Observation Point Zion (East Mesa Trail)

7 miles - Moderate Effort
3 Hours (Total)
700 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 6,800 feet
No Dogs Allowed

Observation Point offers marquee views of Zion Canyon, similar to what you might see from the rim of the Grand Canyon. And most people find this hike from the East Mesa Trail relatively easy and doable. The hike is in the east section of the park, away from the crowds. It's calm and relatively peaceful, meandering through pines and firs on the way to Observation Point. Parking can be challenging, but you also have a shuttle bus option; I'll explain it in the guide.

In this Guide:

Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail
Parking for the East Mesa Trail
Insider Tips & Recommendations

Quick Links: Parks Pass - Zion National Park - Weather Forecast - Top Gear Picks (Dec 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Where is the East Mesa Trail?

Getting to the trailhead is the hardest part of the hike. First off, the trailhead is located outside the park's east entrance, so you'll have to drive about an hour from the Visitor Center to reach it. Next, the trailhead is down a section of dirt road. The dirt portion is usually passable; I've often seen low-clearance cars at the parking lot. If it's raining or snowy, though, you'll probably want to give the drive a skip unless you have 4x4. The main problem is that there are only 15 parking spots at the trailhead, and the area surrounding the trailhead is all private with a strict no-parking policy.

The trailhead address is:
E Mesa Trail, Springdale, UT 84767

On the way to the trailhead, you'll pass the Zion Ponderosa. This resort sometimes has a "stop: no hiker parking" sign just past the resort on the road to the trailhead to discourage hikers from driving to a full parking lot. It's not an official no trespassing sign; it's more of a way to avoid parking problems. If you are leaving early, you can safely ignore the warning. If you drive to the trailhead and the lot is full, drive back to the Ponderosa and take a shuttle.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 4 — If you drive to the trailhead, most of the way past the Ponderosa is a standard dirt road.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 1 — There are signs for Observation Point that might be different than your GPS. I'd follow the signs.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 5 — If it's been raining, some sections of the road can be rutted and muddy.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 8 — When you get to the parking lot, there are about 15 spots scattered around the fenced-in area.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 9 — The land around the parking lot is all private, and no parking. If you can't find a parking spot, you must wait for one to open or drive back to the Ponderosa and take the shuttle.

Observation Point Hiker Shuttle

If you arrive at the trailhead for sunrise, you should be okay to get a parking spot. After that, it's a roll of the dice. Luckily the nearby Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort (hotel/motel/glamping) offers an affordable shuttle bus to and from the trailhead. They also provide a shuttle to the nearby Cable Mountain hike. Visit the website or call them for details.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 2 — Whether you use the shuttle or not, you'll pass by the Zion Ponderosa Resort area to get to the trailhead. If you take the shuttle, check in at the main building.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 3 — There is a hiker shuttle parking lot at the Zion Ponderosa.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 7 — The trailhead parking lot has a small waiting area for the shuttle. Most people have cellular service here and are instructed to call the resort when they want a shuttle back.

Gear For the Hike

Although on the longer side for most beginners, there's nothing too tricky or technical about this hike. You can wear light hiking gear or fitness clothing here. Bring at least 1L of water for the hike. In the warmer months there can be pesky insects.

My Latest Gear Picks

Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( Amazon | REI )
HOKA Speedgoat 5 ( Men | Women )
Zpacks Sub-Nero Ultra ( Zpacks | Review )
Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ( REI | Amazon )

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My December 2023 Top Gear Picks

Observation Point Trail Maps

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Elevation Profile

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Zion Elevation — This one-way elevation chart is a bit exaggerated, don't get scared. The beginning is a very gradual uphill. At about 2 miles in, you start to hike downhill toward Observation Point. The uphill section can get your heart rate up on the way back, but it's not too long.

3D Map

Observation Point from Zion Canyon

Before August of 2019, it was possible to hike to Observation Point from Zion Canyon using the lower East Mesa / Weeping Rock Trail. Unfortunately, a massive rockfall (caught on video below), dumped 435,712 cubic feet of debris over that lower trail. A geological survey suggested more activity in the area, and the trail has been closed indefinitely. Today the easiest way to reach Observation Point is using the route described here.

Observation Point Hike Directions

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Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 10 — Go to the end of the parking area and pass through the fence.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 11 — Follow the trail as it curves around to the left.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 13 — And then there's a Zion NP trailhead info sign. Hike straight from here.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 14 — There's not much to say about the first few miles except that they're a mellow walk through the pines and firs. Just follow the trail.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 15 — At about 2 miles in, keep your eyes open for a trail to the right. There's a nice viewpoint to check out.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 16 — There's a great view up into Mystery Canyon from the viewpoint. When you're done, head back and continue up the trail.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 17 — The trail starts to go downhill and you have nice views left into Echo Canyon.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 18 — And then the trail pops out on the other side, and to your right are views across Zion Canyon.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 19 — At about 3.1 miles in you'll arrive at the (easy to miss) junction with the Observation Point spur trail on the right. Make the hard right.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 20 — Here's the sign at that last junction.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 21 — After about 0.25 miles you'll reach the Observation Point area.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 22 — And here is your postcard-perfect viewpoint into Zion Canyon!

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Zion Views — Directly in front of you is Angel's Landing and below that, the Virgin River and road going through the park.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 24 — And there are great views north into Zion Canyon.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 25 — If you are into finding USGS markers, there's one on the cliff here.

Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail Directions 26 — Once you're done enjoying the views, just turn around and return the same way that you hiked in.

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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