Observation Point and Hidden Canyon in Zion National Park, UT

Hike Observation Point and Hidden Canyon Zion National Park, UT

Class 1 8.9 miles 2400 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back May 17, 2015
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Observation Point and Hidden Canyon GPX Track

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This really nice hike up to Observation Point starts at Weeping Rock and heads up a bunch of paved switchbacks along the East Mesa Trail before leaving the main canyon views and entering the Echo Canyon watercourse. It's a quieter area of Zion's main canyon than the other popular hikes, but there will still be plenty of people the whole way up. The sheer canyon walls seen up-close are gorgeous. The trail continues to gain elevation as it skirts the cliff face and puts you up on the mesa top, where a trail leads out to Observation Point. While this isn't a peak and is just an overlook, it definitely has incredible views of the canyon, including looking down on the dots of people on Angel's Landing.

On the way back I decided to check out Hidden Canyon, another official trail leading off the East Mesa Trail. There are great views of the Virgin River Canyon before entering Hidden Canyon. Along the way the trail has some handrails and switchbacks. It's a popular, great little canyon with wonderful features. The trail is paved until the Hidden Canyon mouth. Years ago the canyon was open to exploring, but now signs mark a turn-around point to preserve the canyon's plant and animal life.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Observation Point
6507 ft
n/a rise

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Starting along the East Mesa Trail.
Starting along the East Mesa Trail.
View back down the initial switchbacks, the trailhead visible bottom right.
View back down the initial switchbacks, the trailhead visible bottom right.
Ascending the East Mesa Trail.
Ascending the East Mesa Trail.
Entering the Echo Canyon watercourse. Gorgeous slot.
Entering the Echo Canyon watercourse. Gorgeous slot.
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No way to illustrate the scale of this massive sheer rock face.
No way to illustrate the scale of this massive sheer rock face.
Along the East Mesa Trail, within Echo Canyon.
Along the East Mesa Trail, within Echo Canyon.
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Looking into Echo Canyon along Observation Point Trail.
Looking into Echo Canyon along Observation Point Trail.
After emerging from Echo Canyon, the trail continues ascending.
After emerging from Echo Canyon, the trail continues ascending.
Ascending out of Echo Canyon.
Ascending out of Echo Canyon.
View back.
View back.
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The East Mesa Trail hugs the cliff face and ascends using an insanely-constructed trail.
The East Mesa Trail hugs the cliff face and ascends using an insanely-constructed trail.
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Overlook into Zion.
Overlook into Zion.
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Higher up, view into the Virgin River Canyon.
Higher up, view into the Virgin River Canyon.
Approaching Observation Point.
Approaching Observation Point.
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The mesas surrounding Zion Canyon from Observation Point.
The mesas surrounding Zion Canyon from Observation Point.
Obeservation Point. Angel's landing is visible on the left.
Obeservation Point. Angel's landing is visible on the left.
Obeservation Point. Angel's landing is visible on the right.
Obeservation Point. Angel's landing is visible on the right.
On the way back, I decided to head into Hidden Canyon. Some switchbacks and a short handrail section leads into the mouth of Hidden Canyon.
On the way back, I decided to head into Hidden Canyon. Some switchbacks and a short handrail section leads into the mouth of Hidden Canyon.
Entering Hidden Canyon.
Entering Hidden Canyon.
The end of the marked section of the Hidden Canyon Trail. Past here the park service might have blocked the canyon. Please follow regulations used to protect the environment.
The end of the marked section of the Hidden Canyon Trail. Past here the park service might have blocked the canyon. Please follow regulations used to protect the environment.
A few shots from within Hidden Canyon.
A few shots from within Hidden Canyon.
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There were a bunch of water obstacles on the way up Hidden Canyon.
There were a bunch of water obstacles on the way up Hidden Canyon.
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Scrambling through Hidden Canyon, past the marked trail. I don't know the current status of this being legal or not. Please don't pass any signs marking the end of the trail.
Scrambling through Hidden Canyon, past the marked trail. I don't know the current status of this being legal or not. Please don't pass any signs marking the end of the trail.
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An arch within Hidden Canyon.
An arch within Hidden Canyon.
Moss and colors of Hidden Canyon.
Moss and colors of Hidden Canyon.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!