Skip the crowds at Angel’s Landing! Discover the 7 best views in Zion National Park, no permit required. Explore these Zion scenic overlooks now!
When people think of Zion National Park, one hike usually comes to mind: Angel’s Landing, the thrilling, narrow ridge that attracts adventure seekers from around the world. But here’s the thing: Zion’s beauty goes far beyond that one trail.
Whether you’re not a fan of heights, couldn’t snag a permit, or just want breathtaking views without the crowds, there are plenty of other spots that offer epic panoramas, jaw-dropping cliffs, and stunning canyon views, without the nerve-wracking drop-offs.
In this guide, I’ll show you 7 of the best viewpoints in Zion that don’t require hiking Angel’s Landing. From easy scenic overlooks to underrated hikes with incredible vistas, these spots will prove that you don’t need to conquer Angel’s Landing to experience the best views in Zion!
Read More // Don’t forget to read my Ultimate Guide for your first visit to Zion National Park!
7 Best Views in Zion National Park
1. Canyon Overlook Trail
Distance: 1 mile (1.6km) round-trip
Length of Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: easy to moderate
If you’re looking for one of the best panoramic views in Zion without a strenuous hike, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a must. This short, 1-mile round-trip trail leads to a breathtaking overlook of Zion Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon, and the towering sandstone cliffs that define the park’s landscape. It’s a perfect alternative to Angel’s Landing—no permit required, no sheer drop-offs, just an easy hike with a massive reward.
For photographers and sunrise chasers, early morning is ideal. The soft, golden light illuminates the canyon walls, making the landscape glow in shades of orange and red. If you’re here for dramatic shadows and a fiery sky, sunset is also a great option, though it tends to be more crowded.
Parking and trailhead details :
- The trailhead is located just east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel on Highway 9.
- Parking is extremely limited, with only a small lot near the trailhead. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to snag a spot.
- If the lot is full, you may need to park further down the road and walk back carefully along the highway.
Despite its short distance, the Canyon Overlook Trail delivers big on views, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in Zion—no permits, no steep climbs, just stunning scenery in under an hour.
2. Observation Point
Distance: 7 mile (11km) round-trip
Length of Time: 3-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Elevation Gain: ~700 feet
If you want the most breathtaking, high-altitude view in Zion, look no further than Observation Point. Sitting at 6,521 feet, it’s even higher than Angel’s Landing and offers a sweeping panoramic view of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, and the iconic rock formations that make this park so special. Plus, since it’s less crowded and doesn’t require a permit, it’s a great alternative for those wanting a more peaceful experience.
I didn’t get the chance to do this hike myself, but from everything I’ve heard, it’s one of the best viewpoints in Zion—if you can get there.
Hiker’s tips // The classic Weeping Rock Trail that used to lead to Observation Point is closed indefinitely due to a massive rockfall. That means the best way to reach the summit is via the East Mesa Trail, a lesser-known but much easier route. Unlike the grueling old route, the East Mesa Trail is a gradual and relatively easy hike. It starts outside the park boundaries, taking you through scenic forests and slickrock terrain before leading to one of Zion’s most jaw-dropping overlooks. Accessing the East Mesa Trailhead is currently a bit complicated due to the dirt road conditions. Normally, you could drive to the trailhead, but rain and snow can make the road muddy and impassable for non-4WD vehicles. Check road conditions before heading out, you don’t want to get stuck!
Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with a truly unbeatable view of Zion Canyon. You’ll be looking down on Angel’s Landing, watching the switchbacks of the West Rim Trail snake through the landscape, and soaking in the endless layers of red rock and cliffs stretching for miles.
For those willing to navigate the logistics, Observation Point is arguably the most rewarding viewpoint in Zion. If you’re up for the challenge, I’ve heard it’s absolutely worth the effort!
3. Scout Lookout
Distance: 3,6 miles (5.8km), depending on how far you hike
Length of time: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous (but doable if you take breaks!)
Elevation Gain: ~1,100 feet
Want to get a taste of the Angel’s Landing experience, minus the terrifying chains and sheer drop-offs? Scout Lookout is the perfect alternative. Sitting at nearly 4,000 feet, this viewpoint offers incredible views of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River without requiring a permit or a fear of heights.
Many hikers stop here before deciding whether to continue to Angel’s Landing, but if you’re not into adrenaline-pumping ridge walks, Scout Lookout is a rewarding destination on its own.
You’ll find this lookout on the West Rim Trail, following the famous Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks carved into the rock. It’s a challenging climb, but the views just keep getting better as you go. Once you reach Scout Lookout, you’ll be standing on a wide, flat area with expansive views of Zion Canyon, and you can even spot hikers making their way up the Angel’s Landing chains in the distance.
