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    Canyon Overlook Trail

    4.8 (57 reviews)

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    Cindy W.

    After exiting the tunnel, look for parking immediately on the right. If there are no available spots, continue driving and check for parking along the left side of the road. The trail is easy to moderate, featuring some elevation changes. There are stunning views throughout the journey!

    7am 20 minute hike
    Rachel S.

    Pretty easy hike even in the snow. Beautiful sunrise in March with the snow capped mountains. Easy level 20 minute hike and lots of older kids and adults. Definitely worth the trip.

    You briefly hike along a wooden pathway beside the cliff wall to arrive at the overlook.
    Seth A.

    This Canyon Overlook Trail is a straightforward 1 mile roundtrip hike to a vista point perspective of the Zion Canyon Floor. The trailhead is located within Zion boundaries, but on the outskirts from the primary section where the bus shuttles make stops #1 - 9. If you drive Highway 89 or otherwise known as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, Canyon Overlook Trail sits just past the tunnel about 5 miles from the Visitor Center. There is very, very limited parking here and when I first visited for late afternoon, no spots were available including anywhere along the side of the road. My next attempt was stopping by at 7am the following day and I successfully grabbed a parking space and made my way towards the overlook. I wasn't thrilled by the surroundings. Granted, you're afforded undisturbed, sweeping views of Zion's sandstone tower cliffs, but this Canyon Overlook was similar to the roadside pull-offs along Highway 89 leading up through the Mount Carmel Tunnel. Another "yin/yang" effect I discovered is that with finding a parking spot at 7am, the sun was just rising for mid September and the landscape was shaded and dark for early morning. In fact, I waited and waited until 9:30am when the sun better enhanced the Zion Canyon setting. But, you really only need 45 minutes - 1 hour to be here. When I returned back to the trailhead, every parking space was occupied. So...I'd be out of luck with my car if I showed up later rather than at first light of day. Also, there are many outstanding moments, hikes and more fulfilling ways to appreciate Zion than making the effort to come to this Canyon Overlook. I don't believe you're missing out on much other than a nice observation point, which you can capture just as good a glimpse of driving Highway 89 and picking and choosing where to pull to the side of the road. Some last minute extras I can think of.... - Because parking is limited, the trail and overlook never got too crowded with visitors, which was a bonus. - At the viewpoint, there are small rock mesas to climb on to capture the scenery from a higher angle. In my opinion, that added to the photogenic perspective. - Compared to more strenuous hikes throughout Zion, the 1 mile hike/walk is an easy way to get exposure to the scenic sights without working hard. From this Canyon Overlook I returned to the Zion Visitor Center, took the shuttle bus to the #6 - Grotto section and hiked the West Rim Trail up to Scout Lookout and beyond. I found the experience on the West Rim Trail to be monumental! It trumped anything I uncovered here. When I reflect back on how to relay coming to Canyon Overlook, it's just okay in comparison to more rewarding ways of using your time visiting Zion National Park.

    Zemin H.

    It's commonly known as Canyon Overlook Trail, didn't know it goes with name Pine Creek Canyon Overlook Trail. There are only 9 parking spots at the trailhead right outside of tunnel, we were lucky this time to get one. The views along the trail were amazing already, I enjoyed every step of the way. Since the trail is pretty easy, almost flat with elevation of 5270ft, it's very crowded during holiday season, and it's the most popular trail in Zion NP. At the top, we can see spectacular view of the canyon, which is similar to the view from Angels Landing we climbed few years ago. There were also 4 big horn goats goofing around on left side, they were not afraid of people at all. We wondered around for an hour, taking pictures and sitting on the rock to enjoy the view: Bridge Mountain on the left side of the canyon, East Temple on right side, the Pine Creek stream below.

    Canyon Overlook view at sunset
    Brianna F.

    We were looking for a nice spot at sunset and this hike delivered. We luckily got parking close to the trail start, but parking is very limited. It's a short hike and easy to follow. There are some stairs on the way up and narrow parts, but also fun passing through a cave and short bridge along the way. You will likely cross paths with people going the opposite direction but everyone is nice about waiting/making space to get by each other. We made it in time for sunset and the views do not disappoint! Highly recommend!

