Canyon Overlook | Zion National Park
Location: Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, USA
Distance: 1.6 km (1 mile)
Time to Complete: 1 hour Round Trip
Difficulty: Moderate
The Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park, Utah is a stunning introduction to all that this incredible park has to offer. It is known as a great alternative trail to the intense and dangerous hike of Angel’s Landing, which now requires a permit and is quite busy with thousands of tourists. The trail is quite family-friendly and can be done by people of almost any age or ability level.
The 1.6 km Canyon Overlook features similar panoramic views that Angel’s landing does and is not nearly as dangerous. On top of that, it only takes around 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint. The trail itself is well-maintained but does have some spots where hikers should be cautious as there are rocks and uneven dirt trails on some parts. On one side of the trail are rocky cliffs and overhangs and the other reveals a deep ravine called the Pine Creek Narrows.
For a much less busy, but equally spectacular experience in Zion National Park visit Kolob Canyons near New Harmony, Utah, which is located at a completely separate section of the park with its own entrance.
How to Get to Canyon Overlook
It is best to have a car to get to the trailhead as there is no shuttle that goes there.
Starting from the base of the mountains at Zion Canyon Visitor Center, visitors will continue heading 1.4 miles on SR-9 to the south entrance. Once inside, they’ll continue for another 5.9 miles. Driving through some incredible canyons visitors will eventually head into Mount Carmel Tunnel which goes directly through the mountain. Immediately exiting the tunnel there is a small parking lot on the right side of the road. The trailhead is across the street.
Canyon Overlook Map
Entrance Fees for Zion National Park
If you are planning on visiting Zion National Park multiple times during your vacation or are planning on checking out some other national parks then it is recommended to buy the annual pass for $80. This allows you year-round access to any national park throughout the USA making it much more affordable than paying entrance fees at each park.
Private Vehicle: $35
Motorcycle: $30
Snowmobile: $20
Per Person: $20.00
There are also some fee-free days on some of the following national holidays.
Monday, January 16 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 22 — First Day of National Park Week
Friday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 23 — National Public Lands Day
Saturday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Exploratory Glory YouTube Channel
Canyon Overlook Photos
More Utah Hiking Trails