Parking and trailhead details :
- The hike starts at the Grotto Trailhead along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
- During peak season, private vehicles aren’t allowed on this road, so you’ll need to take the Zion shuttle and get off at The Grotto stop.
- Arrive early, this is one of Zion’s most popular trails, and the morning shuttle lines can get long.
If you’re looking for a thrilling yet approachable hike in Zion, Scout Lookout is one of the best view-packed trails in the park—no nerve-wracking exposure required!
4. Watchman Overlook
Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3km) roundtrip
Length of time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~650 feet
If you’re searching for one of the best sunset spots in Zion, Watchman Overlook is a hidden gem that deserves more attention. Accessible via the Watchman Trail, this viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the Watchman peak, Zion Canyon, and the Virgin River below, all bathed in the warm hues of golden hour.
The Watchman Trail begins near the Zion Visitor Center, making it one of the most accessible hikes in the park. The trail gradually climbs to the overlook, offering sweeping views of Towers of the Virgin, Bridge Mountain, and the Watchman, a dramatic, 6,545-foot rock formation that glows at sunset.
While the ascent can feel a bit exposed in the afternoon heat, there are plenty of rocky ledges to rest on along the way. The best part? Most visitors skip this hike, meaning you’ll likely have the overlook all to yourself.
Parking and trailhead details :
- The trailhead is right behind the Zion Visitor Center—super easy to find!
- Arrive early if hiking in the afternoon, as the parking lots around the visitor center fill up fast.
- If taking the Zion shuttle, get off at the Visitor Center stop and walk to the trailhead.
For an underrated, peaceful sunset spot with gorgeous views of the Watchman and Zion Canyon, this trail is a must-do. If you love golden-hour photography, bring your camera, this is one of Zion’s best-kept secrets.
You’re halfway through the 7 best views in Zion National Park…
5. Kolob Canyon Viewpoint
If you’re looking for breathtaking red rock formations without the Zion Canyon crowds, Kolob Canyon Viewpoint is a must-visit. Located in the quieter northwest section of Zion National Park, this overlook offers awe-inspiring views of towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and rugged desert landscapes, all with minimal effort required.
Since this area is often overlooked by visitors focused on Zion’s main canyon, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and take in Zion’s beauty in peace.
Why It’s Worth the Short 45 minutes Drive
Unlike many of Zion’s famous viewpoints that require long, strenuous hikes, Kolob Canyon Viewpoint is accessible via a scenic drive. You’ll find it at the end of the 5-mile Kolob Canyons Road, which winds through some of the park’s most stunning rock formations, including towering Navajo sandstone cliffs that glow at sunrise and sunset.
For those looking to experience Zion’s beauty without the crowds and hiking struggles, Kolob Canyon Viewpoint is a hidden treasure. If you have time for one scenic drive in Zion, make it this one!
6. Pa’rus Trail Views
Distance: 3.5 mile (5.6km) round trip
Length of Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal (essentially flat!)
If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic walk with stunning Virgin River views, the Pa’rus Trail is one of the best easy hikes in Zion. Unlike Zion’s more intense trails, this one is flat, paved, and completely accessible, making it perfect for beginners, cyclists, and anyone looking for a peaceful stroll through the park.
The trail follows the Virgin River, offering beautiful views of Zion’s towering cliffs, wildflowers, and open meadows—all without the crowds or steep climbs.
This multi-use trail is one of the few in Zion that allows bikes and leashed pets, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a more leisurely adventure while still soaking in Zion’s incredible scenery.
Parking and trailhead details :
- The trailhead is located near the Zion Visitor Center, making it one of the most accessible hikes in the park.
- If parking is full, you can take the Zion shuttle and start at either the Visitor Center or Canyon Junction stop.
Whether you’re looking for a casual walk, a bike ride, or just a quiet spot to enjoy Zion’s natural beauty, the Pa’rus Trail is an underrated gem that deserves a spot on your itinerary!
7. Kayenta Trail (A Hidden Gem for Scenic Views)
Distance: 2 mile (3.2km) round trip
Length of Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate (some exposed sections, but nothing technical)
Elevation Gain: ~450 feet
If you’re looking for a lesser-known trail with stunning views, Kayenta Trail is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your Zion itinerary. Connecting the Grotto Trailhead to the Emerald Pools, this moderate hike offers incredible elevated views of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, and red rock cliffs, without the crowds of Angel’s Landing.
The trail gently climbs above the Virgin River, offering expansive views of Zion Canyon from a unique, mid-level vantage point. Unlike many of Zion’s steeper hikes, Kayenta provides epic scenery without intense elevation gain, making it a great option for those who want a scenic but manageable challenge.