    Tunnel entrance
    Alyssa Y.

    The view from up top is not to be missed! The hike itself is about a mile but has a fairly steady elevation gain, especially right at the beginning. After a few sets of steep incline me it levels out significantly. There are a few sections where you are close to the edge and a small walkway out over open air but a large part of the trail has railings to assist and protect you. When we visited there were people of all ages taking part. Just be prepared that, if busy, it will take some time as lots of sections are only wide enough for one person. Once you get to the top, it is worth it! Pack some snacks or schedule this around lunch time and take some time to admire the gorgeous view of the canyon.

    View
    Kristen B.

    A great spot to watch the sunset! I really enjoyed this trail, you walk through a cave and then have an amazing view at the end. It isn't difficult at all and pretty flat minus the stairs at the beginning. ***PARKING*** Not much parking. We got lucky with a spot, but arrive early if you want to see the sunset. The lot is right in front of the stairs. ***LOCATION*** Idk if it is part of Zion, but it is right after Zion! We did Zion in the day then stopped by here for the sunset on our way to our next destination for the next day.

    Claudine L.

    Spending weekends outdoors does not disappoint! The trailhead is just outside the end of Mount Carmel Tunnel, in the eastern part of Zion NP. The most challenging part is getting a parking spot. As one of the most popular hiking trails in Zion NP, it's beautiful, short and easy to follow. Perched above the Great Arch passing cool shaded alcoves with ferns growing out of the walls then leads to a stunning view of Zion Canyon at 5,270 ft above! We enjoyed the view of Route 9 switchbacks below, the Bridge Mountain which is the highest peak on the left side of the canyon, the impressive rock formation to our right is the East Temple and if you're exploring, spot the tunnel "windows" of the canyon wall to the left and the Pine Creek stream below. We spent an hour up here, admiring the awesome view. It's definitely a short and fun hike for all ages! The Canyon Overlook Trail is one hiking gem of Zion National Park. * Easy-Moderate * 1 mile RT * 1 Hour (Total) * 180 Total Feet of Climbing * Max Elevation of 5,270 feet * No Dogs Allowed * No Permit Needed * Open Year Round * Can be muddy after a rainstorm and icy in the winter

    Vannisa T.

    We stayed at a town called Hurricane and it was the best decision. It is only a 30 minute drive to the state park. While driving towards here you'll see cute towns and then you'll enter the lodging area for campers. Many inns and cabins here. There is also a lovely coffeeshop looking out to the Mountain View of the red rocks. You'll have multiple lines to enter to the National park. It can get quite long, so arrive early. Once you get through you'll have to make a choice. Go and pay for the shuttle to take you through to the narrows trail or go for a drive to this location. You'll enter tunnels and winding road. Caution to those who get car sick. To hike this you'll have a tricky time finding parking, but most will be parked along the road. You may get lucky and immediately find parking, but we walked 1/2 a mile to get to the trailhead. You won't miss it. It has steps and many people go the same direction. Wear your hiking shoes as it will get steep and you'll have loose rocks and narrow ways. Take as many breaks as you need. After about 30 minutes you'll find yourself at a rewarding view point.

    Alina S.

    Not to be missed!! A must stop when driving through Mt Carmel Highway heading east to Bryce Canyon NP. This trail is great for anyone who doesn't have time to explore the main part of Zions NP where you'd have to take a park shuttle to the trails. Canyon Overlook Trail is still Zions NP but you need a private vehicle to get there. We went around 12:30pm on Thursday 4/7/2022, There's still crowds but not bad. The weather was absolutely perfect and sky was completely blue!! To get there, I passed through the switchbacks and Mt Carmel tunnel heading east to Bryce Canyon NP. There is a tiny parking lot to the right after exiting the tunnel but it's only for compact vehicles, and I had my truck so I kept driving and found a spot a bit further out. We could still walk and enjoy the scenery before arriving to the trail. The Canyon Overlook Trail is a short hike, about 1 mile round trip. It is worth a stop because the view is a sight to behold! Recommend!!

    Views from the trail
    Hannah S.

