How Long Is Observation Point Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Rating: Fairly strenuous day hike Access: The Weeping Rock Trailhead (the 7th stop for the Zion Canyon Shuttle in Zion’s main canyon) Time Required: 4-6 hours Length:

4 miles

one-way (Weeping Rock to Observation Point)
Elevation Change: 2100-ft elevation gain along the trail

How do you hike to Observation Point?

Alternate Route: You can reach Observation Point by

hiking the East Rim Trail

. To do this, start at the East Rim Trailhead that is located near the East Entrance of Zion National Park on Route 9.

Is Observation Point higher than Angels Landing?

Since

Observation Point is even higher than Angel’s Landing

, you are actually looking down on the Angel’s Landing viewpoint and not only can you see the top of the canyon walls, but you can see even more of the canyon itself from up above.

How long is Observation Point East Mesa Trail?

The hike from the East Mesa Trailhead to Observation Point is

3.2 miles

(one way) and could take an average hiker 1.5 hours (one way).

Do you need a shuttle for Observation Point?

Observation Point has become somewhat of a hidden gem, as the trailhead from inside the park is closed.

Take our shuttle from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort to the Observation Point Trailhead via the East Mesa Trail

. No need to worry if your vehicle can make it up to this stunning trail–because ours do!

What shuttle stop is Observation Point?

There are actually several ways to get to Observation Point, but the mapped route on this page is by far the most popular. This route starts at the Weeping Rock Trailhead, or stop

#7 on the Zion shuttle

. You’ll immediately start climbing switchbacks on the East Rim Trail.

How hard is observation point hike?

Rating: Fairly strenuous day hike Time Required: 4-6 hours Length: 4 miles one-way (Weeping Rock to Observation Point)

What is the tallest peak in Zion?

The

8,726-foot (2,660 m) summit of Horse Ranch Mountain

is the highest point in the park; the lowest point is the 3,666-foot (1,117 m) elevation of Coal Pits Wash, creating a relief of about 5,100 feet (1,600 m).

How long is the Angels Landing hike?

Rating: Fairly strenuous and exposed day hike, not recommended for small children or those with a fear of heights Time Required: 3-6 hours Length:

2.4 miles one way

(The Grotto to the Angels Landing viewpoint)
Elevation Change: 1500 feet with steep elevation gain along the trail

Can beginners hike Angels Landing?

But

the trail to Angels Landing is far from a beginner-friendly hike

. In fact, even those with some hiking experience will want to consider their abilities before attempting it. At 5.5 miles roundtrip and climbing nearly 1,500 feet in elevation, the trail is physically demanding.

Can you do Angels Landing and observation point?


Observation Point however can be 3-4 miles (one way)

. 2) Angel’s Landing hike is far more strenuous despite being shorter. Observation Point is steep at times, but not overly strenuous. 3) Both trails are very scenic and the view you get from completing each one is breathtaking.

Should I do the Narrows or Angels Landing?

Two completely different hikes. Narrows is level…as long as you consider walking in the river level (which it is not).

Angels Landing is much more strenuous, uphill, and people with height or edge concerns are strongly discouraged.

Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?


You must have a permit to hike any portion of Angels Landing

. Permits are needed every day and at all times beginning April 1, 2022. Permits (issued in three time slots) are available by two lottery processes. The seasonal lottery application periods occur quarterly (see important dates below).

How long is Watchman Trail Zion?

Rating: Easy to moderately strenuous day hike Access: Zion Visitor Center (trailhead along the road on the east bank of the Virgin River) Time Required: 1-2 hours Length:

3 miles

total round-trip
Elevation Change: 300-ft elevation gain up to the viewpoint

How long is East Rim Trail Zion?

Description. The

10.8-mile

East Rim Trail traverses the eastern rim of Zion Canyon between a trailhead at the park’s east entrance and the Weeping Rock Trailhead in the canyon. The best parts of the long hike are the first few miles at either end of the trail.

Can you drive through Zion National Park?

While

you can only drive through Zion Canyon in your own car a few months out of the year

, you can always drive the Mount Carmel Highway. This 12-mile highway connects the south and east entrances of Zion National Park, and driving it is an experience in itself.

How do I get to the East Rim Trail in Zion?

Trailhead Location:

East Rim Trailhead on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, located 100 feet west of the East Entrance fee booths

. Also accessible from the Stave Spring Trail at the Stave Spring Trailhead. Distance (one way): 5.9 miles (9.5 km) to Stave Spring and 10.6 miles (17.0 km) to Observation Point.

How do I get to the Emerald Pool in Zion?

Walk over to the Zion National Park Shuttle stop in front of the Zion National Park Visitor Center (Stop 1). Via Zion Lodge Start: Ride the shuttle to the Zion Lodge (Stop 5). Exit the shuttle to your right and follow signs to The Emerald Pools Trailhead (which will eventually cross the road).

Is Observation Point Zion National Park open?

The park is

open every day of the year

.

Is Observation Point from East Mesa Trail open?

Is Observation Point Open / Closed?

Yes, Observation Point is OPEN as of 2022

! There are two different trailheads for the Observation Point hike: Weeping Rock trailhead or East Mesa Trailhead.

What elevation is Zion National Park?

What is the elevation at Zion National Park? The elevation of Zion National Park is

4,000 feet above sea level

.

What is the best month to visit Zion National Park?

The best time to visit Zion National Park is between the months of

April and November

when the park’s free shuttles are running and the weather is comfortable.

Why is Zion so popular?

” Zion’s popularity rests partly on

its stunning landscape

, including some of the tallest sandstone cliffs in the world, and its tapering wild canyon you can hike through.

Why is it called Zion?

How did Zion National Park get it’s name? The park’s name was originally Mukuntuweap, meaning “straight canyon”, given by explorer John Wesley Powell as he believed it to be the Paiute name for the area.

The name “Zion” originally comes from Isaac Behunin, a Mormon pioneer

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.