stands of Ponderosa pines, the soft scent of needles underfoot giving it a peaceful, almost alpine feel. As you move forward, the landscape shifts – trees thin out, the shade disappears, and the desert sun takes over. Suddenly, you’re hiking across sandy, open stretches where the horizon expands with every step.
this contrast makes the East Mesa Trail unique: it feels less like a battle with the canyon and more like a gradual unveiling of its grandeur. Though the climb is moderate and far less daunting than Angels Landing, don’t underestimate its length – 7 miles round trip in desert conditions will still challenge your endurance.
The reward is undeniable: a quiet approach that builds anticipation until the moment the canyon rim drops away beneath your feet.
The View from the Top
At 6,521 feet, Observation Point towers over every other viewpoint in Zion. The Virgin River snakes far below, Angels Landing sits directly in your line of sight, and the canyon’s layers ripple into the horizon. It’s the kind of view that doesn’t just impress – it humbles.
What to Bring
- Water: Even though the incline is moderate, 7 miles in desert conditions adds up.
- Sunscreen & Hat: Much of the trail is exposed, once you leave the pines.
- Hiking Shoes: the sandy and rocky terrain can be slippery; solid shoes make the hike more comfortable.
Tips for Hiking Observation Point
- Access Road: The East Mesa trailhead road can be rough. Use a high clearance vehicle or arrange a local shuttle drop-off.
- Timing: Start early for cooler temps and softer morning light.
- Alternative Routes: The Weeping Rock Trail (once the direct route) remains closed due to a massive rockfall, and the East Rim Trail is a strenuous ~20 miles round trip. Stick with East Mesa for the best experience.
Closing Note
Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail may not deliver the heart-racing thrill of Angels Landing, but it offers something even more powerful: perspective. From this high vantage, Zion feels endless – and for a moment, you’ll feel like you’re standing on top of the entire canyon.
Want more Zion hikes? Don’t miss our guides to The Narrows, Angels Landing, the Watchman Trail, and the Emerald Pools.