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| Zion - Observation Point via East Rim Trail, UT | | -
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| | Zion - Observation Point via East Rim Trail, UT | | | |
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Zion - Observation Point via East Rim Trail, UT
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| Hiking | 10.24 Miles |
2,177 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.24 Miles | 5 Hrs 19 Mns | | 2.16 mph |
| 2,177 ft AEG | 35 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | After day hiking Buckskin Gulch we headed for Zion National Park. The goal was Observation Point which only had access from the top instead of the park entrance. Apparently a rock slide closed the trail in lower Echo Canyon. Checking the roads on top I found the Stave Trailhead for access on East Rim Trail.
First mile and half follows the rim with great views and fast trail. Eventually the trail drops off the rim into upper Echo Canyon about 900 feet of switchbacks. The trail intersects with lower Echo Canyon trail that is closed before it gains about 1000 feet to the Observation Point overlook. Because the connector trail is closed we did not see any people on this section but I would imagine that normally this is fairly busy trail. The climb up the switchbacks are great with probably the best views in the park. Just before reaching Observation Point we hit junction with East Mesa Trail and we started to see lots of people. That trail is the easy way to Observation Point so most people use the trail to access the overlook. Regardless it was an awesome overlook and we had extended lunch break to enjoy the scene.
After lunch we returned the same way descending the cool switchbacks down to Echo Canyon and then back up East Rim Trail to the car. I’m not sure what the timeline is for the park service to fix the trail in lower Echo Canyon but now is the time to hike this part of the park if you want the trail to yourself. For us it worked out great and happy to hike that section! |
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