From ZionNational-Park.com: "The Canyon Overlook Trail is one of Zion's classics that is well advertised by the park. The trailhead is located immediately east of the 1.1 mile long tunnel. It begins with charming steps, carved into sandstone, that climb above the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The winding trail travels along Pine Creek Canyon, a popular canyoneering route and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. It is a short and easy hike ending at the edge of a cliff that allows a glorious view of lower Zion Canyon, including Zion's famous Switchbacks, the Beehives, West Temple, East Temple, Towers of the Virgin and the Streaked Wall. If you are looking for a high elevation viewpoint, but do not want to tackle a grueling trail like Observation Point, then the Canyon Overlook Trail is ideal. There are lots of hoodoos and wild flowers along the trail that make it fun for kids but keep your children close to you and safe while hiking in Zion." That pretty much describes it though at the time we didn't know what a hoodoo was.
Distance: 1-mile round-trip
Average Hiking Time: 1 hour round-trip
Difficulty: Easy for most adults, moderate for young kids. There are some exposed cliffs.
Sun Exposure: Full sun in most places.
Elevation Gain: 163', which is a moderately, easy climb after the initial elevation.
Peak: 5300'
Trail Conditions: Expect a well maintained path that is mostly sandstone with some packed dirt sections. This hike is tolerable during the hottest parts of a summer day, but it is best enjoyed in the morning or late evenings that time of year. Sand or moisture on the trail may make it slippery. Do not hike this trail if it is wet, raining or lightening.
The sign at the trailhead:
Here we are inside a cave/opening looking out. The trail went right by the front of this opening.
At the top:
The sign telling us what we were looking at:
After this hike, we stopped at a scenic overlook, fixed some sandwiches for lunch, and ate in the car enjoying fresh air and beautiful scenery through the windows.
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