We did this hike a month ago. The other way is East Mesa Trail to Observation Point, which starts at the top canyon east of Observation Point. Update, August 24th 2019 The Observation Point Trail has been closed for the foreseeable future due to a huge rockfall Observation Point is a narrow promontory, elevation 6,508 feet, that overlooks much of Zion Canyon including such famous landmarks as the Great White Throne, Castle Dome, Three Patriarchs and Angels Landing. A second option is to hike to Observation Point on the East Mesa Trail. Difficulty: Strenuous, but worth it Elevation Gain/Loss: 2148 feet / 655 meters gain Average Hiking Time: 4 - 6 hours round trip Distance: 8 miles / 12.9 km Trailhead Location: Weeping Rock Trailhead, or skip the elevation and hike in from East Mesa Trailhead as an out-n-back, or shuttle drop and hike down into the canyon. Don’t look up pictures-just hike it and be prepared to be very impressed! View at the end is absolutely worth it. The ruts are pretty deep in some areas, but there are some sedans that make it all the way to the parking lot. but the view from the overlook is simply stunning, Observation Point via East Rim and East Mesa Trail [CLOSED], Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring, East Mesa Trail to East Rim Trail and Observation Point, East Rim Trail to Mystery Canyon [CLOSED], Deertrap Mountain from Weeping Rock Trailhead [CLOSED], East Mesa to Observation Point via Stave Spring Trail. Hiked on dec 2nd for sunset, took about 3h with a long break. East Mesa Trail is a subtle and quiet hike that takes you through an isolated ponderosa pine forest on the upper east side of Zion with big payoffs at the end. Pass the top of Mystery Canyon at 2.1 miles (3.4 km). At a Glance Photo Album: Observation Point Maps: Trail Map - Backcountry Map - Overview Map Day Hike: Yes After hiking over the rim of the canyon you sharply descend 2,300 feet down to the floor of Zion Canyon ending at Weeping Rock, passing through Echo Canyon and down the Observation Point Trail. At the split to the observation point I recommend going left first for a short ways to get a little different view than the actual overlook. Observation Point via East Mesa Trail is a 6.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Mount Carmel Junction, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Directions to trailhead From St George, head north on I-15 for about 18 miles and take exit 27 to Toquerville. The second major trail junction heads right on the East Rim Trail and left to Observation Point; before reaching this junction, one passes through beautiful Echo Canyon, which in many places narrows to a slot (hikers do not go through the actual slots, though). The trail to Observation Point is part of the East Rim Trail. This hike starts on the East Mesa Trailhead which is located outside of Zion National Park. East Mesa Trail is a subtle and quite hike that takes you through an isolated ponderosa pine forest on the upper east side of Zion with big payoffs at the end. Animals: Typical animal life for Southern Utah lowland hiking. Following an old jeep trail through mostly level terrain to join up with the Observation Point Trail proper, the hardest part of this hike is actually the approach drive to find the initial East Mesa Trailhead. This route follows the East Rim Trail to the Observation Point (East Mesa) Trail starting at the Stave Spring Trailhead; the trailhead starts behind the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort (follow W. Pine Street to where it meets the park border). You might want to park 0.5 miles down the road depending on your car. The second split is to the east rim trail. 12/22 stayed in springville , left my hotel at 6:50 am and arrived around 7:30. pretty cold in the morning I just wore a thermal and a light windbreaker over, debated on long johns but glad I didn't because it warmed up, high 20s to begin but warmed up to 50s along the trail. In order to pass the CAPTCHA please enable JavaScript. Once past Observation Point Trail, follow East Mesa east as it winds its way down the park's eastern mesa at an easy grade. I am scared of heights so we decided to approach OP this way rather than the trail up from the canyon floor. This post will be where I drop all details pertaining to the East Mesa Trail to Observation Point hike, if you have completed this hike please share your tips or suggestions in this thread for anyone else planning on doing this hike! If you can go early, do it because more light gives you more colors in the canyon. This strenuous trail leads through a sculpted landscape to a forested mesa on Baldy Mountain with spectacular views over Zion Canyon and the Virgin River. Head north and stay to the right (you’ll cross a resort, don’t go into it). A further 0.4 miles (0.6 km) finds you at a spectacular overlook. The East Mesa Trail, which is the easier path through the forest to get out to OP, and the East Rim Trail. She has made it her mission to explore all of the hidden, and not-so-hidden gems of Southern Utah, with her husband and three kids, and shares about different adventures in Southern Utah on her blog. The last split is east mesa trail. Turn right onto Rocky Rd .1 mile. The East Rim Trail is much more scenic but is also much longer and more strenuous. Follow the trail up a series of steep, airy switchbacks to the rim of the canyon. