Zion National Park is known for its extraordinary hikes—Angels Landing, The Subway, The Narrows—and the list goes on. Most people hit the trails chasing those jaw-dropping views.
But honestly, some of the best views in the entire park come from the hike to Observation Point. It’s a much easier and less intimidating option than some of Zion’s more famous hikes—no chains, no cliff-hugging ledges, and no permit required. It’s great for hikers of all levels and still delivers absolutely stunning scenery.
Here’s what you should know before you go.
Where is Observation Point?
Observation Point is located on the east side of Zion National Park, and the easiest way to access it is via the East Mesa Trailhead.
If you’re coming from Springdale, it’s about a one-hour drive. You’ll enter the park through the main (west) entrance, follow the scenic UT-9 through the park, pass through the tunnel, and exit out the east entrance.
From there, you’ll navigate a series of backroads—some paved, some dirt—until you reach the East Mesa Trailhead. Just before the trail starts, you’ll pass through a rustic gate to enter Zion on foot (which honestly feels pretty cool).
A few things to keep in mind:
- No permit is required for this hike.
- No bathrooms at the trailhead.
- Very limited cell service on the drive and at the trailhead—though you might get a signal higher up on the hike.
- Parking can be tricky. Much of the area around the trailhead is private property, with lots of no-parking signs, so plan ahead.
- Road conditions vary. In dry months, most cars can make it. But after rain or snow, you might need a 4×4 vehicle to reach the trailhead.
If you don’t want to deal with driving and parking, there’s also a private shuttle service that runs hikers to the East Mesa Trailhead. It’s a great option if you’re in a rental car or just want to keep things simple.
Go at the Right Time
I’m usually an early riser when it comes to hikes—starting before or right at sunrise. But for this one, I actually would’ve preferred a late morning start. That’s because of the lighting—the views from Observation Point are incredible, but early in the day, much of the canyon is still in shadow. Waiting a few hours gives the sun time to light up the full landscape.
Of course, hiking later in the day means dealing with warmer temps, especially in summer. The good news is, you’re at a higher elevation (around 6,000 feet) and there’s some shade along the trail to help you stay cool. That said, a midday hike can still get toasty—so be sure to bring plenty of water and electrolytes to stay hydrated.
Not Strenuous, But a Bit Long
This hike is pretty mellow overall. There’s about 700 feet of elevation gain, but it’s spread out gradually, making it feel manageable. Toward the end, you’ll descend a bit—so keep in mind, you’ll need to go uphill on the way back, but it’s a short stretch and not too tough.
The main thing to note is the distance. We clocked about 7.5 miles round trip, so it’s not exactly a quick out-and-back like the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail. Plan to be out there for around 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how long you hang out at the viewpoint.
I’d personally rate this hike as easy, especially if you hike even semi-regularly. But if you’re not used to trails, altitude, or longer distances, moderate might be a more accurate label.
It’s Mostly Easy Terrain
The trail itself is pretty straightforward. While some sections are a bit rocky and others have loose sand or gravel, the majority of it is level, wide, and easy to follow.
After hiking about 2.5 miles, there will be a moment when you need to turn off to make it to the end but you should see the sign. Even if you don’t see it, the alternative pathway may be blocked off, making it super obvious which direction you need to go. Keep in mind this latter portion of the trail has little shade.
At no point on the trail will you be scrambling over boulders or navigating any narrow ledges. It’s the kind of trail where you can enjoy the views without having to constantly watch your footing. I’d recommend bringing your DSLR if you can.
Observation Point is definitely a low-stress alternative to something like Angels Landing, which is much more strenuous and comes with serious exposure, including sheer drop-offs and a chain-assisted section that isn’t for everyone.
Just take a look at the two photos below—both are from Angels Landing and show exactly what that exposure looks like. Narrow paths, steep drop-offs, and nothing but a chain to hold onto in places. Beautiful, but definitely not for the faint of heart.
Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail gives you incredible canyon views without the adrenaline rush, making it a great option for hikers who want big rewards without the high-stakes challenge.
The Turn-Offs
For the most part, you’ll be following a single main trail, but keep an eye out—there are quite a few smaller side paths branching off here and there. Some of these side trails lead to really cool viewpoints and are a nice way to build up to the main overlook at Observation Point.
If you’re using a map app like AllTrails, you can spot when you’re getting close to these side canyons—those are usually the little “rabbit trails” worth exploring. Just a heads-up: some other side paths lead through overgrown areas, cactus patches, and thick brush, so those might be less fun and easy to skip.
Observation Point
There are no railings or chains at Observation Point—just natural overlooks right along the rim. So while the views are absolutely breathtaking, you’ll want to be mindful of your footing if you wander around for photos or a better angle.
From up here, you get a sweeping panoramic view of Zion Canyon, including many of the park’s most famous monoliths. One of the most striking? Angels Landing. If you look closely, you can usually spot tiny hikers working their way up the spine to the summit—it really puts the scale of the landscape into perspective.
It’s a popular spot for good reason, but it still felt peaceful when we were there—and we even witnessed a proposal while taking in the view. Safe to say, it’s a memorable place for all kinds of moments.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hike in Zion that delivers big on views without the crowds, stress, or permits, Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail is a gem. It’s peaceful, scenic, and accessible—perfect for anyone who wants the grandeur of Zion Canyon without the heart-pounding exposure of hikes like Angels Landing.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone who appreciates a good overlook, this trail offers a quieter, less intimidating way to take in the park’s beauty. Pack your water, check the road conditions, and go soak in one of the best views Zion has to offer—you won’t regret it.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
