Canyon Overlook Trail   Caution is called for at trail's end Says Kevin Corcoran The ''Overlook'' part of the Canyon Overlook Trail Says Kevin Corcoran Striking backdrop at trail's end Says Kevin Corcoran The Canyon Overlook Trail is located in the magnificently striking Zion National Park. Parking for the trailhead can be found just east of the Zion - Mt. Carmel Tunnel, on the south side of Route 9. The one-mile long trail offers an incredible view of     the mountains within Zion that flank the west side of the Virgin River. But beware if you have children. There are several areas along the trail - particularly at the end of the trail - where an unattended child could meet a tragic end by tumbling over 800+ foot cliffs. The trail itself is easy and suitable for most people, although it is very rocky and quite narrow in places. The bulk of the climbing occurs at the beginning of the trail as you ascend stairs and a short, but relatively steep trail section that ascends perhaps 100 feet in total. After that, it's a pretty level hike with several brief ups and downs. The open red rock scenery and geologic formations will keep most   hikers riveted for the entire length of the trail. The hiking trail even ducks under a few rock shelves along the way, which is welcome relief during the hot summer months that characterize Zion. The trail ends at a precipice that offers up a vertical drop of approximately 800 feet. There's only one small section of chain link fence at the kiosk that identifies the key features of the view. Literally hundreds of feet of the precipice are totally exposed, necessitating extreme caution and very protective behavior towards children. The views from the cliff are almost indescribable. The Virgin River valley lies far below, setting up a beautiful backdrop that includes the the various peaks of the Towers of the Virgin. The 7,157-foot Sentinel is rather striking, as are the cliff faces of the East Temple. You can also easily trace the numerous switchbacks of Route 9 that take westbound travelers down to the floor of the Virgin River Valley. All around there are huge boulders that seem to defy gravity as they cling to what seems like vertical cliff faces. If you visit Zion, the Canyon Overlook Trail should top your list of things to do. Says Kevin Corcoran BIGGER SIZE PICTURE HERE BIGGER SIZE PICTURE HERE BIGGER SIZE PICTURE HERE SUBMIT INPUT     Map Map Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Canyon Overlook Trail.   Trails Near Canyon Overlook Trail: Walters Wiggles, Washington County , 3 miles away   Campgrounds Near Canyon Overlook Trail: Grotto Campground, Washington County , 2 miles away Zion National Park - South Camp Ground, Virgin , 3 miles away South Campground, Washington County , 3 miles away Watchman Campground, Washington County , 3 miles away Zion Canyon Campground, Springdale , 4 miles away   Whitewater Near Canyon Overlook Trail: Virgin River - North Fork, Washington County , 4 miles away, Class III-V - 8.5 miles long (Sinawava to South Campground) Virgin River, Washington County , 16 miles away, Class I-V(V+) - 49 miles long (Virgin to Littlefield)   Public Lands Near Canyon Overlook Trail: Cedar Breaks National Monument, Cedar City - UT , 29 miles away Pipe Spring National Monument, Fredonia - AZ , 32 miles away Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah , 19 miles away Quail Creek State Park, Utah , 32 miles away   Hotels Near Canyon Overlook Trail: Cliffrose Lodge, Springdale , 4 miles away Quality Inn Springdale At Zion Park, Springdale , 4 miles away La Quinta Inn & Suites Zion Park - Springdale, Springdale , 4 miles away Pioneer Lodge Springdale, Springdale , 4 miles away Holiday Inn Express SPRINGDALE - ZION NATL PK AREA, Springdale , 4 miles away   Lakes Near Canyon Overlook Trail Kolob Reservoir, Washington County , 14 miles away