#Observation point trail pro

You can read all about them in my post below! They are always ready to help you find your next adventure at Zion! If you are still weary of where to go, you can ask for a map at the front desk. All you have to do is head out of the resort as you normally would, but turn left on Twin Knolls road instead of right. If you are staying at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort it’ll be a shorter drive for you to get to the trailhead.

If you don’t have a 4×4 I’d proceed with caution or be sure to only visit when it is dry! GETTING TO EAST MESA TRAILHEAD FROM ZION PONDEROSA RANCH RESORT As mentioned, the dirt roads can get extremely muddy after the snow melts or after a bad rainstorm.

#Observation point trail pro

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Utah’s Mighty 5 I highly suggest investing in the America The Beautiful Park Pass– you’ll get your money’s worth!įrom there you’ll follow the road until it turns to dirt and continue along, following the signs for Observation Point along the way. If you’re staying at the nearby Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort it would be wise to check the with them on the condition of the road before embarking on your adventure! If you don’t have a 4×4 it will be difficult to reach the East Mesa Trailhead in the mud. Early Spring, or even after a big rainstorm, you can expect the back roads and trail itself to be muddy. The main thing you want to look out for when visiting is the road condition. Because of the easy nature of this trail, it wouldn’t be a bad one to hike for sunrise or sunset! If you visit midday the sun can be extremely harsh for photos. Some of the hike is exposed to the sun and would be extremely hot during the summer unless you can begin and end before afternoon hits. Mid-late spring, summer, or in the fall are the best times to hike to Observation Point from the East Mesa Trail. If it is, the East Mesa Trail will be your way of being able to still hike to Observation Point! WHEN TO VISIT Pro Tip: The trail leading from the bottom of the canyon can be closed a lot of the time. It is easier than hiking from the bottom. Note: The trail covered in this post leads to Observation Point within Zion National Park but begins outside of the park in a more remote location. If climbing thousands of feet in elevation doesn’t sound fun and you are looking for an easier way to reach Observation Point- you’ve found it! This hike review is going to cover the easier trail of the two, which is accessed outside of the park via East Mesa Trail. There are two ways to get to Observation Point within Zion National Park- from the bottom of the canyon, within the park itself where you’ll climb over 2000 feet in elevation, or from a more hidden trail, named East Mesa Trail, which begins from the top of the canyon.

Once at the lookout point, you can see deep into the canyon of Zion and even beyond if it is a clear day. This description is for the more common Main Canyon approach.Observation Point provides some of the most impressive views of Zion National Park. Note: Observation Point can be done from the Main Canyon or from the top. Plan on having lunch or a snack at the top and take in the views. The first half of the hike is shaded until mid-morning, while the rest of the hike will be sunny and hot. If doing the hike in the summer, start early and bring several quarts of water. Safe, and not difficult, but not recommended for young children or those afraid of heights. It has many sections of exposed trail hiking. The hike can be done year around, but any snow or ice would make it incredibly dangerous. The view of Angel's from Observation Point really changes the perspective on Angel's Landing if you've already done it. If you are planning on doing both, do Angel's first. Angel's is a little more adventurous, but Observation gains a loftier perch and different perspective. In my mind, it is tied with Angel's Landing for views. Observation Point is the hike to do in Zion if you are looking for big views.