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How Hard Is Observation Point Hike From Weeping Rock?

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Last updated on 6 min read
Rating: Fairly strenuous day hike Time Required: 4-6 hours Length: 4 miles one-way (Weeping Rock to Observation Point) Elevation Change: 2100-ft elevation gain along the trail

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!

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 the Weeping Rock Trail?

This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.

How hard is Observation Point?

The Observation Point hike is strenuous.

That is an average 15% grade for the ascent to Observation Point. While this hike is strenuous, even less experienced hikers can complete the hike with plenty of water and breaks.

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 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 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.

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.

Why is weeping rock closed?

CLOSURE NOTICE: Weeping Rock and the lower East Rim Trail/Observation Point Trail are currently closed due to a massive landslide . (On August 24, 2019, a large rockfall off of the face of Cable Mountain buried the Weeping Rock pantheon in sand and rubble.)

How old is the water Weeping Rock Zion?

During rainstorms or periods of heavy runoff, the trickle turns into one of Zion Canyon’s most beautiful waterfalls. The water dripping out of Weeping Rock is over 1,000 years old . Around A.D. 800 it fell as rain or snow on the Navajo Sandstone high above.

Is Weeping Rock still closed?

Closed Trails

Weeping Rock Trail ( long term closure due to a large rockfall ).

Is Observation Point via East Mesa Trail open?

CLOSURE NOTICE: The trail from Observation Point down to Weeping Rock is currently closed due to a massive rockfall that has buried the Observation Point Trail/East Rim Trail and the Weeping Rock pantheon. The East Mesa Trail to Observation Point and the East Rim Trail to the East Entrance remain open .

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.

How long is East Mesa Trail?

TRAIL SUMMARY

Most visitors hike the strenuous 8-mile Observation Point Trail to experience these epic views, completely unaware that East Mesa Trail offers a much less crowded route that is not as long and not nearly as strenuous.

How do I get to the Weeping Rock Trail?

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD

Walk over to the Zion National Park Shuttle stop in front of the Zion National Park Visitor Center (Stop 1). Ride the shuttle to Weeping Rock (Stop 7). Exit the shuttle and continue on to the Weeping Rock trailhead.

Is Angels Landing a difficult hike?

Be prepared for a very strenuous hike with potentially changing weather conditions . It’s important not to attempt this climb if you aren’t in good physical shape. It is not appropriate for young children and is too dangerous to try with a kid in a backpack. Only hike Angels Landing if you are in good physical shape.

Is Angels Landing really that scary?

What makes Angels Landing such a scary trail? First of all, it is quite strenuous , you hike about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) straight up. The last kilometer is the scary part, the pathway is very narrow and, on both sides, there are sheer drops of 1000 feet (300 meters).

How do you prepare for the Angels Landing hike?

Before attempting Angels Landing, I recommend training on trails that have intervals of super-steep climbs . Also, some experience with rock-hopping would be helpful. For 50+ hikers, it’s also important to get in some hot-weather conditioning.

Can I sleep in my car in Zion National Park?

No, you couldn’t sleep in the car in any of the Parks unless you were in a campground .

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.

Can you swim in Emerald Pools Zion?

Swimming is not allowed in the Emerald Pools.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Kim Nguyen

Kim is a sports and fitness writer covering workouts, athletic training, sports news, and strategies for an active lifestyle.