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Featured, North America, Utah

4 Must-See Parks When Hiking Observation Point Zion

August 4, 2017

Around the World with Justin
When I moved to LA I remember being in a friend’s apartment and seeing a gorgeous photo on the wall.

“Where the hell is that?!” I asked. The answer: Zion National Park!

It was at that moment that I mentally put Zion on my travel bucket list. Nearly 10 years later, I am so lucky that iExplore and Visit St. George helped my dream of hiking Observation Point Zion come true. Along with travel friends, I attended #InstaMeetStGeorge which brought together travel photographers for a weekend of exploring some of the best outdoor landscapes Utah has to offer.

Observation Point Zion National Park hike

St. George is a small town located in southwestern Utah and less than an hour drive from Zion National Park. It is more than just a convenient home base for hiking Observation Point Zion, what sets it apart is its close proximity to other jaw-dropping parks. Having explored Utah’s finest with some of the best photographers and bloggers in the travel industry, the photos speak for themselves!

Snow Canyon State Park St George UtahYant Flat Candy Cliffs Leeds Utah St George

Here’s some visual inspiration on why you should visit St. George as well as 4 Must-See Parks when Hiking Observation Point Zion:

1. ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Its most well-known hikes include Observation Point, Angel’s Landing and The Narrows. During #InstaMeetStGeorge we hiked Observation Point Zion and were treated to the best view in the entire park.

Observation Point Zion National Park hike Observation Point Zion National Park hike Observation Point Zion National Park hike

Observation Point Zion is a moderately strenuous 8-mile hike (round trip) and takes between 4-6 hours. To accomplish it as a day hike, make your way to Zion National Park and hop on the shuttle to the Weeping Rock stop. From here it’s time to start hiking up for a 2,100 feet elevation gain.

Observation Point Zion National Park hike Observation Point Zion National Park hike

Observation Point Zion National Park hike Observation Point Zion National Park hike Observation Point Zion National Park hike

The view from the top of Observation Point Zion is insanely impressive — there’s a reason why it’s often referred to as the best lookout in the park. Words can’t describe the the beauty of Zion from here, but hopefully photos help!

Observation Point Zion National Park hike

Observation Point Zion National Park hike

Photo by: Rachel Rudwall

Observation Point Zion National Park hike Observation Point Zion National Park hike

The next 3 parks are all located extremely close to St. George, Utah. Staying here gave us the opportunity to explore these gems in addition to our day trip to Observation Point Zion. Each of these parks offer unique terrain, camping, hiking and stunning views.

2. RED CLIFFS DESERT RESERVE

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve provides 60,000 acres of red rock gloriousness! Pop by the visitor’s center (10 N 100 E, St George, UT 84770) for help on mapping out your adventure or stay.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve visit st georgeRed Cliffs Desert Reserve visit st geroge utahRed Cliffs Desert Reserve visit st george utah

One of the most popular hikes is Babylon Arch Trail, definitely an Insta-worthy spot!

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve babylon arch trail visit st george utah

Photo by: Kristin Luna

3. SNOW CANYON STATE PARK

Did you watch “Land Before Time” as a kid? Stepping into Snow Canyon State Park will transport you to a time when Little Foot, Petry and Sara roamed free. In all seriousness, I wonder if this location offered inspiration for the movie. Snow Canyon is a great spot for a colorful sunset. Make sure to keep your eye out for some dinos.

Snow Canyon State Park St George Utah sunset

Snow Canyon State Park St George Utah

Photo by: Kristin Luna

Snow Canyon State Park St George Utah

 

4. YANT FLAT CLIFFS

Yant Flat Cliffs is also known as Candy Cliffs. Why? Because here Mother Nature serves up delicious views of sandstone rock formations with candy like swirls. The red, orange and white stone swirls will leave your mouth watering for more… or just hungry for some ice cream!

Yant Flat Candy Cliffs Leeds Utah St GeorgeYant Flat Candy Cliffs Leeds Utah St GeorgeYant Flat Candy Cliffs Leeds Utah St George

Around the World with Justin
One of the best parts about attending #InstaMeetStGeorge (thanks again iExplore & Visit St. George!) was spending time with incredibly talented, intelligent and motivating travelers. These people – who have become some of my best friends – inspire me to pursue my passions and become a better travel blogger.

Observation Point Zion National Park hike Rachel Rudwall Spencer Spellman Megan Snedden Laura Lawson Visconti Justin Walter

If you’re in need of some travel inspiration, check them out! Nothing beats surrounding yours with adventurous souls with positive and contagious energy.

Rachel Rudwall (website & Insta)

Observation Point Zion National Park Rachel Rudwall

Spencer Spellman (website & Insta)

Observation Point Zion National Park Spencer Spellman

Laura Lawson Visconti (website & Insta)

Observation Point Zion National Park Laura Lawson Visconti

Jade Broadus (website & Insta)

Observation Point Zion National Park Jade Broadus

Kristin Luna (website & Insta)

Observation Point Zion National Park Kristen Luna

Megan Snedden (website & Insta)

Observation Point Zion National Park Megan Snedden

Psst – did you find this post informative? Useful? Inspiring? Save it for later on Pinterest!

OBSERVATION POINT ZION NATIONAL PARK HIKING GUIDE

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6 Comments

  • Reply Kristin L. August 4, 2017 at 7:50 am

    I really want you to get to go to Sand Hollow, too! It’s super different than all the others but equally as cool. Meet you back there for a hike? 😉

    • Avatar photo
      Reply Justin Walter August 4, 2017 at 12:26 pm

      Yes! I would love to go there with you. Hopefully third time’s a charm for you and these trips with iExplore? Just make sure I can tag along. And great work on Sioux Falls part 2 🙂

  • Reply How to Survive the Angels Landing Hike at Zion National Park | Around The World with Justin WalterAround the World with Justin March 12, 2018 at 12:11 am

    […] can’t recommend Zion enough!!! Hiking the Zion trifecta (as I like to call it) – Observation Point, The Narrows & Angels Landing – has put Zion at the top of my U.S. National Park list. […]

  • Reply 9 Things to Know for the Zion Narrows Hike - Travel Guide for Zion National Park | Around The World with Justin WalterAround the World with Justin March 12, 2018 at 12:12 am

    […] Zion Narrows hike is one of the most difficult hikes within the park along with Angels Landing and Observation Point. It is EXTREMELY important to be aware of and cautious of flash flooding in The Narrows. During a […]

  • Reply My Top 10 Travel Destinations of the 2010 DecadeAround the World with Justin December 31, 2019 at 3:31 pm

    […] National Park with Travel Mindset I discovered my favorite US National Park to date while hiking Observation Point, Angels Landing and The […]

  • Reply Things To Do In Greater Zion UtahAround the World with Justin November 10, 2022 at 10:56 pm

    […] more information visit 4 Must-See Parks When Hiking Observation Point. Plus 9 Things To Know The Narrows Zion Hike & How To Survive The Angels Landing Hike At […]

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