The Canyon Overlook Trail is a hidden gem of a hike in Zion National Park. This short but enjoyable trail leads you to a breathtaking viewpoint over Zion Canyon. It’s one of the few hikes in Zion National Park that you can reach by car (most areas are only accessible by shuttle bus). That makes it a great option if you’re just passing through Zion or if you’re looking for a perfect way to end your day in the park. It’s absolutely a must to add the Canyon Overlook Trail to your list of things to do!
| Distance | 1.7 km (round trip) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Starting point | Just east of the tunnel on Highway 9 |
| Parking | Parking is challenging: you’ll need to park along the road. During peak season, you’ll need some luck to find a spot. |
You immediately start with some elevation gain, climbing the steps that take you from Highway 9 up to the trail. After that, it’s mostly a flat walk toward the viewpoint.
The path is carved into the sandstone walls, so for part of the hike you’ll have a massive rock face on one side and views of the canyon on the other. After a short scramble over the rocks, you’ll find yourself standing on top of “The Great Arch” that you just drove past. The view from here is absolutely breathtaking!
Contents
What can you see from the Canyon Overlook?
You’ll find a handy information map at the viewpoint. From here, you can admire the Pine Creek slot canyon stretching out below you. You’ll also have clear views of the impressive East Temple and Bridge Mountain, two prominent features of the park. Make sure to look around carefully, as you can even spot the carved windows of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel in the canyon walls — the same tunnel you likely just drove through.
How do you get to the Canyon Overlook Trail and where do you park?
You’ll need a car to reach this trail. From the Visitor Center, follow Highway 9 northeast toward the east entrance of Zion National Park. You’ll drive along several hairpin turns while the impressive Great Arch towers above you. The Canyon Overlook viewpoint is located on top of this arch. Yes, you’re literally standing on top of it!
The trail starts along the roadside, just past the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. For convenience, I’ll assume you’re entering Zion from Springdale, as most hotels are located there. The tunnel itself is an impressive piece of historic engineering and part of the breathtaking scenic route through the park. It’s a very old and narrow tunnel, which is why traffic is regulated to one-way flow during peak season.
Keep in mind that Zion National Park has become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to heavy traffic, especially during the summer months. Finding parking at the trailhead can be difficult, as there are only a limited number of spots along Route 9. There are two small parking areas, and they fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can park along the side of the road. However, that can also be tricky because of the long line of cars waiting to pass through the tunnel. You get the idea — it can be challenging.
To avoid the worst crowds, it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Given the short length of the trail, it’s easy to fit into your day at either time.
Rainy weather? Watch out for slippery rocks
This hike takes you across sandstone, which can quickly become very slippery after rainfall. We experienced a brief shower ourselves, and the trail immediately became slick. If it has been raining all day, it’s not recommended to hike this trail.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is ideal if you arrive in Zion in the afternoon or if you’re leaving in the morning and still want to do something memorable. We visited around sunset and were able to take fantastic photos. That’s why the Canyon Overlook Trail is an absolute highlight during your visit to Zion National Park!
Tip: Zion is part of Utah’s Mighty 5. Plan your road trip around them!
