Summary:
A steep trail carved into a cliff next to the Great White Throne, an imposing feature of Zion Canyon.

After 0.6 mile you reach a junction. The strenuous trail to Observation Point bears left, but you turn right onto yet more switchbacks climbing between Cable Mountain and the Great White Throne.

The trail is carved into the cliff, with long drop-offs in places. If you are afraid of heights, the sight of the narrow trail hugging the cliff face may be enough to persuade you to turn back!

In 0.5 mile you reach the mouth of Hidden Canyon, a long, narrow gully strewn with boulders. The trail ends at the entrance of this side canyon, but you can scramble beyond the trail for another 0.5 mile or so.

Observation Point
To reach this magnificent viewpoint atop East Mesa involves a strenuous climb: the ascent from the Weeping Rock trailhead is 2,148 ft/655 m, and it will take around six hours for the 8 mile/12.8 km return trip. For this reason, we prefer to include it as part of the stunning East Rim Trail, as this way there is only an additional climb of 850 ft/259 m. And what a climb it is, with constant, breathtaking views of Echo and Zion Canyons, including the Great White Throne, Cable Mountain and Angels Landing.

Directions: I-15 exit 27, eight miles on Route 17, then Route 9 through Virgin and Rockville to Springdale and the south entrance of the Park. The visitor center is just beyond the south entrance station.

Trailhead: Weeping Rock. From the visitor center, take one of the free, frequent shuttle buses through Zion Canyon to the stop at Weeping Rock.

Length: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 850 ft / 259 m

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Easy to follow. Steep switchbacks with long drop-offs in places.

Features: Sandstone cliffs, canyon views.

Climate: Extremely hot in summer.

Accommodation: Plenty of motels and a private campground in Springdale. Inside the Park, two campgrounds just beyond the south entrance, and Zion Lodge along the scenic drive.

Trail Notes: Part of the trail consists of a narrow path cut into the sheer cliff-face, with long drop-offs – not for those afraid of heights.