We combined two hikes that use the same trailhead: Observation Point and Hidden Canyon for an 11 mile hike with about 2,500 ft of elevation gain. This is a beautiful hike with various terrains and gorgeous views.
At the trailhead, we looked up and saw this waterfall coursing down the rocks.
Wide angle shot of the canyon wall at the beginning of our hike.
More canyon wall rocks at the beginning of the trail.
As the trail climbed up, we could look over towards Weeping Rock and see another waterfall coming down.
The colors in the rocks were beautiful.
We choose to hike up to Observation Point first, as the trail continued to climb, we could see the Virgin River take a horseshoe bend around Angel's Landing to the west.
Here the tray entered a more narrow section as the trail continued towards the east through echo canyon.
There was a beautiful section of the trail where it entered a water canyon.
There were many interesting rock features and colors along the way.
The trail then climbs in a series of switchbacks up through the rocks.
continuing up the switchbacks
Wide angle shot of the rock formations in the eastern part of the park.
After a while the trail joins the East Rim Trail as it continues toward Observation Point. Along this section a wide angle shot looking south along the Virgin River and Zion Canyon:
View from Observation Canyon, looking south with Angel's Landing far below.
From another spot at Observation Point, looking towards the west, where the Virgin River comes down from the north.
looking at the canyon walls to the west
back down the trail in the water canyon section.
As the trail continued down, we could see the trail below us with the side trail headed up to Hidden Canyon, our next destination.
Looking back up towards Observation Point from where the Hidden Canyon trail leaves the Observation Point trail.
The Hidden Canyon Trail is about 0.6 mile to the entrance of the unmainted trail of Hidden Canyon. This section follows the cliff walls with some steep drop offs. Some sections have a chain you can hold on to.
The trail climbs up and down
one area has stone steps
other areas are more exposed
The "official" trail ends at a couple of small pools, after crossing this area,
you will see the entrance to Hidden Canyon.
This is a slot canyon, where some scrambling is required.
We enjoyed getting around a few obstacles
and continuing up the canyon,
until we reached a small arch on the side of the canyon floor. We decided to make this our turn around point for the day.
So much to see and enjoy in this Hidden Canyon.
Some of the many wildflowers and plants we saw along the trail today:
More canyon wall rocks at the beginning of the trail.
We choose to hike up to Observation Point first, as the trail continued to climb, we could see the Virgin River take a horseshoe bend around Angel's Landing to the west.
continuing up the switchbacks
View from Observation Canyon, looking south with Angel's Landing far below.
From another spot at Observation Point, looking towards the west, where the Virgin River comes down from the north.
back down the trail in the water canyon section.
As the trail continued down, we could see the trail below us with the side trail headed up to Hidden Canyon, our next destination.
Looking back up towards Observation Point from where the Hidden Canyon trail leaves the Observation Point trail.
The "official" trail ends at a couple of small pools, after crossing this area,
you will see the entrance to Hidden Canyon.
