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4. Canyon Overlook Trail

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Panorama of the Laugahraun lava field with Mount Brennisteinsalda in the background
If you’re looking for a quick and easy ticket to jaw-dropping views, look no further than Canyon Overlook Trail.

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.

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