It might not be the best way to do this, but we ended up doing this hike after hiking Hidden Canyon Trail. Like I mentioned in my previous post, we overestimated the Hidden Canyon hike, thinking it would take us half the day to do it, when in fact we were done in about an hour and half(including a breakfast picnic). So we decided since Hidden Canyon trail connects with Observation point trail and we were already there to press on to Observation Point. We actually thought we would do part of it until we were tired(or hot) and then turn around and go back down. But believe me when I say, it is a hard trail to turn your back to, the stunning scenery just kept going, and like a magnet, it attracted us all the way to the top, despite the fatigue and heat,and it was well worth it.
Observation Point trail starts at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop, and is about 8 miles round trip, with over 2100 feet elevation gain. The initial part of the hike(about half a mile) is a paved trail and is shared with Hidden Canyon hikers. Once the two trails split, Observation Point trail starts zigzagging its way up the eastern canyon walls. The views are amazing, but not enough to prepare you for the sublime beauty of Echo Canyon--a slot canyon with spectacular slickrocks and magical white cliffs. We spent a long time in the shade of the hanging walls, admiring God's work through nature and mesmerized by the magical tranquility the canyon offers.
The trail then continues out of Echo Canyon and into the eastern plateau, and the spectacular scenery continues. The last mile, is a mostly flat sandy terrain that takes you to the stunning viewpoint known as Observation Point. Sitting underneath a tree on the top, with sweeping landscapes beneath you, Zion seems like a magical place, a dream that only exists in your imagination and yet it is all down there;green trees, white, pink, orange and red cliffs, blue skies and white clouds, a picture perfect scene.
When we reached the top, there was a big group(over ten people) there,looked like it could have been college friends, they were very loud and I couldn't wait for them to leave(sorry) so I could enjoy the serenity of the place. After twenty minutes or so,the group left and we had the place almost to ourselves, there were another couple or two, but I didn't mind them, they weren't interfering with my attempts to connect with nature, and absorbing its beauty. There was a couple of guys who told us that they'd been to Zion multiple times and did all the hikes n the park;Observation Point is their favorite. After four days of hiking in Zion, we agree, if you are fit enough and want to do one hike, Observation Point hike is the one I would recommend.
Comments (3)
Awesome photos! Amazing how many colors and designs are in those rocks. I'd love to see this place someday.
Posted by Annie | October 21, 2009 7:21 AM
Posted on October 21, 2009 07:21
Stunning photos, Candi. It sounds like a challenging hike but well worth it, with such spectacular views.
Posted by María I. | October 21, 2009 12:14 PM
Posted on October 21, 2009 12:14
Incredible photos and views. Oh how I want to go there someday. I would have been irritated with that group also.
Posted by girasoli | October 25, 2009 8:52 PM
Posted on October 25, 2009 20:52