Weeping Rock Trail Zion National Park
Zion's shortest hike (0.4 miles RT) leads to a stunning alcove with dripping springs and vibrant hanging gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are fullest, fewer crowds
Weeping Rock Trail Zion National Park
Best Time
Waterfalls are fullest, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zion's shortest hike (0.4 miles RT) leads to a stunning alcove with dripping springs and vibrant hanging gardens.
"Walk behind a waterfall and discover a hidden world of lush greenery at Zion's Weeping Rock."
Check Trail Status First
Closures can happen due to rockfalls. Always verify the trail is open before heading out.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paved trail is steep and can be slippery near the water. Good grip is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Rating
3.6 · 5 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Alcove & Hanging Gardens
End of the trail
Walk behind a seasonal waterfall into a lush alcove with dripping springs and vibrant hanging gardens.
+1Panoramic Mountain Views
Along the trail
Enjoy stunning vistas of Zion's towering sandstone cliffs and the valley floor as you ascend.
The Waterfall Experience
Alcove
Experience the unique sensation of standing behind a gentle cascade, especially vibrant in spring.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Status & Reopening
+3Accessibility & Effort
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Status First
Closures can happen due to rockfalls. Always verify the trail is open before heading out.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paved trail is steep and can be slippery near the water. Good grip is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Even for a short hike, staying hydrated is key in Zion's desert climate. :droplet:
Capture the Moment
The alcove offers unique photo opportunities, especially behind the waterfall. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Status First
Closures can happen due to rockfalls. Always verify the trail is open before heading out.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paved trail is steep and can be slippery near the water. Good grip is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Even for a short hike, staying hydrated is key in Zion's desert climate. :droplet:
Capture the Moment
The alcove offers unique photo opportunities, especially behind the waterfall. :camerawithflash:
Shuttle is Key
Access is via the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Stop #7 is for Weeping Rock. 🚌
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Weeping Rock Trail for its unique waterfall alcove and lush hanging gardens, making it a memorable short hike. However, some note the trail's steepness and the fact that the waterfall can be a mere trickle outside of spring. There are also concerns about the trail's history of closures due to rockfalls, with some reviews incorrectly stating it's permanently closed.
"Short 0.4 round trip but steep and all uphill to get to the alcove. It is paved so we had thought to give it a look but opted to not try and get a wheelchair up to it. It would be doable but once you hit the top there are several stairs. I think it took me 15 minutes total."
Rebecca Schuler
"Shorter trail with ok views and a wet finish."
Tim Faass
"This trail is forever closed. There was a landslide 2 years ago and more will fall eventually. Always marked as available and a bus stop, but it will not reopen in the foreseeable future."
Nancy Ross
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Weeping Rock Trail is via the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Take the shuttle to Stop #7. The trailhead is located near the shuttle stop.
Yes, Shuttle Stop #7 for Weeping Rock has reopened as of September 5, 2025, following trail repairs.
No, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for most of the year. You must use the mandatory Zion Canyon Shuttle.
Parking is limited at the main Zion Visitor Center. Arrive early or consider parking in the town of Springdale and using the Springdale Shuttle to reach the park entrance.
While the East Mesa Trail can lead to Observation Point, it is a separate route and does not directly connect to the Weeping Rock Trailhead. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no separate ticket required for Weeping Rock Trail. Your park entrance fee covers access to all trails within Zion National Park.
The trail is generally open during park hours. However, it's always best to check the official Zion National Park website for any temporary closures or alerts.
Yes, the Weeping Rock Trail officially reopened on September 5, 2025, after extensive repairs following a rockfall in November 2023.
The standard entrance fee for Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. An annual National Parks Pass is also an option.
Yes, your National Parks Pass covers the entrance fee to Zion National Park, allowing you access to all trails, including Weeping Rock.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Weeping Rock Trail is a very short hike, only 0.4 miles round-trip.
It's rated as easy in terms of distance, but it is steep with about 98 feet of elevation gain in a short span.
Yes, the trail leads you behind the alcove where water drips from the rock face, creating a unique waterfall experience.
Yes, it's considered family-friendly due to its short length, though the steepness might be a challenge for very young children or those with mobility issues.
These are lush, green plants that grow on the moist cliff face, sustained by the constant seepage of water from the sandstone.
📸 📸 Photography
The alcove itself, with the water dripping and the hanging gardens, offers a unique perspective. The trail also provides scenic overlooks of the canyon.
Yes, the trail allows you to walk behind the alcove, providing a fantastic opportunity for photos with the water as a natural frame.
Morning light can be beautiful, but the alcove is often shaded. Midday can offer good contrast, but be mindful of crowds.
Consider a tripod for low-light conditions in the alcove and a wider lens to capture the scale of the hanging gardens and canyon views.
No, drone usage is prohibited in Zion National Park, including at Weeping Rock Trail, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit