Discover one of Zion’s most breathtaking viewpoints! Pine Creek Canyon Overlook offers breathtaking scenery on a short, rewarding hike. Curious about the trail, parking, and tips? Keep reading to plan your adventure!
Zion National Park is full of breathtaking landscapes, and one of the best places to take in the views is Pine Creek Canyon Overlook.
This scenic viewpoint is easy to reach via the short Canyon Overlook Trail, making it perfect for visitors who want a rewarding hike without too much effort. From the overlook, you’ll get an incredible panorama of Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyon, and unique rock formations.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about reaching Pine Creek Canyon Overlook, where to park, what to bring, and other must-visit trails in Zion.
So let’s look at the most common questions about the viewpoint and how to get there.
Is Pine Creek Canyon Overlook in Zion worth visiting?
Yes, Pine Creek Canyon Overlook is one of the best, if not the very best, viewpoints in Zion National Park. It is relatively easy to reach, offering a breathtaking panorama without a long hike. It’s the perfect spot if you want to see one of the most amazing views in Zion.
Where is Pine Creek Canyon Overlook located
You can find the Pine Creek Canyon Overlook not far from Zion Park Blvd or Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Route 9), above the Great Arch rock formation.
It is located on top of a massive rock cliff, offering a beautiful panorama of Zion.
Nearby, you will also find Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon, Gifford Canyon, and the east entrance of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
How to get to this viewpoint
You can reach the Pine Creek Canyon Overlook only by hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail, as there are no alternative access routes.
To get to the trailhead, you’ll need a car or a private transfer, since shuttle service is not available in this area.
Do you need a ticket to visit Pine Creek Canyon Overlook?
You don’t need a ticket for the overlook itself, and it is open to all visitors.
However, you do need an entrance ticket for Zion National Park. You can buy a single-entry ticket or an annual pass.
If you plan to visit multiple national parks in the USA, we recommend getting the America the Beautiful Pass, which gives you access to most national parks in the country for a whole year.
Where to park
You can find some parking spots near the east entrance of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. These are the closest to the trailhead, but they are often full.
If you continue east on Highway 9, you can find more parking along the roadside. Most drivers have to choose this option since there are very few designated parking spaces in the area.
But one advantage is that parking is free.
How long is the Canyon Overlook Trail
The Canyon Overlook Trail is about 0.5 miles (750 meters) one way, making it a 0.9-mile (1.5 km) hike out and back.
The elevation gain is estimated to be between 100–180 feet (30-55 meters). Based on our experience, except for a short section with steps at the beginning, there are no major elevation changes on the trail.
Is the Canyon Overlook Trail difficult?
The first section of the trail consists of a narrow, winding staircase, which some people may find challenging to climb. Additionally, if there is a large crowd, moving through this part can be difficult.
However, the rest of the hike is not difficult at all.
With basic gear and preparation, the trail is easy for almost anyone to complete.
What to bring for the hike
Since this is a short and easy hike, it does not require much preparation.
We recommend wearing hiking shoes, which can be useful for your entire visit to Zion. However, you can also complete the hike in regular sports shoes.
It’s a good idea to bring a small backpack with some snacks and water.
Special equipment, such as hiking poles, is not necessary.
Also, make sure to bring a camera or phone for photos. A wide-angle camera can be especially useful to capture the stunning views.
You will see plenty of little chipmunks along the trail and at the overlook. They run around the area and are very curious.
If you’re lucky, some might even come close to people – and they are absolutely adorable!
Where to stay near Zion National Park
The closest towns to Zion National Park are Springdale and Rockville, and these are the best places to stay.
We think the best choice here is:
- Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites: A three-star hotel in Springdale, located among the stunning mountains near the park. It offers great views, excellent reviews, and many amenities. The downside is the higher price, but it’s one of the closest options to Zion Canyon.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider staying in nearby La Verkin, Hurricane, or St. George, all within a short drive of Zion National Park.
Accommodations worth considering:
- The Dwellings: Our personal choice for staying near Zion. Modern, three-star studio apartments in a peaceful setting, ideal for families or those looking for a quiet retreat.
- Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane Zion National Park: Another three-star hotel, often at a very good price. A budget-friendly option if you want to be a short drive from Zion.
Other viewpoints and hikes in Zion National Park
If you have more time in Zion National Park, such as a full day, it’s worth exploring other hiking trails as well.
Here are the top hikes we recommend in Zion Canyon:
Angels Landing
A challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views of Zion Canyon. Known for its steep switchbacks and narrow ridges, it’s a bucket-list trail for many visitors. Note: A permit is required!
The Narrows
One of Zion’s most iconic hikes, where you walk through the Virgin River between steep canyon walls. Starting at the Temple of Sinawava, this hike is an unforgettable experience.
Emerald Pools
A relaxing trail leading to waterfalls and pools, with options for all skill levels. You can visit the Lower, Middle, or Upper Pools depending on your energy and time.
Observation Point
Another top viewpoint offering panoramic views of Zion Canyon. However, due to the difficulty of the hike, we recommend it only for those in good physical condition.
The trail leading to this viewpoint, called the East Rim Trail, is quite strenuous. It’s 3.5 miles (5.7 km) one way and requires climbing over 2,150 feet (660 meters) in elevation.
If you’re an experienced hiker, the beautiful scenery makes the effort well worth it.
If you don’t want to hike a lot, you can still enjoy the views by walking along the Virgin River. Interesting viewpoints include the Big Bend Viewpoint and the area around the Footbridge Trail.
Pine Creek Canyon Overlook is one of the best viewpoints in Zion, offering breathtaking views with minimal effort.
The short and scenic Canyon Overlook Trail makes it easy for most visitors to reach, and the stunning view at the end is absolutely worth it.
If you have more time in Zion, consider exploring other famous hikes as well.
No matter how long you stay, Zion’s incredible landscapes will leave you with unforgettable memories. Enjoy your visit and happy hiking!