    This is a great trail to easily and quickly make it to a sprawling vista of Zion Canyon - such incredible views! We did just over 2 miles long and the trail is well marked. There are stairs and inclines, a questionable wooden bridge, narrow areas and some optional rock scrambling - so AllTrails calls it moderate. I'd say it's an easier moderate trail. A lovely little jaunt really - gorgeous scenery all along. Starts off with some well groomed stairs then becomes dusty and rocky. It can be a narrow in places and is pretty busy - although not as busy as all the main Zion trails. There's even a part where it feels like you're walking in a cave! It was a great trail to finish off our first day with breathtaking views! The trailhead is immediately on the left after the Mt Carmel tunnel (the main, big tunnel). Can't miss it. There's a small parking area on the right immediately after the tunnel and a second smaller parking lot a tad further down on the left - but it's all very limited. Parking is probably the biggest challenge. There are restrooms at the second smaller lot.

    Justin T.

    Canyon Overlook Trail was most definitely the highlight of my Zion trip! We mapped out the easy to intermediate trails and decided we would hit this up as our last stop of the day. The drive alone up to the trail is beautiful with a cool tunnel to end the drive. We were lucky enough to snag a parking spot directly across the beginning of the trail. If you can't find a spot there, you can park at your own risk along the road leading back to the tunnel. So this is considered an easy hike but after a day of hiking, and being a beginner, this first leg of the hike was strenuous with the inclines. Once you knock that out, it isn't too bad and the views are awesome. Once you reach to the top, the views are stunning! No one just goes up and just comes back down. It is a great place to catch your breath, take in the views and just admire the beauty surrounding you. Don't forget all the picture opportunities as well. I felt like a model up there with all the pics taken! I would do this hike again in a heartbeat!

    Marcus F.

    This is one of the few trails in Zion that you don't have to book a ride on the park's bus system to visit in 2020/2021. This overlook trail isn't off the main Scenic Drive, but the drive to get here is very scenic and it's quite fun driving through the long 1.1 mile mountain tunnel... Parking is going to be a bitch. The tiny parking lots are going to be full and doing a u-turn is going to be difficult. You will need to keep driving down the road and pull off on any open dirt area along the road (either side of the road). On a busy day you may have to park up to a mile away, but maybe you'll get lucky. The good news is that you will eventually find parking and will be able to visit this trail. That's not always the case with some of the other trails in Zion. Anyone can hike the canyon overlook trail unless they have mobility issues. There are stairs, rocks, wet areas, sandy areas, and very windy areas. Not a problem for most people and families... In summation this is a fun trail to a viewpoint. If you're shut out of the park's other trails (busses are all booked) this is a good plan B.. - Best time is probably very early (8am) or a few hours before sunset. - You can't bike to this location from the West..No bikes allowed in the tunnel.

    You can find some snow in late Dec...

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    4 months ago

    This spot was as beautiful as the pictures, reaching the top was probably top 10 moments of my life.

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    Easy quick hike! Got to see some sheep along the way. Very nice view at the end! Def worth it.

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    Review Highlights - Canyon Overlook Trail

    There are only 9 parking spots at the trailhead right outside of tunnel, we were lucky this time to get one.

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    Zion National Park - Don't feed the squirrels

