Canyon Overlook Trail - A Great Beginner Hike in Zion NP

As many times as we visited Zion National Park, we actually haven’t spent a lot of time exploring the hikes there. Most of the time, we would be rappelling through the canyons. Therefore, we decided to spend a trip checking out the cool hikes there. One of them is Canyon Overlook Trail. Canyon Overlook is a short and popular hike, located just east of the Mt. Carmel Tunnel in Zion National Park. Even though it is a short hike, this trail is beautiful! It is a great introduction to the gorgeous landscapes of Zion. And the best thing is Canyon Overlook trail is perfect for beginner hikers as well as younger adventurers.

Note: Please make sure to respect this beautiful place and the surrounding areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE. This means no loud music, no graffiti, no taking artifacts or fossilized items, and pack out what you pack in! Please help us protect this place for generations to come!

Stats

Where

Canyon Overlook Trailhead
37°12’48.2″N 112°56’26.2″W

Parking

There is a very small lot on the right, immediately after the tunnel (coming from Springdale). If that lot is full, continue down the road. There are several other overflow parking lots or shoulders to park in. Please be sure that your vehicle is completely off of the road.

Restroom

There are pit toilets at certain parking areas.

Fee

There is a fee to enter the Zion National Park. Please check the park’s website for updated info. You can also use your annual pass such as America the Beautiful Pass here.

Important Things

Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park isn’t accessible from the shuttle. It can only be reached via private vehicle.
If you’re up for it, it is a great night hike to see a the beautiful night sky or sunset (make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp).

Distance

About 1 miles R.T.

Elevation Gain

187 ft

Level

Moderate.

Time:

30 mins – 1 hour

Pet-friendly

Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.

Ideal Time

You can do this hike anytime, however, it can be more challenging in the snow or icy conditions. Also, it is a popular hike so go early if you want parking.

Weather

Video

Getting to Canyon Overlook Trailhead

To get to the trailhead for Canyon Overlook in Zion, you’ll need a car. It is not accessible via the Zion Shuttle. From the visitor center in Spring Dale, take Highway 9 toward the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Once you reach the fork in the road for Zion Canyon Scenic Road and Highway 9, keep going straight to follow Highway 9. This will leads you through a series of switchbacks. Don’t forget to look for the Great Arch on the left-hand side, at the 3rd bend of the switchbacks. The destination for the Canyon Overlook trail is the viewpoint at the top of this arch!

The series of switchbacks eventually leads to the Mount Carmel Tunnel. There is a small parking lot, immediately after the tunnel exit, on the right-hand side. The trailhead for Canyon Overlook is across from this lot. This parking lot is very small and fills up quickly. If this lot is full, you can drive a bit further down the highway to the second parking lot, on the left-hand side.

The Start of the Trail:

Even though we got to Canyon Overlook trailhead quite early, the parking lots were quite full. Luckily, we got the last empty spot in the second parking lot. From this lot, it is a short walk back to the trailhead. There is a big sign right in front of the trailhead so you won’t get lost. The trail starts with a series of steps that are wrapped around the sandstone walls. Although there is a railing along the way, make sure to watch your step. This sandstone can get slippery, especially when it’s sandy or icy.

Since the Canyon Overlook trail is carved out of the sandstone walls, a lot of this trail will follow along the sandstone walls on the right-hand side. As you hike along the trail, you can look down and see Pine Creek Canyon below. Pine Creek Canyon is a very popular and beautiful canyoneering route, by the way.

Wooden Bridge

One of our favorite sections on the Canyon Overlook trail is a small wooden bridge/pathway. It was kinda cool because you’ll be walking under a small overhang over to a small cave on the other side of the bridge. The trail is very easy to follow. There are a few sections that have steep drop-offs so make sure you watch your step. As you hike further along, the views get more and more beautiful.

View From the Top

Once you reach the overlook, the view opens up into breathtaking views of Zion and the windy Highway 9 that you drove through earlier. This view is worth that short hike and more! If you look closely toward the canyon wall, you can see the small windows that had been carved out the side of the Mt. Carmel tunnel. And yes, you are standing right on top of the Great Arch that you’ve seen earlier. Isn’t it amazing!! By the way, watch out for the little ninja squirrels. They have no fear and will steal your snacks. They are super cute but don’t forget, you’re NOT supposed to feed ANY wildlife.

After taking in the views as much as you want, and exploring the area, you can return back the same way you came from. Canyon Overlook trail is a great introduction to how beautiful Zion National Park is. If this is too easy for you, check out Angels Landing. It is hands down on our top 5 favorite trails of all time!

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.