East Mesa Trail

East Mesa Trail is the main alternate route to Observation Point, Zion's classic canyon-rim overlook, since the original Observation Point Trail from Weeping Rock has been closed since 2019 following landslides. Where that route climbed steeply from the canyon floor, East Mesa comes in from above — a gentler, mostly flat walk through ponderosa pine and juniper forest to the same rim, with views over Angels Landing, The Organ, and the Great White Throne.

What to know

• About 6.6 miles round trip with mild elevation change, unlike the steep original route
• Trailhead sits on private land owned by Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, roughly 25 minutes from the east entrance, with parking limited to about 15 spots
• The final approach road is rough — high-clearance recommended, or use a shuttle service from the resort