Canyon Overlook Trail

Canyon Overlook is the highest reward-to-effort ratio hike in Zion. One mile round-trip, about 160 feet of elevation, and the view at the end is the kind of thing people drive across the country to see — directly above Pine Creek Canyon, looking down on Zion's main canyon with the West Temple and the Towers of the Virgin framed dead center.

The trail itself is half the experience. From the parking area immediately east of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, the path traces a sandstone ledge with built-in handrails, dips through a small alcove, crosses a wooden footbridge, and emerges onto the broad slickrock viewing platform at the rim. There are a few exposed sections that feel dramatic but are completely safe with reasonable care.

Go at sunset. The west-facing rim catches the last hour of sun, the West Temple turns vermilion for about ten minutes, and you're back at the parking lot before full dark. Bring a headlamp anyway; the tunnel exit is dim. This is also the right hike for guests who want a Zion 'moment' without committing to a half-day shuttle ride into the canyon proper.