As you climb the trail you will have a view of the entrance to Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel. This 1.1 mile tunnel, completed in 1930, was originally constructed to provide direct access to Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon from Zion. There are restrictions on oversized vehicles entering the tunnel. Be sure to check with the park service if you will be traveling in a large camper, RV or bus.  The bridge spans Pine Creek Canyon, a popular canyoneering route in Zion.

The trail continues along a dirt path leading to a picturesque alcove lined with maidenhair fern. The shady overhang and water seeping through the sandstone provide the fern with the environment they need for a healthy existence. It’s also an enjoyable resting point for hikers!

Some sections of the trail wind close to the cliff edge. The sandstone can be slick or covered in sand so watch your footing while in these areas.

The long, winding slit in the rocks below is Pine Creek Canyon, a favorite of canyoneers. We could hear the canyoneers talking and even screaming as they entered the cold water in the canyon. They literally have to swim in some sections of the canyon. An overhanging walkway constructed along this section of the hike is used to connect a small portion of the trail.

The scenery, as you can image, is outstanding along Canyon Overlook trail. The trail will take you over slickrock with views of interesting hoodoos (strange rock formations) that can be seen in almost every direction.

The twist and turns of the famous Zion Switchbacks, similar to the swithchbacks we drove on the Moki Dugway in Utah, can be seen at the trails end. The switchbacks are located at the west entrance to the tunnel. This winding road that doubles back on itself has been known to be thrilling to some while scary to others. However you regard the drive you’d have to agree the surrounding vistas are magnificent.

At the end of Canyon Overlook Trail the scene is breathtaking. Towering cliffs can be seen in the distance with lower Zion Canyon below. A fenced view point, located to the right of this image, gives you an impressive view of the scenery below. At this point you will be directly above the Great Arch which is pictured below.

More great places to explore in Utah, Arizona & Colorado!

Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
Canyonlands National Park – Meas Arch – Utah
Antelope Canyon – Upper & Lower – Arizona
Monument Valley – Arizona
Mesa Verde National Park – Colorado
Garden of the Gods – Colorado

The Great Arch in Zion National Park seen from the other side of the canyon. You can see the Canyon Overlook Trail viewpoint where we hiked to above the Great Arch…breathtaking. The photo above was taken near the west entrance of the tunnel around the switchbacks.

Zion Canyon View

The view across Zion Canyon is so stunning that you will almost certainly want to sit awhile to take it all in. I know we did. It was early morning when we arrived. The air was cool and the sky was blue, there was nothing else we could ask for. We were content to sit and admire our surroundings.

If you’d like to hike to a high elevation viewpoint without a strenuous trek like some of the more demanding hikes in Zion, then Canyon Overlook Trail is a good choice. This moderate trail, only gaining 163 feet in elevation, is 1-mile roundtrip taking approximately 1-hour to complete and the views are outstanding!

For lodging deals in any season near Zion National Park you can check on Booking.com.

Have you hiked the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion or another trail that you can compare to this trail? Tell us about your hiking experience in Zion in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!