    Zion National Park

    4.8(1.6k reviews)
    3.7 mi

    After Capitol Reef's stunning colored, sculpted mountains and Bryce Canyon's hoodoo amphitheater,…read moreZion offer s soaring mountains on each side of you, river, and many more non-hiker friendly trails besides the deadly Angel's Landing. It is an exceptionally well designed park with the free town and park shuttle system that centers at the Visitor Center and has many paved trails. - As you drive into Zion, you will go through the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel - a 1.1 mile pitch black dark tunnel with no lighting, just a few windows of the stunning mountains as you drive through - The park and shuttles are free! Stay in Springdale for the closest location. The Best Western was very nice and Shuttle stop 4 - Favorite easy trails in my order of preference: -- Riverside Walk (2.2 miles, 57 ft elevation change, 1.5 hours) - paved path along the Virgin River in a Canyon -- Pa'rus Trail (1.7 or 3.5 miles, 50 ft elevation change, 1-2 hours) - start at park shuttle stop #3 (Canyon Junction-shuttle only stops going downhill - Not from the Visitor Center) for a 1.7 mile walk on a paved trail near the Human History museum, past the campgrounds and to the visitor center. If you start at the Visitor Center, then you will have to turnaround at Canyon Junction and it is 3.5 miles. - The Grotto Trail (1 miles, 35 ft, 0.5 hour) - dirt trail paralleling the road from Stop 6 (Grotto) to Stop 5 (Zion lodge) - saw and heard a wild turkey. - Weeping Rock Trail (0.4 miles, 98 ft, 0.5 hour) - short but steep paved trail ends at a rock alcove with dripping water - Lower Emerald Pool (2 miles, 150 ft, 1.5 hours) - paved trail to a small pool. It had been dry, so it was underwhelming but if it had rained more, it might have been better. If you are adventurous and like a good view and danger, then try to get a permit to hike Angel's Landing. Someone died the week before we arrived. In the park, there are 9 shuttle stops where you can get off to hike. The following stops have toilets (may be a pit toilet or flush toilet): stop 1 Visitor center - flush, 2 Zion Human History Museum - flush - but you have to walk a bit to get to the museum where the toilet are located outside, 5 Zion Lodge - flush -inside the lodge, 6 Grotto-pit?, 7 Weeping Rock-pit?, 9 Temple of Sinawava - pit.

    We arrived on Thursday May 14 around 11am. From past experience we decided to skip stopping at the…read moreVisitor Center for now (finding parking at this part of the day might involve circling the parking lot several times). So we drove out to the East side of the park via the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and tunnel and took in the scenery, looked for bighorn sheep, and pulled over occasionally to get more photos and stretch. At this time they were still doing a one-way traffic control through the 1930's tunnel (to manage large vehicles passing through without incident). That ends June 7, 2026 and specific large vehicle sizes will have to take an alternative route - no tunnel for you! See their website for details and updates. We only waited about 7 minutes to pass to the East and only about 2 minutes to return on the West side. Just good timing on our departure - nothing you can control to shorten the wait. While on the East side of the tunnel we were fortunate to find a parking space in the limited areas so we could get out and walk the Canyon Overlook trail. It was easy walking but considered a moderate hike due to the drop-offs along the trail (handrails and plenty of space on the trail to feel safe going single file through a couple areas.) Most sections you can pass hikers coming back and have plenty of trail space. There were a couple of rock overhang, cave-like sections that provided a cool break from the sun. The trail end viewpoint overlooks the highway below and in the left bluff you can find one of the windows of the tunnel. Then we headed to the Visitor Center (around 2pm) and had no issues finding multiple parking spots were open. We sat at a picnic table on the Watchman side of the lots and enjoyed the sandwiches we brought for lunch. We did then go into the Visitor Center and it was crowded. A quick look around and I didn't find much new that I was interested in since we were there a couple years ago - until I saw an art book on Wildflowers of the West by Molly Hashimoto. Since I had bought her Trees of the West at Cedar Breaks Nat'l Monument a couple years ago I really wanted this new book. The checkout line was well organized and in 2 minutes I had paid for the book and was heading out to the informational side of the building where the crowd was not! We could have waited until after our final hike to go in, but I didn't want to be time constrained while on the trail just to and make it back before VC closed at 5pm. We boarded the shuttle before 3pm and made our way to Stop 9 - Temple of Sinawava where we undertook the Riverside Walk. Shuttle seemed to take about 20+ minutes to get up its route to reach this final stop. (Restrooms at the Temple stop were temporarily closed for renovation. Can't recall seeing notice of this prior to arriving at that stop). We'd been on the Riverside Walk during a previous visit and wanted to show our visiting relatives this easy, pleasant trail that takes you up to where those more adventuresome (and prepared with proper wading equipment) head into The Narrows. The main paved trail was busy but not too packed. We were still able to be alone on the path and experience the quiet forest and spot mule deer, lots of squirrels and see and hear little yellow goldfinches singing. On a previous trip we were more ambitious and exited the paved path to walk along the Virgin River on the dirt trail. I think we had to scramble up/down/over/around some boulders occasionally to stay along that river trail but there were a few cutovers to get back up on the easier paved main path if needed. We jumped back on the shuttle service in the 5:30 - 6pm timeframe and had time to stop at Zion Lodge (Stop 5). There were several turkeys strolling casually around the grounds looking amused (or annoyed, who can really read a turkey's face?) at the humans on their land. We used the restrooms, checked out the gift shop and then headed back over to catch the shuttle back to the VC. The park was already running extra shuttles at this hour of the day so no one would be stranded at any of the 9 stops along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. I think the next time I come to Zion it will be during the off-season when cars are allowed on the Scenic Drive - that will be a new experience.

