Observation Point Zion National Park
Experience Zion's most epic views from Observation Point, looking down on Angel's Landing via the challenging East Mesa Trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the limited parking
Observation Point Zion National Park
Best Time
Beat the limited parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Zion's most epic views from Observation Point, looking down on Angel's Landing via the challenging East Mesa Trail.
"Arguably the best view in Zion, better and higher than Angel's Landing, and there's no bus, lottery, or wait to get here."
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
The last 5 miles to the trailhead are rough dirt roads with deep divots. A high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is strongly advised.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
The trailhead parking lot has only about 20 spots. Arrive by 7 AM on weekdays to secure a spot.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 84 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Panoramic Vista
Observation Point Summit
Unrivaled, sweeping views looking down on Zion Canyon and Angel's Landing. Truly breathtaking.
Angel's Landing from Above
Observation Point Summit
See the famous Angel's Landing hike from a bird's-eye perspective, a unique and awe-inspiring sight.
East Mesa Trail Scenery
East Mesa Trail
Enjoy surprisingly beautiful desert flora and lesser-known canyon views along the approach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Observation Point: The East Mesa Trail
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
The last 5 miles to the trailhead are rough dirt roads with deep divots. A high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is strongly advised.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
The trailhead parking lot has only about 20 spots. Arrive by 7 AM on weekdays to secure a spot.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This 7-mile hike can be strenuous, especially in warmer months. Stay hydrated!
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is a mix of gravel, sand, and stone. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
The last 5 miles to the trailhead are rough dirt roads with deep divots. A high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is strongly advised.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
The trailhead parking lot has only about 20 spots. Arrive by 7 AM on weekdays to secure a spot.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This 7-mile hike can be strenuous, especially in warmer months. Stay hydrated!
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is a mix of gravel, sand, and stone. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential.
📸 Capture the Epic Views
Photos don't do it justice, but try to capture the vastness from multiple angles.
🚫 No Permit Needed
Enjoy incredible Zion views without the permit hassle of Angel's Landing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unparalleled, breathtaking views from Observation Point, often calling it the best in Zion. The hike itself is considered manageable, but the challenging access road to the East Mesa Trailhead is a significant hurdle, with many recommending a 4x4 vehicle. Despite the access difficulties, the reward of the stunning vista makes it a highly recommended experience.
"Getting to the trail (part of the adventure): Gravel & dirt roads the whole way with foot deep divets at the end on the last stretch. 4-wheel drive is A-MUST if you go in spring, winter, or any other time where the road might be wet & muddy. I did not have 4-wheel drive - just a car and I had to do a balancing act with the car on the way in and out to make sure my tires didn't fall in, lol, quite nerve wrecking, so definitely recommend the 4-wheel drive!
The hike: 7 miles round trip to the top & back. Parking lot has about 20 spots. I got there early 7:10am (3rd car there), but shuttles (paid for service) drop people off here also, so there were about 10 people I passed on the path. Gravel, sand, and stone paths the whole way - I jog/walked it in & out, because #1 I had time restraints this morning #2 fairly easy hike with wide paths - once you get closer to the top there are other small overlook trails I would recommend to take a moment to view on your way up (not marked, but you can see the visible trails).
Since I got to the top early, I had the view to myself, which was amazing to sit, listen to the silence, and take it all in. As I was getting ready to leave, another couple came up, and we were able to take pictures for each, which was also nice. Parking lot was full when I got back around 9:30am. A car was waiting and took my spot when I left (lots of posted signs about being sure to only park in designated parking spots).
The views: Must-see with your own eyes. Pictures do not do it justice. Make sure to take in the view from all sides.
Overall a must-do hike. Views at the top are worth the long, but easy hike to the top."
melody
"What a great trail and amazing view. We used the East Mesa trailhead, about 8 miles round trip, fairly easy walking with great views along the way. I recommend using the shuttle they offer at Zion ponderosa ranch resort, it was $7 per person. The drive to the trailhead was messy a truck can easily make it but if you have a rental car it can get a little sketchy, and there is limited parking at the trailhead"
Aaron B
"Arguably the best view in Zion, better and higher than Angel's Landing, and there's no bus, lottery, or wait to get here
As of June 2025, rockfalls have closed off the main trails from in Zion Canyon up to Observation Point. The only way to get here now is through the East Mesa Trailhead, about an hour east from Springdale, but the views along the way absolutely make up for it. Zion's East Rim isn't as grandiose as the main canyon, but it's highly underated with flora and views are still amazing"
Tyler Norris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main trail from Zion Canyon is closed. You must access Observation Point via the East Mesa Trailhead. This requires driving outside the park on rough dirt roads, especially the last half-mile, making a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle highly recommended. Limited parking means an early start or using a shuttle from Zion Ponderosa Resort is advised.
Yes, the last 5 miles are a progressively worsening dirt road with deep divots and large rocks. It's described as a 'roller coaster' and can be impassable after rain without 4x4.
It's possible with a front-wheel-drive vehicle if there's been no recent rain and you drive very carefully, but it's stressful. A 4x4 is strongly recommended to avoid damage and stress.
Yes, Zion Ponderosa Resort offers a shuttle service to the trailhead, which can be a good alternative if you don't have a suitable vehicle.
The East Mesa Trailhead is about an hour's drive east from Springdale, outside the main Zion Canyon area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, unlike Angel's Landing, Observation Point does not require a permit. This makes it a great alternative for those who couldn't secure a permit or are uncomfortable with chains.
Yes, you will need to pay the standard Zion National Park entrance fee to access the park, even though the trailhead is outside the main canyon.
Observation Point is accessible during park hours. However, the East Mesa Trailhead access road may have restrictions or be less safe to drive in the dark.
While technically possible, winter and spring can make the access road very challenging due to mud and snow. Check road conditions before you go.
Yes, the shuttle service offered by Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort typically has a per-person fee, around $7.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike via the East Mesa Trail is approximately 7 miles round trip (about 3.3 miles each way). If you explore smaller overlooks along the way, it could be closer to 8 miles round trip.
The East Mesa Trail is relatively flat for most of its length, with about 700 feet of elevation gain concentrated towards the end.
The hike itself is considered fairly easy to moderate due to its length and gradual incline. The main challenge is accessing the trailhead.
The trail consists of gravel, sand, and stone paths, winding through a forest. Be prepared for varied footing.
Yes, there are several unmarked but visible smaller overlooks along the trail that offer great views and are worth exploring on your way up.
📸 📸 Photography
The main summit offers the iconic view looking down on Angel's Landing and the entire canyon. Explore the edges for different perspectives.
Sunset can be beautiful as the canyon walls glow, but sunrise might be challenging due to the drive time and road conditions in the dark.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on Angel's Landing.
Due to the access challenges, crowds are significantly smaller than at other popular Zion viewpoints, allowing for more peaceful photography.
Absolutely! Observation Point provides a superior vantage point to photograph Angel's Landing from above, showcasing its dramatic scale.
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