Best views for the least effort
Short, scenic, and suitable for all ages and skill levels, the Canyon Overlook Trail would make a fine choice for your first Zion National Park hike. This 1.6-mile round trip will take you over fun sections of dirt and slickrock with minimal elevation gain. There are some narrow spots and steep drop-offs to watch out for, but for the most part you’ll be gaining ground without much challenge.
To access the trail, follow Highway 9 until you reach a small parking lot near the east entrance of the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, one of the longest sandstone tunnels in the world. You’ll find the trailhead right across the road, where a series of stone steps initiates the ascent towards the lookout.
Accompanied by bighorn sheep and chipmunks playing among the pinyon trees below, you’ll pass a slot canyon at the bottom of Pine Creek. A little further stands a bridge with wooden planks that leads to a shaded fern-covered alcove where you can get out of the sun. All that’s left now is to cross a slickrock section to reach the top—a closed-off area with a wonderful view of the canyon.