I first hiked to Observation Point about a decade ago. At the time, you could hike up to Observation Point from the bottom of Zion Canyon.
I actually got a transfer with an adventure tour operator in Springdale to the East Mesa Trailhead, did this hike, then did the main Zion Observation Point hike down to the canyon and hopped on a shuttle at the Weeping Rock. It was awesome.
Unfortunately, there was a rockslide in 2019 that completely blocked the trail between the canyon floor and Observation Point (as well as the trail to Weeping Rock). The NPS said it was a temporary closure, but it’s now years later and there’s no sign that the trail will be open any time soon.
Fortunately, the East Mesa Trail remains an easy Zion Observation Point alternate route.
I just did this hike again and was reminded how totally awesome the view from Observation Point is! It’s by far my favorite view in Zion National Park.
The good thing is that the East Mesa Trail is a lot less strenuous than the traditional trail up from the canyon floor. The other upside is that it’s not very crowded, so this trail is a great way to escape the crowds in the main Zion Canyon section of the park.
The bad things are that the trail itself is less interesting (though the view at the end is 100% worth it!).
The other downside is that it’s harder to get to. It’s not that hard – I’ve described exactly what to do below – but it does mean going to a different section of the park.
‼️ If you’re a less experienced hiker, I recommend doing the East Mesa Trail out-and-back to Observation Point.
‼️ If you’re an experienced hiker, I LOVE combining this with the East Rim Trail to make a loop.
➡️ See my guide to the East Rim Trail to Observation Point for how to do this.
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Observation Point Zion, East Mesa Trail Details
Distance: 6.6 miles (round trip)
Type: Out-and-back
Elevation change: 300 feet
Observation Point Zion Elevation: The actual point is 6,508 feet above sea level
Observation Point Zion Hike Time: 1.5-2 hours each way
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: The East Mesa Trailhead (see Parking and How to Get There sections below)
Highlights: Observation Point has (IMHO) the best view in Zion National Park!
Fee: There’s no fee for the trail but it’s inside Zion National Park and there’s an entrance fee for the park. Find the latest fees on the NPS website. Note that you do not go through an entrance station to get to the East Mesa Trailhead.
To avoid long lines and save money, if you’re planning to visit more than just Zion National Park this year, it can be great value to purchase an America The Beautiful pass.
➡️ Get an America The Beautiful pass here
Open: All year
Description of the hike to Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
The trail starts from the end of the parking lot. There’s a sign with a map at the trailhead.
The sandy trail starts out fairly flat. It goes through sage brush fields but is mostly through ponderosa and pinyon/juniper forest.
This section of the trail isn’t super exciting, but is pleasant enough.
About 55 minutes into the hike, you’ll see where there are some unofficial but obvious trails off the right. Take them. They go a very short distance to the edge of the canyon.
This isn’t Observation Point, instead, it faces the other direction and looks down over The Narrows, but is spectacular nonetheless. This is a nice place to have a rest.
The trail continues along a very clear and fairly wide sandy path. You can see some more glimpses of Zion Canyon along this section.
About 1.5 hours into the hike, you’ll come to a junction, with a small sign indicating Observation Point in one direction and the Park Boundary (which is where you came from) 2.0 miles in the other direction. Turn right here to follow the sign to Observation Point. The trail to the left is the East Rim Trail.
The last 0.4 miles of the trail is very sandy and more downhill than you realize (you’ll realize on the return trip when it is uphill!)
About 10 minutes after the junction, you’ll arrive at Observation Point.
Be sure to go right to the end. The view is IMO the best view in Zion National Park. You can see the top of Angels Landing, the road through Zion Canyon, and even Zion Lodge.
Look for the small plaque embedded into the rock that indicates the altitude.
This is a great place to have a picnic and soak in the views – but be mindful of the pesky chipmunks. There isn’t much shade, but there are a couple of trees and shrubs that provide some shade, especially if you’re here a little later in the afternoon.
Zion Observation Point Trail Map
This Zion National Park Observation Point trail map includes both the East Rim and the East Mesa Trails, as well as the original Observation Point Trail, so you can follow them and see how they all connect.
East Mesa Trail to Observation Point Parking
Can you drive to Observation Point, Zion National Park?
You can’t drive all the way to Observation Point, but you can, in theory, drive to the East Mesa Trailhead. There’s a small parking area for about a dozen vehicles at the trailhead.
However, the road is unpaved and there’s a section just near the trailhead that’s quite steep, heading down towards the trailhead. If the road is dry and in decent condition, it’s easy enough, but if the road is wet, it gets really muddy and vehicles frequently get bogged on the road.
I’ve seen regular vehicles parked there in summer when the road was very dry, but the NPS state that the road is only accessible by high-clearance / 4-wheel-drive vehicles, so use your own judgement.
Because the road can be extremely muddy when wet, especially in spring, winter and after heavy rains, it’s often completely inaccessible – and towing is expensive because the area is somewhat remote.
The Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort shuttle doesn’t go all the way to the trailhead/ parking. It stops at the top of the steep section. No parking is allowed there, though – and there really isn’t room anyway.
So, you can park – and people do – but always check the state of the road (call Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort and they can tell you) and if it seems that there’s a chance that you’ll get bogged, I wouldn’t try it.
