Sunrise Photography at Canyon Overlook Trail
ScenicEasyYear-round
A short, high-reward hike near the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel offering a panoramic vista of the lower canyon bathed in golden morning light.
Itinerary tips
- 1Arrive at the parking area east of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel at least 45 minutes before sunrise to secure a spot in the extremely limited lot.
- 2Carry a headlamp for the 1-mile round-trip hike as the sandstone stairs and cliff edges are dark before dawn.
- 3Pack a wide-angle lens to capture the full breadth of the Pine Creek and lower Zion Canyon expanse.
- 4Wear sturdy footwear with good grip to navigate the uneven slickrock and narrow wooden boardwalks safely.
- 5Allow at least 90 minutes total to account for the hike, photography time, and the return walk to your vehicle.
- 6Check the Zion National Park website for tunnel construction schedules, as overnight closures can block access from the St. George side.
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