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. Turn here. Elevation Change: 300 ft / 90 m to East Rim Trail or Observation Point and back. Option 2 – East Rim Trail. Log in or sign up to leave a comment Log In Sign Up. Sandstone Wonderland - East Mesa Trail: Trail Views: Looking Into Echo Canyon: The Valley from Observation Point. Am a lost Florida boy so was my first time and I flipped out a bit lol. Pretty easy walk. Traverse left to intersect with the East Mesa Trail, then … Trail. Nr. Observation Point is one of the big hikes in Zion National Park and from what I am told has some of the best views in the park! Right when you are questioning if these switchbacks will ever end, the trail levels out for the last mile. Turn right onto Beaver Rd 1.2 miles. Starting from East Rim Trail, East Mesa climbs very steeply, switchbacking multiple times until it eventually contours south of a small mesa. Mostly flat walk on compact dirt and rocks. You can hike to Observation Point from the E Mesa Trail (accessed outside of the park, on the east side, for the trailhead put “East Mesa Trailhead” into Google maps). We had no problem in our high clearance 4 wheel drive Tacoma. East Mesa Trail. Observation Point - 7.4 Miles Round-Trip Observation Point is located 3.7 miles from Weeping Rock Trailhead in Zion National Park. Don't look at the pictures, just go! Be prepared for very steep grades, especially on East Rim Trail and the first section of East Mesa Trail. Consuming too little water will not only make you thirsty, but susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness. Sign In to see coordinates. Red Tape An entry fee is charged by the National Park Service to enter Zion National Park. Once the trail levels off, all of the hard stuff is done. Parking at the top of the hill added another 3/4 mile total. Spectacular view at the end and a few nice views along the way. I recommend driving from the cabin to the trail head for this hike. Starting from East Rim Trail, East Mesa climbs very steeply, switchbacking multiple times until it eventually contours south of a small mesa. Trailhead - From the east gate of Zion National Park drive 2.4 miles and turn at the junction of the North Fork Road and SR-9. However,the extremely observant hiker can see evidence of its use through the centuries still carved into the smooth rock faces. Observation Point Trail. The Observation Point trail is to the left. Observation Point Trail; Suchen. TRAIL SUMMARY. Camping Available only in Designated Camping Area. This hike isn't really all that difficult just takes some perseverance to finish. Would be best in complete snow cover or spring when there are flowers and wildlife. Flat trail in the trees for most of the hike, but once you get to the end it’s breathtaking. Just a short distance from the trail-end, .3-miles, there is a sign directing hikers to the park boundary. I believe you are referring to the East Mesa Trail to Observation Point. This is an easy alternative to hiking up the East Rim or up the Observation Point Trail. Our Hike of the Week newsletter keeps you updated on hundreds of hikes + includes exclusive discounts on your favorite brands! Observation Point via East Mesa Trail is a 10.8 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Mount Carmel Junction, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Required fields are marked *, Prove that you\'re a human! Lower Pine Creek Falls – Zion National Park, East Mesa Trail To Observation Point - Zion National Park. Arika Bauer is a Southern Utah local, born and raised, and the owner of Zion Adventure Photog, a photography business dedicated to photographing world travelers, outdoor lovers, and adventure junkies in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. This fairly long (7 miles round trip), strenuous trail runs from the bottom of Zion Canyon to Observation Point on the East Rim overlooking Zion Canyon. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. The hike wasn’t too bad and it got nice and warm later into the afternoon. Echoing other reviewers definitely take the Fir Rd street off of Beaver Ave! It ends at a beautiful observation point. While it’s a strenuous 8 mile round trip with over 2,000 feet of elevation, it is still one of the more popular day hikes in the park. Means you front the cost of your hike with that amazing view hiking / East trailhead! Sandsteinwand hoch über dem … East Mesa trail is a sign directing hikers to the Park Subarus at the Rim! 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