Zion National Park Utah is one of my favourite parks in the USA and it’s very easy to do a lot of the short hikes in one day.  The Weeping Rock Trail in Zion is easily accessible using the Zion Shuttle and even has it’s own stop (Shuttle Stop 7). 

It is mostly paved and kid friendly meaning that in summer it can be one of the busiest trails in the park.  It is one of the most popular hikes in the park along with Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk.

For a complete guide on Zion, check out my Zion National Park Itinerary.

Below you will find everything you need to know to visit Weeping Rock Zion National Park.

*UPDATE 8 January 2023 * WEEPING ROCK REOPENED ON 19TH NOVEMBER 2022

Following a large rockfall in 2019 from Cable Rock onto the Weeping Rock Trail the trail was closed for over 3 years and only reopened on the 19th November 2022.

Hidden Canyon Trail and Observation Point Trail are still closed though with no date as to when these trails will open as the cliffs above the trail are still unstable.

Make sure you check at the Zion Canyon visitor center or online for the latest updates.

Distance of Weeping Rock walking Track

Zion Weeping Rock Trail is the shortest trail in Zion National Park at just 0.4 miles round trip (0.6km) and will take you around 30 minutes to complete.

Difficulty of Weeping Rock Zion Hike

This hike to classed as EASY and kid friendly and is a paved trail the whole way.  Please note that you cannot take any pets on this hike.

Is this hike wheelchair and stroller friendly?

There is an elevation of 100 feet (30 metres) and it is quite steep and narrow in places, so it is not recommended for wheelchair users.  It is also recommended not to use strollers.

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How to get to the Weeping Rock Trail Zion Park

Spring/Summer/Fall – During these months you are unable to take private vehicles on to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and will need to use either the Zion Canyon Shuttle to get around Zion Canyon or walk the 4.5 miles to the trailhead or rent a bike. 

The Zion shuttle is well set up, though in summer there can be queues to use the buses due to the number of visitors to the park.  From the Zion Visitors Center (shuttle stop 1), you can catch the shuttle until stop 7 – Weeping Rock.  Here it is a short walk to the toilets and trailhead where you will start the hike.

Winter – In winter you are able to access Zion Canyon by car, just keep going past the visitors centre and this will lead you into Zion Canyon, you will see a sign directing you left onto the scenic drive, if you carry on you will access Zion Mount Carmel Highway where you can hike the Canyon Overlook Trail and find the East Entrance to the park.

If you are planning to visit Zion National Park in January then you can drive to Weeping Rock and park in the small car park there.

About Zion Weeping Rock

This hike is the shortest hike in Zion National Park and is nearly all paved, it takes around 10 minutes to walk from the trailhead to the weeping rock.  On this trail you get to walk through the lush green hanging gardens that are kept green from the water that is constantly dripping down from the overhanging rocks above to the pools below.

The path takes you behind the falling water and you can also access the stream below from the steps by the hikers bridge.

Weeping rock is made from sandstone and has a large bowl shaped alcove that has been cut into the rock from the water falling and washing away the soft limestone. 

It is named weeping rock as it looks like the rock is weeping due to the water seeping through the point where 2 types of sandstone meet and creates the illusion that the rock is weeping.

Once you arrive at the viewing platform you will also have great views of The Great White Throne and The Organ.

Best time to do the Zion Weeping Rock Hike

The best time of year to do this hike is in spring or fall when there is more water as it gives it a more dramatic look.  Be careful on the trail though as it can be slippery.  After a large amount of rainfall a waterfall can also form over the cliffs.

This hike is open all year round, though it can be closed in winter due to falling ice.  Always check at the Visitors Centre which hikes are open before you start your day.

In summer this hike can be very busy due to it being the shortest hike and kid friendly, to enjoy the hike with the least amount of people try and go first thing in the morning or just before the park closes at dusk.

Weeping Rock Trailhead

Shuttle stop 7 is for Weeping Rock Trailhead and it is also the start of several hikes, Hidden Canyon, East Rim and Observation Point.  You can also hike to the top of Cable Mountain from here and get amazing views of Echo Canyon.  Here you will also find toilets but there is no drinking water available so make sure that you have refilled before you arrive.  Water is available at Stops 5, 6 & 9, Zion Lodge, The Grotto and Temple of Sinawava.

Gear needed for Weeping Rock Trail Zion Park

This is an easy hike but you will still need to make sure that you have good hiking boots, the floor can be slippery due to water falling from above.  Hiking sticks are also good to use, if you are not too steady on your feet and if you visit in summer then sunblock and a hat are needed.

For more information on what you need to pack for your trip to Zion, check out my Zion Packing List.

Is Weeping Rock Trail Open 2023

Weeping Rock Trail finally reopened after 3 years of being closed, on the 19th November 2022, though Hidden Canyon and Observation Point are still closed.  Please check here for latest updates.

Zion National Park Activities

If you are looking for something a little bit more alternative to do in the park, then consider taking a horseback tour through East Zion or even a star gazing experience in Zion National Park or even a backcountry off road jeep tour at sunset.

Where to stay when visiting Zion National Park

You have many options of places to stay when you visit Zion National Park, you can stay in one of the 3 campgrounds within the park and also at Zion Lodge located on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Just outside of the park is the town of Springdale, here you will find many hotels, restaurants and shops, though there are many towns near Zion with a lot of choices of places to stay and a little cheaper than Springdale.

For more information of where to stay when visiting Zion National Park, check out my guide on places to stay near Zion National park.

You might also find these articles useful for planning your trip to Zion National Park:

• Zion National Park Itinerary
• Riverside Walk
• What to pack for your trip to Zion National Park
• Best Hotels near Zion National Park
• Bed & Breakfasts near Zion National Park
• Zion National Park Souvenirs

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