Observation Point - Just Hiking

Statistics

Date - 05/19/2001
Elevation - 6,507'
Route - North Slopes (East Rim Trail)
Miles - 8.0
Elevation Gain - 2,148'
ACME Mapper - Link
CalTopo - Link
Partners - Not Applicable

Description

Observation Point is located inside of Zion National Park, and this hike offers many of the same views as Angel's Landing. This hike is a bit longer with more elevation gain than Angel's Landing. After descending Angel's Landing and having some lunch, I started up Observation Point. The trail starts out relatively aggressive, and I would estimate that all of the elevation gain is made in the first three miles before reaching the east rim where it levels off. I made it to the point in 2 hours and didn't spend a whole lot of time there due to the deteriorating weather. I spent part of my day with a group of college kids from South Carolina. They were all majoring in geology and were visiting this area of the country for a few weeks. I also visited with an older couple who told me about there trip to the Himalayas. I hope I am still on the trail when I am 50 and 60 years old. (As I edit this report, I am currently 45 years old and still getting out.)

A few showers rolled through during the afternoon, and was amused by the people in flip flops and tank tops. When I got back to the trailhead I rode the bus to the end of the Zion Canyon and back to the visitor center where my rental car was parked. I drove back to St. George, Utah, bought my wife and kids a gift, had a steak and a beer, and went to bed. The next morning, I drove to Las Vegas, Nevada, and flew back to Spokane, Washington.

Photos

Trail

Summit Photo

Trail Switchbacks