Trail: Canyon Overlook Trail
Location: Zion National Park
Difficulty: Easy, with a few exposed sections and drop-offs
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour round-trip at a leisurely pace
Elevation: 3,900 feet at the trailhead, with approximately 160 feet of elevation gain
Family Friendly: Yes, with supervision due to cliffs and narrow sections
Dog Friendly: No
Getting There: From St. George, drive east on State Route 9 through Hurricane and into Zion National Park. Continue along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and pass through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. The trailhead is immediately east of the tunnel. Driving time is approximately 45–60 minutes from St. George. Parking is limited.
Perched just above the iconic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, the Canyon Overlook Trail continues to be one of Southern Utah’s most rewarding short hikes. At just one mile round-trip, it delivers the kind of sweeping, high-elevation views that typically require far more effort—making it a go-to for both first-time visitors and locals who want a quick reset with a big payoff.
Originally highlighted by Bo Beck and Tanya Milligan , this trail has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s approachable, scenic, and just adventurous enough to feel like you’ve earned the view.
A Short Trail With Big Personality
The hike begins immediately east of the tunnel along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, where a series of carved sandstone steps lead you upward from the roadside. From the start, the landscape shifts—trading the towering canyon walls of Zion’s main corridor for a more playful terrain of slickrock, hoodoos, and open sky.
Along the way, hikers pass a shaded alcove where water seepage feeds delicate maidenhair ferns—a small but memorable contrast to the surrounding desert. Peer down into Pine Creek Canyon and you might catch the distant echo of canyoneers navigating the slot below, a reminder that Zion’s adventure runs deeper than what’s visible from the trail.
There are a few narrow sections with drop-offs, but most exposed areas are reinforced with railings. Still, this is not a “zone out and scroll your phone” kind of hike—stay present, especially with kids.
The View That Always Hits
The final stretch opens onto a broad slickrock perch overlooking lower Zion Canyon. From here, the perspective flips—you’re looking down on formations that many visitors only ever see from the canyon floor.
Massive sandstone features rise in every direction, including the West Temple, the Towers of the Virgin, and the distinctive white domes known as the Beehives. The contrast of red cliffs against pale Navajo sandstone gives this side of Zion its signature look—one that feels almost sculpted by hand.
And yes, if you’re lucky, this is prime territory for spotting desert bighorn sheep.
Timing, Access, and What’s Changed
Access remains the same: the trailhead sits just east of the tunnel along the highway, which is open year-round and not serviced by the park shuttle. That alone makes this hike especially appealing during peak season when shuttle lines fill up quickly.
Parking, however, is still the wildcard. The small lot fills fast, especially mid-day. Early morning or golden hour continues to be the sweet spot—not just for parking, but for softer light and a more relaxed experience.
Spring remains one of the best times to go. Wildflowers dot the trail, temperatures are manageable, and the light across the canyon adds depth you simply don’t get in the harsher months.
A Classic Worth Repeating
In a park known for bucket-list hikes, Canyon Overlook quietly holds its own. It doesn’t demand much—but it delivers anyway.
For locals, it’s the kind of trail you come back to again and again. For visitors, it’s often the hike that surprises them most.
Sometimes the best views in Zion don’t require a full-day commitment—just a good pair of shoes and a little curiosity.
