Zion Canyon Overlook + 3 Easy Angel’s Landing Alternatives
Looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of Zion National Park without the stress of securing a permit or tackling the daring heights of Angel’s Landing? You’re in luck! Zion offers a plethora of incredible alternatives that promise adventure, stunning vistas, and family-friendly fun. Skip the permit hassle and explore gems like Zion Canyon Overlook, a trail that leads to awe-inspiring vistas and provides a safer yet thrilling adventure for all ages. In this post, we’ll take you on a journey through three of the best Angel’s Landing alternatives that Zion has to offer. Get ready to embark on unforgettable family adventures!
Zion National Park is home to some of the best hikes in Southern Utah and one of the most visited national parks in the United States, with roughly 5 million people visiting each year. It’s become so popular that boarding the shuttles and going on hikes often requires waiting in Disneyland-esque lines. To manage the crowds and keep the trails safe, Zion instituted a permit lottery system to hike Angel’s Landing. This leaves a lot of people looking for Angel’s Landing alternatives.
No permit? Here are 3 Angel’s Landing Alternatives
Angel’s Landing may already be on your Utah bucket list but it now requires a permit in an effort to limit crowds. Fortunately, the park is large enough that there are other hikes where you don’t have to fight the crowds and can still find equally stunning views. Here are our three favorites:
- Hike part of the Angel’s Landing trail until you reach Scout’s Lookout
- Observation Point – a more challenging and arguably more beautiful option
- Zion Canyon Overlook – a kid-friendly, easy alternative
Angel’s Landing Alternative: Hike part of the Angel’s Landing trail to Scout’s Lookout
You only need a permit if you plan on hiking the Angel’s Landing trail past Scout’s Lookout. Most people don’t know that no permit is required up to this point, making it accessible to all. While you won’t venture on the famous chains leading to Angel’s Landing’s summit, this is a good alternative to the full Angel’s Landing trail because you’ll still be treated to jaw-dropping scenery. As you ascend, enjoy Walter’s Wiggles, marvel at the sheer cliffs and red rock formations, and stare down at the winding Virgin River below.
I have fond memories of hiking in the water through The Narrows and perusing the gem shops in Springdale when I was a kid and now I’m passing the tradition on to my kids. Someday when they’re older, we’ll hike Angel’s Landing together. For now, I’m taking baby steps introducing them to the wonders of Zion, so we just hiked part of the trail together.
Observation Point: A More Challenging Angel’s Landing Alternative
Hiking Observation Point in Zion National Park is not just an alternative to Angel’s Landing; it’s a remarkable adventure in its own right. This challenging but rewarding trail provides a unique perspective of the park’s stunning landscape.
What sets Observation Point apart as an excellent Angel’s Landing alternative are several factors:
- No Permit Required: Unlike Angel’s Landing, Observation Point doesn’t require a permit, making it more accessible and less stressful to plan.
- Safety: While still offering a thrilling experience, Observation Point is generally considered safer than Angel’s Landing because it doesn’t involve the exposed chains and narrow ridges that can be intimidating for some hikers.
- Epic Views: The trail showcases breathtaking vistas of Zion Canyon, including an iconic view looking down on Angel’s Landing itself. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic spectacle that stretches as far as the eye can see.
- Variety of Terrain: The hike takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from lush canyons to towering red rock formations. The trail also passes through Echo Canyon, offering a cool, shaded respite on hot days.
- Less Crowded: While still popular, Observation Point tends to be less crowded than Angel’s Landing, allowing you to savor the beauty of Zion in a more serene atmosphere.
- Longer Adventure: The hike to Observation Point is longer and more strenuous than Angel’s Landing, providing a more extensive outdoor experience for those seeking a challenge.
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail: Best Kid-Friendly Angel’s Landing Alternative
If you want an Angel’s Landing alternative, whether it’s to avoid the crowds or because it just plain scares you, look no further than Zion Canyon Overlook. Zion Canyon Overlook is a fantastic trail that offers its own set of unique charms and stunning scenery. Here’s what makes it a great choice:
- No Permit Required: Unlike Angel’s Landing, you won’t need a permit to hike Zion Canyon Overlook, making it accessible to all visitors without the hassle of permit applications.
