EAST MESA TRAIL to OBSERVATION POINT

Hiking to an Iconic Zion Viewpoint:

Observation Point is one of Zion National Park's most iconic viewpoints and hiking up the Observation Point Trail (East Rim Trail) from the Weeping Rock Trailhead was a classic hike since the early days of the park. Sadly this hike has been closed since 2019 due to several landslides that have buried the lower sections of the trail in sand and rubble; it may be years until the hike from Weeping Rock is ever open again. Fortunately, the East Mesa Trail is an alternative route that still allows hikers to reach this classic viewpoint. Starting at a remote trailhead on the upper east plateau, this trail follows an old jeep trail through mostly level terrain to join up with the Observation Point Trail proper. This trail also provides access to the Mystery Canyon technical canyoneering route.

Rating: Moderately strenuous day hike

Access: East Mesa Trailhead (accessible via dirt roads east of the park boundary)

Time Required: Roughly 2-4 hours round-trip

Length: 6.4 miles round-trip

Elevation Change: mild 200-ft elevation gain and drop along the trail

Seasons: Late spring through fall. Access to the trailhead can be difficult in winter and early spring.

	Map #1: Driving to the East Side Trailheads
	Map #2: East Mesa Trail to Observation Point

Getting to the East Mesa Trailhead:

The hardest park of this hike is actually getting to the trailhead. The East Mesa Trailhead is located in a remote corner of Zion National Park, accessible via dirt roads behind the Zion Ponderosa Resort. Roughly 1.7 miles east of the Zion National Park border along Route 9, turn north onto the paved North Fork Road and follow it for 5.4 miles, then turn left onto the dirt road that heads west under the Zion Ponderosa Resort gate. Follow the main Pine Angle Road as it heads west and then north towards the trailhead. (See map above.) In recent years, signs have been placed at the major intersections to point drivers in the correct direction.

When dry, the dirt roads are usually easily accessible by low-clearance cars, but things can get tricky in snow or muddy conditions. The East Mesa Trailhead has enough room for several cars to park, but less than half a mile from the trailhead, the road descends a fairly steep hill that may be treacherous for some cars. Take great care and turn around if you are unsure if your vehicle can make it. IMPORTANT: The land east of the Zion National Park border is privately-owned by the Zion Ponderosa Resort and many independent owners of lots and cabins. Do not block any roads or driveways and please be respectful of private property to guarantee future access for others.

Observation Point Shuttle: As an alternative to driving all the way to the trailhead and worrying about road conditions, during the tourist season, East Zion Adventures offers a shuttle service for a nominal fee. Park at the Zion Ponderosa Resort and get a ride to and from the East Mesa Trailhead.

Hiking the East Mesa Trail:

From the East Mesa Trailhead and parking area, walk through the hikers gate at the NPS boundary and follow the well-defined old jeep trail west into the park as it wanders through the mostly-level forest and meadows of the east plateau. (This road was only dubbed the "East Mesa Trail" in the past few decades.) Roughly two miles into the hike, the head of Mystery Canyon can be seen to the north. (Mystery Canyon is a technical canyoneering route; do not wander down this canyon if you don't know what you are getting into and you don't have a permit.)

A bit past Mystery Canyon, the trail starts heading south and descends a bit, offering the first teaser views of the dramatic cliff formations of Zion Canyon. Soon enough, you will reach the intersection with the old Observation Point Trail. Head west and in moments, you will be standing at the iconic Observation Point. Be sure to wander around the rim a bit to take in the views in all directions. Angels Landing can be seen prominently in the distance and it may be surprising to see how much lower in elevation it is compared to the rim of the canyon. When you have had your fill, return the way you came.

Variations:

While hiking down to Weeping Rock in Zion Canyon is now closed due to the 2019 rockfall, you can still hike down the Observation Point Trail into Echo Canyon if you want to explore the area, but you will have to hike back up afterwards. Alternatively, you could also start or end your hike at the Stave Spring Trailhead. This would be a much more strenuous but more scenic option to get to Observation Point since you will have to descend and ascend Echo Canyon twice.

Joe's Spin:

The East Mesa Trail isn't the most exciting hiking trail in Zion National Park, but it is the most straightforward way to get to Observation Point these days. If you are able to deal with the logistics of getting to the trailhead, it's worth it to see one of Zion's most famous viewpoints. But if the trail from Weeping Rock ever opens up again, I would choose that (longer and more strenuous) hike for its more dramatic scenery all along the route.