Zion without the crowds: Sunset at Observation Point
- maxwelltooby2b
- Dec 10, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2024
Date: September 3rd
Trail: East Mesa Trail to Observation Point (11.3 km out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: 214 meters
Trailhead Coordinates: 37.296965, -112.900271
Conditions: Extremely hot (close to 40°C), clear skies
As anyone who has been to Zion knows, it is situated in the stunning Colorado Plateau—a region of high desert plateaus and deep canyons. Driving through this unique landscape is an experience in itself. You’ll pass through vast stretches of rugged terrain until, suddenly, the walls of rock rise dramatically from the earth, marking your arrival to Zion. The approach to the park is exhilarating, as the iconic sandstone cliffs come into view. I couldn’t resist snapping some photos of the landscape from outside the park boundary before continuing on to the trailhead.
The East Mesa Trailhead is aptly named, as it begins on one of the many mesas in the region. A mesa is a flat-topped landform with steep sides, shaped by erosion over millennia. These features are iconic to the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau and provide unique starting points for exploring the canyons below.
The Trailhead and First Impressions
The East Mesa Trailhead is located just outside the official boundary of Zion National Park in a somewhat unusual area. When I arrived, only three other cars were parked, which was a promising sign for the solitude I was seeking. Armed with my lightweight pack—packed with plenty of water, my Sony camera, a tripod, snacks, a jumper, and a head torch—I was ready to tackle the hike.
Despite the sweltering heat, I started the hike in the late afternoon. My goal was to arrive at Observation Point in time for sunset, so I paced myself carefully. Equipped with my AirPods for some background music, I hit the trail.
A Trail of Patience
To be honest, the East Mesa Trail isn’t the most exciting hike at first glance. The trail starts above the main valley, so it’s relatively flat with a gradual decline. For much of the journey, the scenery was fairly bland—scrubby vegetation with the occasional glimpse of the canyon beyond.
What kept me going was knowing what awaited at the end. Every now and then, the trail would tease me with fleeting views of the vast Zion Canyon, offering a hint of what was to come.
Reaching Observation Point: A Sunset to Remember
Observation Point is a fantastic vantage point, offering sweeping views of Zion Canyon that feel like they go on forever. Looking southwest, I could just make out the tiny figures of people crowding around Angels Landing and the shuttle buses weaving their way through the valley below.
Though there was one other group of people at the overlook, I decided to move a bit further down the hill for a quieter spot. From there, I watched as the late afternoon light illuminated the canyon's remarkably red walls, the shadows slowly creeping upward as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Despite the breathtaking backdrop, I found myself struggling to frame a compelling foreground subject in my photos. This was definitely a limitation of the photographer, not the scenery! Nevertheless, the beauty of the moment more than made up for it.
Capturing the Moment: A Selfie Success
As the last rays of sunlight faded and the canyon was bathed in twilight, I began packing up my gear for the hike back in the dark. Before leaving, I decided to take a quick "selfie" to capture the moment.
To my surprise, the photo turned out beautifully—the colors of the canyon still popped, and the moon added an ethereal vibe to the composition. It was the perfect way to commemorate such an unforgettable evening at Observation Point.
Hiking Back in the Dark
The return hike in the dark was an entirely different experience. The quietness of the night, broken only by the crunch of my boots and the occasional rustle in the bushes, was peaceful yet slightly eerie. Thankfully, the trail is well-defined, and my head torch illuminated the way back to the trailhead.
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem in Zion
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail may not have the drama of Angels Landing or The Narrows, but it offers a quieter, more reflective experience. While the trail itself is unremarkable at times, the payoff at the end is absolutely worth it. Watching the sunset from one of the most iconic viewpoints in Zion was unforgettable—and the lack of crowds made it even more special.
If you’re looking for a serene alternative to Zion’s busier hikes, this trail is well worth considering. Just be prepared for the heat and bring plenty of water if you’re hiking in summer!
amazing photos and some great information.