Parking and trailhead details :
- The trailhead is located at The Grotto shuttle stop (#6) on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
- Since private cars aren’t allowed on this road in peak season, you’ll need to take the Zion shuttle from the Visitor Center.
- If you want to extend your hike, Kayenta connects directly to the Emerald Pools Trail, allowing you to continue exploring Zion’s famous waterfalls and pools.
If you’re looking for a quieter, scenic alternative to Zion’s busier trails, Kayenta Trail is a fantastic choice, an underrated viewpoint that proves you don’t need to climb Angel’s Landing for epic Zion scenery.
Best Views in Zion National Park, No Angel’s Landing Required
Angel’s Landing might be Zion’s most famous viewpoint, but as you’ve seen, it’s far from the only place to soak in the park’s jaw-dropping scenery. From hidden gem trails like Kayenta to effortless scenic overlooks like the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion is packed with breathtaking views that don’t require a nerve-wracking climb or a permit.
Whether you’re after a peaceful sunset spot, a challenging hike with rewarding vistas, or an easy viewpoint accessible by car, this list proves that you don’t need to brave the chains of Angel’s Landing to experience Zion’s magic.
Now I’d love to hear from you! Which of these viewpoints is your favorite? Or do you have another Zion scenic spot that you think deserves a mention? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it!
And if you’re planning your trip to Zion, don’t forget to check out my other guides for more tips, trails, and photography inspiration.
READ MORE OF MY ZION GUIDES HERE!
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I went to Peterborough for the first time last summer not really knowing what to expect.
I came back with a full camera card, a butter tart problem, and a list of things I didn’t have time to do that I’m already planning to go back for.
That’s the thing about this region… Every corner has something that makes you stop and pull over. Every person you meet seems genuinely happy you came. There’s a warmth to the Kawarthas that I wasn’t expecting and that I haven’t stopped thinking about since.
I’ve been recommending it to everyone who asks me where to go in Ontario this summer. And nobody has come back disappointed.
Save this and add it to your summer list. You won’t regret it. 🔖
Have you been to Peterborough and the Kawarthas before? What did I miss? 👇🏻
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#peterborough #kawarthas #exploreontario #ontariotravel #trentsevernwaterway
There are towns in Ontario that surprise you. And then there is Kincardine.
The first time I walked along the harbour I genuinely had to remind myself I was still in Ontario. Something about the lighthouse, the boats, the way the light hits the water in the evening reminded me of back home (I’m a New Brunswick girl!). It has this east coast energy that you just don’t expect to find on Lake Huron.
This guide has everything you need to plan your visit : the beaches, the restaurants, where to stay, and the sunset tradition that has been happening quietly in this town for decades and that I think everyone in Ontario deserves to witness at least once.
Swipe through and save this one.
Have you ever been to Kincardine? Is it going on your list this summer 👇
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Pitch me a better summer than this. I’ll wait. 🌊
Ontario summer really does hit different when you actually lean into it. A nd if you’re trying to make the most of yours, you’re in the right place.
I’ve got you covered all summer long. Follow along and let’s make it a good one.
Which day are you claiming first? 👇
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#ontariosummer #exploreontario #ontariotravel
I’ll be honest, Peterborough wasn’t on my radar for a long time. It’s one of those places you drive past on your way to a cottage, always meaning to stop, never quite doing it. 🌿
Then I actually stopped.
And now I keep going back.
There’s something about this part of Ontario that feels like it hasn’t been packaged for tourists yet. A small city with a real downtown, surrounded by lakes and forests and history that goes back thousands of years.
Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d spend a first visit, from the first coffee of the morning to the sunset that completely blew me away!
Some of it will surprise you. Some of it will make you hungry. And at least one slide is going to make you say « wait, that exists in Ontario?! » 🙌
Save this before your next road trip north, you’re going to want it.
👇 Have you ever been to Peterborough? I’ll be back in that area in the Fall so tell me what I missed?
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I’ve driven this loop more times than I can count and every single time I find something new to love about it.
It starts just outside Ottawa and winds through some of the most underrated corners of Eastern Ontario.
The thing about this road trip is that it doesn’t ask much of you. You don’t need to plan weeks in advance or drive for hours to feel like you’ve actually gotten away. You just need a long weekend, a full tank of gas, and a willingness to slow down.
I’ve been piecing this route together for years, adding stops, swapping others out, finding the spots that are worth the detour and the ones that aren’t. This is the version I keep coming back to. The one I send to friends when they ask where to go. The one that made me fall in love with Eastern Ontario all over again.
Every stop is in the reel. Save this and start planning.
Have you done any of these stops before? Drop the ones you’ve been to below 👇
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