Our Trail Rating
This hike overlooking Zion National Park is worth the time and effort
I remember years ago sitting atop Angel’s Landing inside Zion National Park and looking across the great expanse: I wanted to go there! “There”, of course, was the taller cliff face on the other side of the canyon that towered over me. I tried to imagine what was up there and wondered how to get to the top. When someone told me you can’t get there from here because the trail from Weeping Rock collapsed and was closed indefinitely, I let the thought go. But then I found out the trail to Observation Point can be reached from a different direction outside the park! That’s when I put this hike back on my list.
Saturday morning was the day. I planned on bringing several church friends with me. However, it turned out Alicia and I were the only ones with a clear enough schedule to drive 90 minutes one way, hike seven miles, and then drive 90 minutes back. We loaded up the Chevy Tahoe with our backpacks and hiking shoes, and we hit the road with visions of ponderosa pine trees and vast canyon viewpoints dancing in our heads.
As I mentioned, you can’t get to Observation Point from the main Zion canyon anymore. The park initially closed the trail after a rockfall in 2019. Another fall in 2023 made matters worse. And now rangers will tell you there isn’t a timetable for when the hike will be open to visitors again.
The Road to East Mesa Trailhead
No worries. You can still get to Observation Point by way of the East Mesa Trail on the east side of Zion. Coming from St. George, you drive through the park on SR 9, exit the park through the east entrance, and then turn north at the roundabout leading to Zion Ponderosa Ranch. If you’re coming from Kanab, you take SR 9 to the same roundabout and turn north before you reach the park entrance. To reach the trailhead, turn east at the entrance to Zion Ponderosa Ranch and follow the signs to the parking lot – about 3 miles.
This is where I pause and ask you to please be careful on this road! Make sure you’re driving a capable vehicle. All-wheel drive is recommended. The closer you get to the trailhead, the more rutted the road becomes. Never attempt to drive this road after a rain or snow event – no matter what kind of vehicle you have. The clay gets extremely slippery when wet and becomes all but impassable.
Trail to Observation Point
We arrived at the trailhead about 9 a.m. when temperatures were in the low 40s. No snow, and not a single cloud. The small parking lot was nearly empty – just two other vehicles. Good thing too: there isn’t a lot of room for vehicles at the parking lot, which is why a lot of hikers take a shuttle from Ponderosa Ranch and leave the driving to the experts.
After weaving our way through a couple of fences, we finally found ourselves on the beautiful East Mesa Trail. Unlike some of the hikes Alicia and I explore, this one is definitely a well-worn trail. It’s not worn out, but well marked and well maintained. The landscape is beautiful: a mix of pine trees, old junipers, and manzanita bushes. It’s a classic Zion original: red rocks, white mountains, soft sand, and bright blue skies.
The elevation change on this hike isn’t anything to be concerned about. The Alltrails app says it’s only about 700 feet. The first half of the hike is relatively flat – nice and easy. The second half heads slightly downhill, which means you’re hiking slightly uphill on the way back.
Observation Point is the Most Definitely the Point
The view at Observation Point is most definitely the singular point of this hike. The payout is 100 percent worth it. Sitting on the edge of the cliff and looking out over the main Zion canyon is otherworldly! We paused for a little longer than usual to take it all in, noticing we sat high above Angels Landing. We could look down upon the very site that began our exploration and eventual relocation to southern Utah. It was surreal looking through the binoculars at the people who had pushed past Walters Wiggles and braved the chains to the top of the viewpoint. I thought, “Is THAT the hike so many people consider one of the most dangerous hikes in America?” Indeed it is! And now we’re planning our next trek to Angel’s Landing.
This trail is exactly what we needed at the start of the spring hiking season. The hike to Observation Point is not particularly difficult, but it’s a little on the longer side – about 7 miles out-and-back. For us, it was a perfect warmup to what we’re planning to do in a couple of months.
The Good
- It’s not crowded: Don’t get me wrong, the main canyon in Zion National Park is beautiful and worthy of exploration. But if you want to get away from the people, this hike is a fantastic option. We didn’t see a single soul until we were almost back to the truck.
- It’s remote: This isn’t the easiest hike to get to, which tends to keep out the riffraff.
- The payout: Some hikes are awesome because of the trail. Others are all about the destination. The hike to Observation Point is a good balance between the two. The trail is interesting and even has some offshoots worthy of exploration. The viewpoint at the end, though, will leave you speechless.
The Not-So-Good
- It’s remote: I know I said the remoteness of this hike is a good thing. It can also be considered a downside. Getting to the trailhead takes some patience. It also takes some planning. If you decide to drive yourself, get there early so you can get a parking spot. Check the weather to make sure you don’t get stuck. Reconsider driving yourself if you’re in anything but an all-wheel drive vehicle with a decent level of clearance. Sedans like your Toyota Prius or Honda Accord are definitely not recommended.
- It’s not particularly challenging: I list this as a negative, but it can also be a positive depending on what you’re trying to do.
Observation Point Photos
That Outdoor Site 
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