Fortunately, there’s another option …
East Mesa Trail to Observation Point Shuttle
The property around the trailhead, which lies just inside the park boundary, is mostly owned by Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. This a good place to stay for access to the east mesa section of Zion National Park.
➡️ You can book a stay at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort here
However, even if you don’t stay there, they have a super handy hiker shuttle service. It’s not run by the NPS, so there’s a small fee, but you can park at the resort and catch the shuttle to the trailhead, so it’s very convenient. The cost includes a return transfer.
Book the Zion Ponderosa Ranch resort hiker shuttle online here
The shuttles to the trailhead for Observation Point from Zion Ponderosa run frequently throughout the day. They can guestimate what time you’ll be back for pickup, but if you don’t make it (I didn’t), chances are you won’t have to wait (it was actually waiting for me when I got back even though I was almost an hour later than I’d expected).
There’s also cell phone service at the shuttle stop, so if it’s not there, you can just call and they’ll come and pick you up soon after.
The shuttle stop is up the hill from the trailhead, so it’s about a 10-minute walk to/ from the trailhead, which adds a little extra length to your hike.
‼️ This is also a great option if you want to combine the East Rim Trail with the East Mesa Trail and make a loop. They can drop you off at the trailhead for the East Rim Trail. Then you hike the East Rim Trail to Observation Point, then the East Mesa Trail back from Observation Point and get picked up there back to your vehicle. It’s super easy! (Well, the coordination is easy – the hike on the East Trail is not!)
Book the Zion Ponderosa Ranch resort hiker shuttle online here
One thing to keep in mind – if the road is too muddy (after rain or snow), the shuttle won’t run.
Tips for Hiking Observation Point Zion Trail (East Mesa Trail)
⚠️ Afternoon thunderstorms with lightening are common in summer, so be prepared.
⚠️ Be careful near the cliff edge. People have fallen (to their death).
⚠️ Take plenty of water and snacks, especially in summer. It gets really hot and even though you walk through a pine forest for much of the hike, the trail itself is not that shady.
⚠️ If you plan to drive, check the road conditions before you go.
⚠️ If you plan to use the shuttle, call ahead and make a reservation, especially in summer.
⚠️ Not essential, but if you take binoculars, you can see the hikers on the top of Angels Landing.
⚠️ Be mindful of the chipmunks at Observation Point – they can be quite aggressive.
⚠️ If you’re an experienced hiker, and fit, I really recommend combining this with the East Rim Trail from the Stave Spring Trailhead.
FAQS about the East Mesa – Observation Point Hike, Zion National Park
How long is the East Mesa Trail to Observation Point?
It’s 3.4 miles each way from the East Mesa Trailhead to Observation Point.
What is the easiest route to Observation Point in Zion?
The easiest route to Observation Point is the East Mesa Trail.
Can I drive to East Mesa Trailhead?
Yes, you can drive to East Mesa Trailhead. However, it’s only accessible by dirt roads off the North Fork Road. I’ve seen regular cars parked there in summer, though the NPS recommends that it’s only suitable for high-clearance / 4-wheel-drive vehicles. The road there can be extremely muddy and inaccessible in the winter, spring, and after rainstorms.
Why is Observation Point in Zion closed?
The main Observation Point Trail is closed because a huge rock slide completely blocked the trail in 2019 and the NPS hasn’t cleared it yet. However, you can still get there on the East Mesa Trail and the East Rim Trail.
What is the best time of day to visit Observation Point?
Generally late afternoon is the best time to visit Observation Point.
How difficult is Observation Point, Zion?
The hike to Observation Point on the East Mesa Trail is moderate. The hike to Observation Point on the East Rim Trail is challenging.
Do you need a permit to hike Observation Point Zion?
No, you don’t need a permit to Observation Point in Zion National Park.
Is an Observation Point worth it?
Yes, Observation Point is absolutely worth it. It’s the most spectacular view in Zion National Park, and possibly all of Utah.
Where to start an Observation Point hike?
Because the original trail is blocked by a large rockslide, there are three places to start a hike to Observation Point. You can start the hike to Observation Point on the East Mesa Trail from the East Mesa Trailhead.
You can also start a hike on the East Rim Trail from either the East Rim Trailhead or the Stave Spring Trailhead.
Can you see Angels Landing from Observation Point?
Yes. Observation Point is more than 700 feet higher than Angels Landing. You have a bird’s eye view of Angels Landing from Observation Point as you look down the length of Zion Canyon.
How long does Observation Point hike take?
The hike to Observation Point on the East Mesa Trail takes about 1.5-2 hours each way.
Which is better, Observation Point or Angel Landing?
In my opinion, the view from Observation Point is better than the view from Angels Landing. You actually look down on Angels Landing from Observation Point and have an even more expansive and extended view of Zion Canyon.
Travel Insurance
When you do hikes like this, you should definitely get travel insurance. This can cover you not only for medical and emergency repatriation, but can also protect you against things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc. However, not all insurance policies cover hiking, so make sure that yours does.
➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Observation Point!
More Planning Resources for Zion National Park
Do you have any tips for hiking this trail, or questions about it? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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