Canyon Overlook Trail

Sure, you can do this trail round-​trip in about an hour. But why would you want to? There’s a lot to see during this short, relatively easy hike. Just on the way to the overlook, we enjoyed watching a herd of Desert Bighorn, a rockslide (across the way) AND seeing our first (& only so far) HORIZONTAL rainbow! And the views from the overlook? Ah-​mazing. Big payoff for such a short hike.
All that being said, I went into this hike somewhat unprepared. Based on many reviews (various sites), I got the impression that it would be a super easy/​short stroll, so I left my water & hiking stick in the car. (I know, pretty stupid.) It IS a relatively easy trail but take your water & if you use one, hiking staff. There are some big steps & sections of the trail with slightly unsure footing. Plus you’ll want to spend some time at the overlook — enjoy the view, a snack & some water before you head back.

Super rewarding hike for such a short distance! Only one mile round trip, this trail offers a beautiful view and also plenty of other good photo opportunities along the way. There are quite some slippery spots along the hike, so make sure you have proper footwear to prevent any slips and slides.
As for parking, definitely test your luck if you can find a spot in the nearby lots… A total of maybe 10~ spots. Otherwise, just park further down and walk a little. Make sure the spot you pick is allowed for parking!

Nice short hike with incredible views at the top. We arrive shortly before sunset & saw lots of photographers. Those guys know where to go for a great view. Lots of nice rock climb opportunities along the way. Parking near the entry to tunnel. Not difficult hike with a great view payoff.

This is a pimp ass trail. It isn’t hard at all and kids can do this. It’s about a mile and hour long. There are stairs made into the sandstone as you first start your hike and funky bridges and stuff along the way. You will be able to see a view of the zion mount carmel tunnel along this hike since it is just off to the side and plenty of wildlife and plants. At the top of the trail you will get to see the switchbacks, beehives and lower Zion canyon. Park near the tunnel for easy access to this hike.

I’m so glad we did this hike. It is very easy and fun! The Canyon Overlook Trail is located east of the The Zion-​Mount Carmel Tunnel and is 1 mile round trip. I would say it was about 1 hour total hiking time. There were times I felt like I was on a Indiana Jones adventure haha. At the start of the trail you will see beautiful stairs that were carved into the sandstone. The hike is easy even for kids, but proper shoes are still a must since the sandstone can be slippery and there are exposed cliffs. I saw some big horn sheep and a couple really neat looking birds while walking the trail. There were different flowers that I haven’t seen before that were gorgeous! This hike is worth it once you get to the end trust me. The view is amazing! There is a fenced edge so you can comfortably get pretty close and see the view below.
There is a parking area right across the start of the trail and more a little bit down. Restrooms can be found at the trail head across the highway from the ranger booth. Don’t forget sunscreen there are is a lot of sun exposure on this hike!

Not an easy trail if you are not sure footed or have a fear of heights. PHENOMENAL views! Highly recommend! For experienced hikers and well behaved children.

This trail may be easy, but the views are fantastic! Well worth the trip. Sure traffic might be an issue, and people afraid of heights might be scared, but the views are incredible… (Look for the sheep often off to the side of the trail).

Canyon Overlook Trail is one of Zion’s easy yet enjoyable trails and known by a lot of tourists. The trailhead is located east of the long tunnel to Mt Carmel. The parking lot is small, but accomodates around 10 – 15 cars, being that it is located immediately off the tunnel, traffic can be an issue at times when the rangers have to stop traffic going back into the park. It begins with steps carved in sandstone, and travels through areas with some drop offs (fenced) you an see different plant life and wildlife (we saw a big horn sheep), and the trail end over the Great Arch and has amazing views of Pine Canyon and the Zion cliffs. This is a easy 1 mile roundtrip that anyone can do (I took my 55 y/​o boss who hasn’t exercised in her life). This hike is labeled moderate, but it’s super easy, with only a 165 feet ascent. This hike is worth going for the views at the end, not so much a workout.