Bristlecone Pine Trail

Easy, family walk to majestic canyon view, nestled under Bristlecone Pines Although this is a really short, easy trail; it is well worth the stop while driving along scenic Hwy. 14. If you want a wonderful view of the north fork of the Virgin River and the northern end of Zion Natl Park, without all the people and hawkers who generally fill up the Zion Overlook viewpoint; yet, still need something suitable for small children and older adults -- this is the trail to take. A small paved pullout serves as a parking area, but is usually empty as people whiz by on their way to Brianhead ski area, Cedar Breaks, or the "back" way into Zion. This is a loop trail and as you begin, you could take either the L or R fork -- you'll still end up back where you started after an easy-to-follow walk through stands of spruce and fir. Midway along the trail is a large, wooden viewing platform nestled under the Bristlecones, and along the ridge of the cliffs overlooking the canyon. The northern end of Zion is in the background, beyond the Pink Cliffs.