Zion National Park's Scenic Canyon Overlook Hike
In the heart of Utah's Zion National Park lies a trail that never fails to captivate - the Canyon Overlook Trail. This popular hiking route, nestled in the eastern part of the park, offers stunning views into Zion Canyon and is a must-visit for any nature enthusiast.
To reach the Canyon Overlook Trailhead from Springdale or the Visitor Center, drive northeast on Highway 9 toward the park's east entrance. After passing through a series of switchbacks and the Mount Carmel Tunnel, the trailhead parking lot is immediately on the right just after exiting the tunnel. If this lot is full, there's an overflow parking area a short distance further east on Highway 9. The trailhead itself is located right next to the highway near the tunnel ranger station.
Parking can be a challenge due to the trail's popularity, so an early morning or later afternoon arrival is recommended. The trailhead has two small lots close to it, and there's additional roadside parking further up the road.
Once you've parked, the trail is a short walk away. For the hike, the author prefers the lightweight and durable Osprey Hikelite 26 as his daypack, while the Altra Lone Peak 9 provides comfortable shoes for long-distance hikes with improved grip. Appropriate footwear is necessary, with trail runners or hiking shoes recommended over flip-flops on slick rock.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is described as beautiful, easy, and fun to follow. It's a short trail, with a roundtrip distance of one mile, and ends at the Pipe Creek Canyon overlook, where breathtaking views of Zion Canyon await.
For reliable SOS coverage during backcountry hikes, the author uses the Garmin inReach Mini 2. For those seeking up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync, AllTrails Plus offers these features for a fee (30% off available through this link).
Arriving at sunrise increases the chances of getting a parking spot at the Canyon Overlook Trailhead. Directions for the trail can be found on various hiking apps and websites, including CalTopo, which provides maps for the trail, including a 3D map and the option to download a GPX file.
So, if you're planning a visit to Zion National Park, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Canyon Overlook Trail. With its stunning views, easy trail, and convenient location, it's an adventure not to be missed!
- For the hike on the Canyon Overlook Trail, consider packing the lightweight and durable Osprey Hikelite 26 as your daypack, along with the Altra Lone Peak 9 for comfortable, grippy footwear.
- To ensure a parking spot at the trailhead, plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, as parking can be a challenge due to the trail's popularity.
- To navigate the Canyon Overlook Trail, download maps from hiking apps or websites such as CalTopo, which offer maps, including a 3D map and the option to download a GPX file.
- For safety during backcountry hikes, consider investing in the Garmin inReach Mini 2, and for up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync, consider subscribing to AllTrails Plus (30% off available through this link).
