Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint Trail

From Zion Canyon shuttle stop #4, a paved switchback path climbs to the Court of the Patriarchs overlook and returns the same way. Plan on about 0.12 mile round trip and 5 to 10 minutes, with roughly 40 to 50 feet of ascent. Distance figures vary: the park calls the spur about 150 feet, while another published itinerary gives 0.2 mile total, so use the mapped distance as a guide rather than an exact measure. The climb is steep for its length. If the roadside view is enough, this is an easy stop to skip.

The overlook looks across Zion Canyon to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, with The Sentinel and Mount Moroni nearby. It gives a higher angle above the roadside trees, though some visitors find the view from the stop already shows the peaks well. Morning light falls directly on the sandstone faces, making this a worthwhile photo stop if the light is right.

In 1916, Methodist minister Dr. Frederick Vining Fischer and two local boys from Southern Utah named the three peaks Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Inspired by Zion Canyon, they also gave religious names to many of the peaks they observed.

Exit at shuttle stop #4; the paved trail starts on the right. When the seasonal Zion Canyon shuttle is running, the Scenic Drive is shuttle-only, so check current service before you go. The stop has interpretive information; food, restrooms and a shop are at Zion Lodge, one shuttle stop farther and separate from this walk. Pets are not allowed on this trail; Pa’rus is the only Zion trail that permits them.