The Canyon Overlook Hiking Trail in Zion National Park is a fun breathtaking hike in this beautiful National Park. During our trip to
Zion National Park during the winter of 2012, Ashley and I had the chance to hike the short but exhilarating Canyon Overlook Trail. The Canyon Overlook Trail offers amazing views of the canyon walls and massive rock monoliths in Zion National Park. The Canyon Overlook Trail is a must do hike for those visiting the park and are looking for a short rewarding hike! For more pictures make sure to checkout our
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Directions to Trailhead: Zion National Park is located just outside of St. George, Utah. To get from California to Zion National Park take the 15 freeway to St. George Utah. There you will take state highway 9 all the way to Zion National Park. To get to the Canyon Overlook Trailhead in Zion National Park take the Mt. Carmel Highway through the long tunnel. The trailhead for the Canyon Overlook Trail is to the left when you exit the long tunnel on your way to the east entrance of Zion National Park. The
Mt. Carmel Highway Tunnel is a one mile tunnel, blasted out of solid sandstone. It was begun in 1928 and completed in 1930. Visitors still use the tunnel when entering Zion National Park from the east. Large vehicles may require an escort when going through the tunnel.
Description of Hike: The Canyon Overlook Hiking Trail in Zion National Park is well maintained by the
National Park Service. It is a relatively short hike at roughly 1 mile roundtrip and has an elevation gain of approximately 170 feet. The
hike goes along sections with long drop-offs, however most of them are fenced for added safety The Canyon Overlook Hiking Trail in Zion National Park is a rocky uneven hiking trail which ends at a spectacular viewpoint of Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon. During the winter time expect to find this trail covered in snow and ice.
Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed our hike on the Canyon Overlook Trail. There are amazing breathtaking views along the entire length of the Canyon Overlook Trail. The sections of the trails which go along the steep drop offs are breathtaking, so make sure to have your camera with you. Anytime of the year you are likely to see other hikers and park visitors on this hiking trail. The parking area can also fill up quickly, so it might take time to get a parking spot at the trailhead parking area for the Canyon Overlook Trail.
Although we did not see any while we were on this hike, we were told by the park rangers at Zion National Park that desert bighorn sheep can be seen in this section of the park. Z
ion National Park is home to 69 species of mammals, 208 birds, 29 reptiles, 6 amphibians, and 9 different fish species. Commonly seen animals include mule deer, lizards, and many species of birds. We saw many mule deer while at Zion National Park as well as a ring tail cat while hiking in the evening near Zion Lodge. Bottom-line is make sure to bring your camera with you while hiking here, as you have a great chance of seeing wildlife.
Zion National Park is a beautiful place that is a hikers paradise. It offers a wide range of hiking trails from easy to strenuous. Ashley and I are looking forward to our next visit to Zion National Park. We stayed at the Zion Lodge which we also highly recommend to visitors looking to spend quality time at Zion National Park. Zion Lodge is located along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (Floor of the Valley Road) in the heart of Zion Canyon.
Rating: Elevation Gain: 170 ft. (Easy), Distance: 1 Mile Roundtrip (Easy).
Time to Complete Hike: 1 hour.
MORE TRAIL WRITE-UPS IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
Canyon Overlook Trail (This Post)
Great stuff --- another good post to read.
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