The Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park starts at the east end of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.   There are a few parking spaces nearby but they fill up by late morning so an early start is recommended.   The trail climbs the rocky hill and then follows the north rim of Pine Canyon as it winds to the west.   The trail follows a series of slickrock ledges.

Pine Canyon below is a deep slot, a favorite for canyoneers.   It requires 5 rappels and some swimming requiring a wetsuit.  The route takes 2-6 hours, depending on the skills of the party.  The final rappel is about 100 feet down to the lower canyon.

The trail is only a kilometer to the viewpoint, looking over lower Pine Creek Canyon above the Great Arch.   The East Zion Road emerges from the tunnel on the left.   Canyon Junction is ahead, looking into the sun to the west.

For adventurous hikers, East Temple stands above, a steep climb on slickrock to a high airy shoulder/saddle (we hiked this route in another year – use the search bar – East Temple).

From the shoulder, it is possible to descend carefully on slickrock ledges into Upper Pine Canyon for a loop route..   Having a GPS and some waypoints would be helpful (link) to find the route down to the bottom of the canyon.  An article on the route is found here – East Temple.

For most hikers, the route will end at the viewpoint followed by an easy return to the parking area on an out-and-back trail.   We sometimes do two shorter hikes in the East Zion area, one of which is Canyon Overlook.