Hidden Canyon Trail

 

The Hidden Canyon Trails ranks up there as one of the most beautiful in the park and at the same time one of the most exhilarating, second only to the Angel’s Landing Trail. It is not hiked as often as other trails in the park, mainly because it is a side trail along the exhausting East Rim Trail that people use as a day hike to Observation Point. Thoughts of “I’ll do that side trail on the way down” fade with that nearly 4000 feet of elevation gain over 4 miles.  I recommend hiking the Hidden Canyon Trail on the way up to Observation Point, or better yet, hike Hidden Canyon as a stand alone hike and return to the trail head.

You can access the Hidden Canyon Trail from the Weeping Rock Trail head. Follow signs for the East Rim Trail and Observation Point. The Hidden Canyon side trail is one mile from the trail head. Turn right off the East Rim Trail. Follow for about a half mile of some beautiful trail work as you ascend and round a cliff on a sandstone shelf with amazing views. The park service has installed chains to the inner wall for those not sure of their footing, similar to what is on Angels Landing. You can explore the canyon beyond the end of the trail which I recommend if you are not hiking to Observation Point. If you are hiking to the point, turn back and explore another day.

Note: I was one of the last people to hike this trail as it closed the next day for the remainder of 2016. At least that’s what the park service states. Some trail maintenance is required. It will reopen in 2017.