- Short and Sweet: This trail is relatively short, around 1 mile round trip, making it perfect for families or those looking for a less strenuous hike compared to the longer Angel’s Landing trail.
- Scenic Drive: The trailhead is conveniently located near the park’s east entrance, making it an ideal choice for visitors who want to make the most of their time without venturing deep into the park.
- Breathtaking Views: The overlook provides a stunning vantage point, offering breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, including the iconic rock formations and the meandering Virgin River below. It’s especially enchanting during sunrise or sunset.
- Unique Perspective: While Angel’s Landing offers an aerial view of the canyon, Zion Canyon Overlook gives you a different perspective by allowing you to gaze down into the heart of the canyon, showcasing its depth and beauty.
- Accessibility: The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy to navigate, making it accessible to a wider range of hikers, including those with children or who may not be comfortable with the more challenging terrain of Angel’s Landing.
- Hidden Gem: This hike often flies under the radar, which means you can often enjoy the beauty of Zion in a quieter and more peaceful setting compared to the more crowded Angel’s Landing.
Overall, Zion Canyon Overlook is a wonderful alternative to Angel’s Landing, offering awe-inspiring views, accessibility, and a shorter, family-friendly hike that doesn’t compromise on the park’s natural beauty. It’s a must-visit trail for anyone exploring Zion National Park.
The payoff is an amazing vista, where you can see the switchbacks on the way to the Mt Carmel Tunnel, the Pine Creek stream, the East Temple cliff formation, Bridge Mountain, and an expansive view of Zion Canyon. Fun fact: you’ll be standing on top of the Great Arch (but unfortunately, you won’t be able to see it from the overlook). It’s one of the best views in Zion!
Is Zion Canyon Overlook Kid-Friendly?
Angel’s Landing is a strenuous and dangerous 4.4 miles and is decidedly not kid friendly. However, Zion Canyon Overlook is an easy/moderate 1-mile roundtrip hike that only takes about 30 minutes to complete. Whether or not you consider it kid-friendly depends on how accustomed your kids are to hiking. Many parts of the trail have guardrails in place, including a small area at the overlook itself. But there are some parts of the trail that could be dangerous if someone were to slip and fall, so exercise caution.
Don’t let the name “overlook” deceive you. It is not something you simply drive up to and safely look out at the view. There are steep cliffs that would most certainly be deadly if you got too close to the edge and accidentally fell, so keep your kids close and stick to the area behind the guardrails. It can be a little nerve-racking! But we took our four kids, who are good little hikers, and they did just fine.
For more easy hikes nearby, check out our list of the best easy hikes in St. George.
Important Info for Hiking Zion Canyon Overlook
- Parking – parking is limited to a small lot of less than 10 stalls and a few spots on the side of the road. Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best chance at finding a spot. If there is no parking, drive farther east down Highway 9 and there a few overflow lots. You’ll have to walk a little more but since it’s only a 1-mile hike to begin with, the extra walking isn’t a deal breaker.
- Best time to visit – you can do this hike year-round. We visited in January when the weather was a cool 50-degrees. There was snow on the upper parts of the cliffs but none on the ground where we hiked. Would not recommend hiking in the snow or rain, as you could easily slip and fall. Zion gets the most crowded April-September, so try visiting in the off-season to avoid the biggest crowds. We think it’s one of the best things to do in Utah in the winter for that reason!
- Recommended gear – good shoes (no sandals or open-toe shows), sunscreen, and water. If you’re hiking during the day in the summer, it gets VERY hot. Do not underestimate the need for water even if it just 1 mile.
- Amenities – there is a small restroom/outhouse at the beginning of the trailhead and a Ranger station near the tunnel entrance.
How do you get to Zion Canyon Overlook?
Getting to the Zion Canyon Overlook trailhead is half the fun! It’s one of the most scenic drives in the country, in our humble opinion. The trailhead is located in the eastern part of Zion National Park and you can’t get there by shuttle, which is great for limiting crowds. To get there from the main entrance near Springdale, drive your car east on Zion Park Boulevard towards the Zion – Mt Carmel Highway. You’ll wind your way up several switchbacks (take some Dramamine if you’re prone to carsickness) and then you’ll pass through the Mt Carmel Tunnel. The tunnel was completed in 1930 and travels 1.1 miles underneath the towering cliffs. Your kids will love it! You can also access the trailhead by entering the park from the East Entrance.
