On April 26th, I hiked the Observation Point, one of Zion's classic trail/hike. Oh well, it's been more than a month hike and only now I am here blogging about it. Been having some activities if not otherwise lazy and stay in my room watching movies and whatnot. Left my blog stranded so I am now back again to write something.
Observation Point is a pretty good hike, good for all age except people who gives up easily. Unlike Angels Landing, Observation Point doesn't has any challenging parts or cliffs which can be fatal, so its suitable for everyone. The only challenging part is that the trail can be pretty steep at most part, so you will need a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated so to not cause your feet to cramp easily.
Day Hike: Yes
Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Average Hiking Time: 5 hours round-trip
Difficulty: The path is steep and gains elevation quickly, making it one of the most strenuous of the classic hikes in the park. If you have poor fitting shoes it can be quite painful on your toes on the return hike. Hikers that are use to Zion's steep downhill hikes know to lace their shoes tightly on the return to prevent your toes from constantly jamming into the end of your shoes.
Sun Exposure: Full sun.
Permits: Not needed.
Trail Conditions: Most of the trail is a hard surface. It is mostly in full sun and the steep downhill return can be hard on toes and knees. There are drop-offs at high elevations. Stay away from the edge of the trail and cliff edges.
Trailhead: Weeping Rock parking lot
Trailend: Same as trailhead
Trail Access: Usually from April 1st until October 30th Zion Canyon is accessed via the shuttle. Private cars are allowed in Zion Canyon the rest of the year. Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to ride the shuttle and get off at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop. The rest of the year, when the shuttles are not operating, drive into the canyon and park at the Weeping Rock parking lot.
Off the Beaten Path: No
Classic Zion Hike: Yes
Best Season: Year-round as long as snow and ice are not present on the trail. In the winter the trail can become impassible due to ice. Get an early start in the hot summer months to take advantage of the western exposure and shade in the morning.
Elevation Gain: Long steep climb.
Peak: 6508 feet
Water Availability: Echo Canyon is an unreliable source, bring your own water.--Information from here.
Once you reached the peak, you get a glance of the Zion Lodge, you get to see Angels Landing too and whatnot, so its all pretty awesome!
Eagle view!
The green eagle.
This, I guess is a part of the Echo Canyon, about halfway to the peak of Observation Point. I think its beautiful!
Taken at the same place as the picture above.
This post is just to update about my hike to Observation Point. I hiked to some other place through out May as well as some other activities and I will try to bring myself together to update about them ASAP!
Till then!