When Is the Best Time
To escape the heat, spring and fall are the best times for hiking. In summer, it is oven-like and can get well above 100°F (38°C) and on the other side thunderstorms occur. If you go in midsummer avoid long hikes. Snow and ice can be an issue in winter unless that's what you’re looking for but mind, half of the annual rainfall comes during the winter.
This trail is not as popular as Angels Landing or The Narrows, the reason that it's less busy. However, start early to get shade along the exhausting switchbacks.
Avoiding Tourist Crowds:
Peak months are June to August. Fewer hikers in spring and fall. Very quiet in December, January, February but bear in mind road or trails can be closed. However, you can avoid crowds year-round by starting your hike or exploration right after sunrise. At that time, you’ll have the park almost for yourself. Most visitors don’t start before 10 a.m.
In the morning, there is also a better chance of spotting wildlife and the best light for photos.
From March to October you have to take the shuttle bus, cars are not permitted. From November to February you can park your car at a small parking lot at the trailhead. The scenic drive in Zion can be closed at weekends in February and shuttle bus transportation has to be taken. Check shuttle bus schedule for each season first, includes maps and hiking trail information.
In May, high chance for spectacular wildflowers along the trail, especially in Echo Canyon.
Sweet Spot Months:
The best months with usually good weather and less crowds than during peak months are: March/April and October/November.
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Where and Tips
A majestic view of Zion Canyon and discovering millions of years of the power of water.
Your trek will begin at the "Weeping Rock" trail head. There are several side trips on this route,
you first come to Weeping Rock... as you continue on you come the split off to Hidden Canyon and then onward to Observation Point and a grand view of the valley below, with amazing views of Angels Landing, Deer Trap and Cable Mountains and an aerial view of the Virgin River that makes this destination all possible.
The trail is 8 miles almost 13 km long, 2,120 feet almost 650 meter of elevation and takes 4-6 hours. Observation Point is 6,508 feet almost 2.000 meter high. The first part of the trail is paved. Hiking pools for the strenuous zigzagging ascent are helpful. Observation Point is more than 700 feet higher than Angels Landing.
Updated by WHEN to be WHERE
