Zion National Park

Weeping Rock

FamiliesFirst-Time VisitorsPhotographers
0 mi Distance
45 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type

What to Expect

Don't let the short distance fool you — Weeping Rock packs a surprisingly steep punch into a quick out-and-back. You'll cross a footbridge from the shuttle stop and hang left onto a paved trail that climbs aggressively through a series of switchbacks carved into the canyon wall. The path is shaded by cottonwoods and the towering sandstone walls of Zion Canyon, which keeps things cooler than you'd expect. Interpretive signs along the way explain the geology, but the real show is at the top: a massive alcove where water that fell as rain on the plateau roughly 1,200 years ago finally seeps through the Navajo Sandstone and drips from the overhang like a slow-motion shower. Hanging gardens of maidenhair fern and columbine cling to the wet rock face — it feels like stumbling into a hidden grotto. This is the perfect trail for anyone short on time who still wants a genuine Zion moment, and it's a great warm-up before tackling the more demanding routes to Hidden Canyon or Observation Point that branch off from the same trailhead.
FamiliesFirst-Time VisitorsPhotographersWheelchair UsersWaterfall Lovers

Safety Advisory

The trail has minor drop-offs with no guardrails in a few spots — keep a close eye on small children, especially on the upper switchbacks where the edge is close to the path.

Rockfall is a real hazard in this area of Zion Canyon. Check the park's trail condition reports before heading out, as Weeping Rock has been closed multiple times in recent years due to rockslides.

Trail Details

Estimated Time 45 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Weeping Rock

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Arrive on one of the first two shuttle departures to snag the Weeping Rock stop before crowds build — by mid-morning in summer, every shuttle is standing-room-only and the alcove gets packed shoulder to shoulder.

Trail Tip

Wear shoes with decent grip even though the trail is paved. The final stretch near the alcove stays perpetually wet from the seeping springs, and the stone steps get slippery enough to send flip-flop wearers skating.

Trail Tip

Stand directly under the overhang and look up — the water droplets catching sunlight against the dark alcove ceiling is one of the most photographed details in Zion, and it works best in late morning when the sun angles into the alcove.

Photos

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