Zion National Park's East Mesa Trail Hiking Spot
In the breathtaking expanse of Zion National Park, the East Mesa Trailhead offers a unique starting point for the Observation Point hike. Situated outside the park on the east side, this trailhead is accessible via the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway east entrance area.
This trailhead serves as the starting point for a more accessible, flatter route to Observation Point compared to other trails. The journey from the East Mesa Trailhead to the Observation Point summit is approximately a 7-mile hike, taking hikers through a ponderosa pine forest with minimal canyon views initially. As the trail progresses, it becomes less steep, providing a relatively flat route for many to enjoy.
The trailhead is located down a section of dirt road, which is usually passable for low-clearance cars, but may be difficult in rain or snow. It's essential to note that there are only 15 parking spots available at the trailhead. If the lot is full, you can drive back to the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort and take a shuttle bus to the trailhead. The resort also offers a shuttle service to and from the nearby Cable Mountain hike.
For those embarking on this adventure, wearing light hiking gear or fitness clothing is recommended. The author suggests the Osprey Hikelite 26 as a suitable daypack for hikes. The trail can be insect-ridden in the warmer months, so it's advisable to bring at least 1L of water to stay hydrated.
Unfortunately, the East Mesa / Weeping Rock Trail, previously used to hike to Observation Point, has been closed indefinitely due to geological survey suggestions of more activity in the area. As a result, the current way to reach Observation Point is through the route described in this article.
For those seeking more information about the gear used by the author, details can be found on their Top Gear Picks page, last updated in July 2025. Safety is paramount, and the author uses the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for 100% reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry.
As you make your way to the trailhead, you may pass the Zion Ponderosa, which sometimes displays a "stop: no hiker parking" sign to discourage hikers from driving to a full parking lot. It's important to respect the private property surrounding the trailhead and adhere to any parking restrictions.
For those looking for maps, GPX Files, Elevation Profiles, 3D Maps, and Observation Point views from Zion Canyon, CalTopo is an excellent resource. A video of the massive rockfall that caused the closure of the lower East Mesa / Weeping Rock Trail is also available for those interested in the park's history.
Lastly, the author recommends the Altra Lone Peak 9 as a comfortable shoe for long-distance hikes with improved grip. With these resources and tips in mind, you're now well-equipped to embark on the East Mesa Trailhead for an unforgettable hike to Observation Point in Zion National Park.
- Wearing light hiking gear or fitness clothing is recommended for the Observation Point hike starting at the East Mesa Trailhead. The Osprey Hikelite 26 may be a suitable daypack.
- It's essential to have a map, such as those available on CalTopo, for navigating the trail to Observation Point, which includes GPX Files, Elevation Profiles, 3D Maps, and views from Zion Canyon.
- After the East Mesa / Weeping Rock Trail was closed due to geological survey suggestions, the current route to Observation Point is through the trailhead, which is passable for low-clearance cars but may be difficult in rain or snow, with only 15 parking spots available.