    Photos
    Zion National Park - Very cool late February & early March dry flowers.

    Very cool late February & early March dry flowers.

    Zion National Park - Friend met on Kayenta Trail

    Friend met on Kayenta Trail

    Zion National Park - The squirrels here have no fear! The even strike a pose for you! LOL

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    The squirrels here have no fear! The even strike a pose for you! LOL

    The Grotto Trail - Friendly deer was hungry, it looked so skinny.  Poor thing.

    The Grotto Trail

    4.3(4 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    Short, pretty little trail that is almost a guaranteed on your visit if you're doing one of the…read moremain attraction hikes and depending on parking situations. It's only about 1 mile round trip and links you up to either Angel's Landing trail, Emerald Pools trail or the West Rim trail - so I wouldn't call this one an independent hike - you wouldn't be doing this one all on its own. It's more of a place for overflow parking for some of the main hikes with a small trail to get you to those actual trailheads. Bc of the parking issues for Angel's Landing, we had to park at the Grotto trailhead which is how we ended up on this trail. It's mostly flat, very well maintained, has a picnic area and nice restrooms. You get amazing views all along it, especially of Angel's Landing off in the distance! It's a great way to start the Angel's Landing hike tbh. We even saw deer!! And on our way out, some crazy clouds had rolled in and made the rock formations and mountains look so other-worldly and we even got snow as a bonus!! Definitely not disappointed we had to add some extra steps to our Angel's Landing hike! I got some great shots!

    Most people shuttle up and down Zion Canyon, and admittedly that's a great way to see the main…read morecanyon. But there are a few trails that actually parallel the road, and can take you from shuttle stop to shuttle stop. So I say, if you can walk the canyon, why not? That's kind of the point is to be out there, right? The Grotto Trail is a great example. Connecting Shuttle Stop 5 (Zion Lodge) and Shuttle Stop 6 (The Grotto) this is a wonderful way to see a little of the canyon on foot. You can walk it in either direction, so take your pick. It doesn't much matter as elevation gains are minimal, but I like to get off of the shuttle at a farther stop and work my way back. Sometimes in the off season, however, you may be able to find parking at one of the stops and not the other, so if you're headed to the Grotto for a popular hike there, you may have to park at the Lodge and walk up. Perfect! Take this trail. You can also take the Emerald Pools and then Kayenta trails which parallel (sort of) the opposite side of the road, but that's a much longer haul. The Grotto Trail is only a half mile long. This trail isn't exactly quiet or private as it does parallel the road, but they report a surprising amount of wildlife here. I've not seen them when I hiked, but look for deer who are very unamused but mostly indifferent to humans. They are all over the park. I can't say it's my top destination hike when I plan a trip to Zion, but if you can squeeze it in or are forced to walk when Grotto parking is full, you won't be disappointed by a meandering walk along the canyon floor.

    Photos
    The Grotto Trail - Grotto Trail @ stop #6 - 9/10/24

    Grotto Trail @ stop #6 - 9/10/24

    The Grotto Trail - Entrance

    Entrance

    The Grotto Trail - Hello deer friend. :)

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    Hello deer friend. :)

    Watchman Trail

    Watchman Trail

    4.1(27 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    Epic journey for those ready for a moderate hike up the mountain but don't have stomach for…read morebalancing atop the narrow ridge of Angels Landing trail (such as me). The hike is very scenic and the views are amazing from the top! If you are camping, you can see your campsite from atop. This is still a moderately strenuous hike, so be sure your health is ready for some serious steps. The trail consists of both steps, flat paths and ascending paths without steps. There were just a couple spots that narrowed where I felt a little dizzy walking near the edge...yes, I am a chicken when it comes to heights. It didn't bother my wife. Be on the lookout for the beautifully colored aqua blue rocks during your hike! We also enjoyed some flowers that decorated the trail side. This was our favorite of three hikes we made on this day: 1. Watchman Trail 2. Narrows Riverside Walk 3. Lower Emerald Pools NOTE: Don't let your kiddos throw/kick rocks down as the trail zig-zags up the mountain and a rock could hit another hiker below and seriously hurt them.

