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Observation Point, Zion National Park

Posted on August 24, 2008 by: Traveler

  • Looking up to our destination and out at the amphitheater we would eventually be looking down on.
  • Along the first series of switchbacks is a trail leading off to the summit of the Great White Throne
  • By beginning in the morning, the opposite wall of the amphitheater (Angel's Landing side) will catch the first sun.
  • Heading into Echo Canyon.
  • Hiker in Echo Canyon. The chill of a December morning lingers between these walls.
  • The start of a slot canyon for those heading up Echo Canyon. In reality, it is the end of this slot.
  • The trail rises along the left side of the small slot canyon. Here a hiker takes a break.
  • Continuing along the slot canyon, the trail eventually turns away to the left.
  • Canyon wall to the right of the trail.
  • A sapling that took root in the crack of the canyon wall.
  • Observation Point trail.
  • Pine tree seen from the Observation Point trail.
  • Winter storm clouds brewing out over the Zion backcountry.
  • Looking back toward Zion Canyon.
  • The trail eventually makes a 180 degree left hand turn (up another series of switchbacks) away from the Zion backcountry.
  • Ponderosa Pine tree roots.
  • Pink cliffs up high.
  • Sandstone detail. Photo by Mark Egge.
  • Only minimal elevation rise left. The trail skirts along a shelf on the cliff just ahead and to the right.
  • The shelf from the right side of the photo leads to Observation Point.
  • Juniper trees line the edge of the shelf along the final sweeping left turn.
  • Looking south down Zion Canyon. The Great White Throne is on the left side and the top of Angel's Landing is below the skyline on the right side.
  • The cliff to the right is along the final sweeping left hand turn before walking straight out to Observation Point.
  • This vantage is from Observation Point looking back to the final sweeping left hand turn of the trail.
  • Juniper tree detail near Observation Point.
  • Edge of Observation Point.
  • Zion Canyon from Observation Point.
  • Looking across to the opposite wall from Observation Point.
  • looking down at Angel's Landing and The Organ.
  • The Organ.
  • From the canyon floor, Observation Point is the highest point in the background (red colored tip).

Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Closest City: Springdale
State: 58
Country: 209

DIRECTIONS: From the main entrance of Zion National Park, take the free park shuttle (March 28th through October 31st) to the Weeping Rock drop-off. In the off-season, it is permissible to drive your own vehicle to the parking lot. There are toilets at this parking area. The trail begins on the back side of the small parking area

DESCRIPTION: The Observation Point trail is an eight mile (round trip) hike which rises over two thousand feet. From the parking lot the trail immediately starts it's gain over a series of switchbacks. After this initial set of switchbacks, you will enter Echo Canyon. A small slot canyon forms here and the trail will rise to the left side as the small slot gets deeper and deeper. Soon, the backcountry of Zion comes into view as you look to the wilderness to the north. You won't be facing this way too long as Observation Point is behind. After a couple more sets of switchbacks, and rounding a right hand bend, Zion Canyon opens up all way past the city of Springdale, UT. With this view pretty much means your elevation gain is over. A left turning bench set below a hundred foot cliff will take you to the junction with the East Mesa Trail. Turn left and walk straight toward the edge of the canyon cliffs. Directly below will be the winding Virgin River around The Organ which is attached to Angel's Landing. Once at the top, hikers will be at a vantage looking straight down (southeast) Zion Canyon.

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Tags

Zion National Park, Observation Point Trail, Angels Landing, The Organ, The Great White Thrown, Virgin River, slot canyon, backpacking, camping, Utah, Springdale

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