If you’re coming in from the Springdale side, make sure to spend time in St. George. There are tons of cool things to do in St. George Utah! We highly recommend checking out another really unique hike there – the Cinder Cone Trail – where you can hike up to the top of a dormant volcano!
Zion National Park – East Zion
Now that you’ve made it to this side of the park away from the throngs of tourists riding the shuttle, what else is there to do? East Zion is known as Zion’s quieter side but still features some dazzling views.
- Observation Point – a strenuous, rarely visited 8-mile hike leads you to this point above Angel’s Landing, looking down on the famous landmark. Unfortunately, this trail is temporarily closed due to a large rockslide. Check back later on this one but add it to your bucket list for now!
- Guided canyoneering tour of Pine Creek Slot Canyon
- Checkerboard Mesa – a unique rock formation visible from the side of the road
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes – go sandboarding at a state park less than 30 minutes from the East Entrance
- Peekaboo Canyon 4WD adventure – go off-roading to a slot canyon reminiscent of the famous Anteleope Canyon, also less than 30 minutes from the East Entrance
- Belly of the Dragon – popular on Instagram, this “cave” hike is actually a man-made drainage under the highway outside of Zion near Orderville.
Where to eat after your hike
The nearest towns to East Zion are Mt. Carmel, Orderville, and Kanab, all of which have popular restaurants. The nearest restaurant is Cordwood at the Zion Mountain Ranch but just a few more minutes down the road is a real Utah icon – the Thunderbird Restaurant. This roadside diner sits at the intersection of Route 9 and Highway 89 and is famous for its delicious pies. Perfect for a treat after a long day of hiking and exploring.
Where to stay near Zion
Springdale is the town nearest to the park entrance and there are many lodging options nearby, from campgrounds to hotels. The best hotel option is the SpringHill Suites in Springdale – a Marriott property.
Or in the next town over in Virgin there’s a Fairfield Inn that happens to be the only Category 5 Marriott property near a Utah national park (which means you could get the 3 free nights when you sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy credit card using our referral link)
Glamping Near Zion
Jenny from Global Game Plan recommends Under Canvas Zion and had this to say about it:
“Staying at Under Canvas Zion was my first glamping experience and it did not disappoint! With a variety of canvas tent styles to fit couples, families and groups, I was pleasantly surprised at the comfort and thickness of the bed in my tent. Although they offer tents with ensuite bathrooms, I stayed in one without and used the shared bathrooms which included private lockable space that was far better than expected.
Situated in a remote setting only 20 miles from Zion National Park, Under Canvas Zion offers high quality on-site meals (and to-go options) and cute outdoor hang out space. While roasting your complimentary s’mores at the outdoor firepit, do not forget to look up into the sky as you will find an amazing stargazing opportunity!
Since my stay, I have recommended Under Canvas to a number of friends and family, as they have 10 locations around the country. Whether you’re a first time-visitor to the National Parks or an old pro, staying at this glamping site is the perfect way to enhance your outdoor experience. You can enjoy the comforts of a hotel out in nature with beautiful views and without the hassle of a typical camping trip.”
Stay in Kanab on the East side of Zion
If it’s more adventure you’re after, try staying in Kanab. Some of the best options are East Zion Resort and the Zion Ponderosa Ranch. It’s less crowded and much less expensive than staying in Springdale near the main entrance to Zion. Kanab is the perfect hub for family-friendly adventures considering it’s less than a 30-minutes drive from Zion, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Peekaboo Canyon and more. It’s also the best place to stay if you want to hike The Wave (if you’re lucky enough to win the permit lottery, that is). You could even do a day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from Kanab.
Happy trails and thanks for reading!
–JJ 🤘🏻
Our family is on a mission to experience the best our home state of Utah has to offer and help other families find affordable, kid-friendly adventures in the process. You can follow us on Instagram @theminivanbucketlist or download our free printable Utah Bucket List for a list of the top hikes in the great state of Utah, both for kid-friendly and more adventurous hikes.
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