On our first trip to Zion National Park, we were thrilled with the Observation Point Trail.   It was one of our favorites (previous article).  Since then we have hiked it twice more and we will continue to go up the trail for as long as we can (the next time will be October, 2014).   There are many options and much to see.   In this last trip in late October, we entered the middle section of Echo Canyon, scrambling through the slot canyon to the Echo Chamber (article).

On each return trip, we try to focus on different things.   The wide views are impressive, but the close-ups are also rewarding.  Captions explain each photo below:

Across the Virgin River Valley to the West Rim from Observation Point

Sand dunes hardened into red Navajo sandstone along the route

Lizards frequent the edge of the trail.

Potholes and pour-offs on the sandstone slabs.

The zigzag trail on ledges up the white sandstone cliffs.

Working our way up the sandstone cliffs to Observation Point

A pinon stump on the way up to the Upper Echo Canyon amphitheatre.

A chilly pothole just below Middle Echo Canyon.

Doug coming across the ledges on the way back from Observation Point (F. Rhebergen photo)