For our last hike on our trip to Zion National Park back in 2013, we decided to hike up the Canyon Overlook Trail. My two older boys came with me as Dave remained in the car with the younger kids.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is located just past the Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel
First off, we found the Canyon Overlook Trail just as we exited the Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel, driving East on Highway 9 in Zion National Park, UT.
There is a parking lot on the south side of the road right across the street from the Canyon Overlook Trail entrance. Because it was winter, we had the parking lot almost to ourselves. That said, it can be super busy during the summer months and so planning ahead needs to be taken into consideration.
After parking, we looked for the trail head. You can see the entrance to the Canyon Overlook Trail in the above photo at the bottom right. A metal hand rail marked the spot where we began our hike.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is just over a 1 mile hike round trip
While there was a steep incline at the beginning, I had no problem hiking this fairly easy trail with my older boys. The Canyon Overlook Trail takes just over an hour to complete the hike round trip.
I loved seeing the stacked rocks from fellow hikers. Since the hiking trails are not always well defined, these stacked rocks not only provided something beautiful, but also let us know we were on the right path. Another thing I loved seeing on this hike were the trees and bushes dotting the pathways.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a great photography desination
In addition to a great hike, the Canyon Overlook Trail can be a photographer’s dream. I loved looking at and photographing the interesting rock formations, colors, and strata.
Almost everywhere I turned, beautiful locations surrounded me. Hence I stopped often to take photographs.
I’ve heard that some of the most breathtaking shots ever photographed of Zion National Park have been taken at the end of this trail. As much as I wanted to complete the hike, unfortunately the sun finished setting and we had to turn back. As a result, I didn’t get to photograph the final destination. Even though I didn’t make it to the end, I am still glad that I got to experience this beautiful hike and hope to return someday.
Thanks for reading and sharing my adventures with me!
Happy travels!
Juventa Vezzani
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