Canyon Overlook Trail

Canyon Overlook might be the best-kept semi-secret in Zion. While everyone else was lining up for the shuttle to Angels Landing and The Narrows, we pulled into the small parking area right next to the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel and had this incredible trail practically to ourselves.

The hike is only about a mile round trip, but don't let the distance fool you - it packs a massive scenic punch. The trail starts right at the east end of the tunnel and immediately takes you along a cliff edge with drop-offs that give you a taste of Zion's scale. There are some carved-out steps and a couple of short sections with handrails where the trail hugs the sandstone wall.

The terrain is fun and varied for such a short trail. You walk across slickrock shelves, through a narrow slot section between sandstone walls, and past some cool overhangs. It feels like a miniature adventure. The kids in the group ahead of us were loving it.

The overlook at the end is the star of the show. You're looking down into Pine Creek Canyon with the famous switchbacks of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway zigzagging far below. The depth of the canyon is staggering - sheer sandstone walls dropping hundreds of feet straight down. On a clear day you can see all the way to the West Temple and the Towers of the Virgin.

We went in late afternoon and the warm light on the canyon walls was incredible. The west-facing overlook catches the afternoon and evening light beautifully, so sunset is prime time for this trail.

The only downside is parking. The lot holds maybe 15 cars and there's limited roadside parking. We got lucky on a weekday afternoon, but on weekends it's apparently a nightmare. There's no shuttle to this trailhead - you have to drive. Get there super early or later in the afternoon when people start leaving.

This trail is a must-do even if you only have a few hours in Zion. It's proof that you don't need a full-day epic to have a world-class hiking experience.