    I really enjoyed this hike!! It ended up being quite a bit longer than I'd anticipated but I think…read moreit was worth it. It starts near the visitor center but wraps around the canyon face to end with a lovely overlook view of the canyon, with the watchman mountains to your left and the visitor center/springdale straight ahead. It's rockier than I thought it would be here, definitely watch your step. It took me a solid couple hours to do round trip and I'd already done several hikes that day/was tired so bear it in mind! But of all the hikes I did in Zion, this was actually one of my favorites (aside from Angel's landing). Would recommend!

    Photos
    Watchman Trail
    Watchman Trail
    Watchman Trail - Views from along the trail

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    Views from along the trail

    Many Pools Trail - Stopping for lunch at 6008 feet!

    Many Pools Trail

    4.5(2 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    It was a bit hard to locate the trailhead, but so happy we didn't give up wandering in circles &…read morewere able to run into people who pointed us in the right direction, because it was gorgeous & fun! When parking at the main lot, where GPS "Many Pools Trailhead" will bring you to, stand facing the bathrooms, with the larger river on your right. Then head all the way to the left, down the hill towards the woods. You'll be able to see a small trail in the sand headed down the hill around the left, almost seemingly under the road...that's it! The trail leads through the wooded area, through a tunnel (easy to navigate despite having ample water), and into a clearing where you being to hike up flat rocks, seeing the pools as you ascend to the top. We thought the pools were fascinating, as they had various shapes, depths, and the occasional waterfall. Would say this is a moderate hike, because of the incline, timing is based solely on how long you'd want to wander around each section- we also explored the river section opposite the trail if you go right from the parking lot down to the "beach area"

    This might just be my fave hike that we did during our whole trip to Zion! It's quite an adventure…read more- made me feel like a true explorer!! You'll be walking in dry creek beds and scrambling up dry, smooth waterfalls with chains of little pools (some really deep!) spilling down the mountains- and lots of rock scrambling up the mountains too- very similar to Angels Landing, but without the chains and maybe not quite as steep or dangerous for the most part. You start out going down the steep hill from the parking lot down into the Clear Creek bed and follow that until you get to the cool tunnel that takes you under highway 9. That's when you get into the Pine Creek bed that you'll pretty much follow the whole way. We definitely needed our poles and proper hiking boots. The rocks are smooth, slanted greatly in lots of places, and slick. This trail is definitely NOT for beginners - it's moderate in places and pretty strenuous in others. We made it up over 6000 feet as well! The trail isn't marked at all - very unclear - you'll really be dependent on a trail map - and it's not on the National Parks website or their maps! I think they like to keep it a secret lol. Luckily I had downloaded the trail map on the AllTrails app or we wouldn't never been able to do the whole trail. I highly recommend you do the same - and be sure to do it before you come into the park Bc we had ZERO signal most of the time. It's very much a hidden gem - we didn't see another soul and had the whole hike to ourselves! That being said, I would strongly recommend you don't hike this alone and bring bear spray and take all back country trail safety precautions. Parking is in a small lot not too long after the Mt Carmel tunnel (the big, main tunnel) and it'll be on your right. It has a tiny little building in it with a green roof which is the bathrooms yay!! They were fairly clean and well maintained but hardly had any TP so you may wanna bring some just in case.

    Photos
    Many Pools Trail - Some of the many pools!

    Some of the many pools!

    Many Pools Trail - Mountain Chickadee on the trail!

    Mountain Chickadee on the trail!

    Many Pools Trail - Views of some of the many pools from the trail

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    Views of some of the many pools from the trail

    Canyon Overlook Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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