Hiking Trail at Zion National Park: Canyon Overlook Trail
Exploring the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park
Nestled in the eastern part of Zion National Park, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a must-visit destination for hikers seeking a unique and breathtaking experience. Located just outside the upper entrance to the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel on Highway 9, this trailhead is easily accessible by car, approximately a 15-20 minute drive from Springdale, UT (zip code 84737), the main gateway town to the park 12
The trail itself is short, with a roundtrip distance of one mile, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels 3. However, it's essential to note that flip-flops are not suitable for the slick rock on the trail, so hiking shoes or trail runners are recommended 4.
As you embark on this hike, you'll find that the Canyon Overlook Trail blurs the line between a hike and a roadside attraction. The trail leads you to the Pipe Creek Canyon overlook, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views into Zion Canyon 1[3].
For those seeking a more immersive hiking experience, the Norda 001, a hiking shoe that offers a comfortable hiking experience, resembling a mix between a monster truck and a featherweight pillow, could be an excellent choice 5. Alternatively, the Osprey Hikelite 26 is the author's go-to daypack for hikes 6.
For directions and a 3D map of the trail, you can visit CalTopo [7](https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=37.2414,-112.9746,14257,0,0,0,dmd,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1 The Canyon Overlook Trail, which is a must-visit in Zion National Park, can be found just outside the upper entrance to the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel on Highway 9, offering a breathtaking view into Zion Canyon at the trail's end 3.
2 For a comfortable hiking experience, the Norda 001 hiking shoe, resembling a mix between a monster truck and a featherweight pillow, could be an excellent choice 5. Meanwhile, the Osprey Hikelite 26 is a practical daypack for hikes recommended by the author 6.
3 The trail itself is approximately one mile long and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels, but it's important to note that flip-flops are not suitable for the slick rock on the trail, and hiking shoes or trail runners are recommended 4.
4 For those planning a hiking trip, directions and a 3D map of the trail can be found on CalTopo, a useful resource for outdoor-living enthusiasts interested in home-and-garden improvement and outdoor adventures 7.
