Weeping Rock is one of the most popular sites in Zion National Park, partly because it is a quick, family-friendly hike. The water flowing from weeping rock has probably been making its way through the top layers of Navajo sandstone for 1,000 years! When rain or snow seeps into the sandstone, it slowly trickles down, gathering mineral deposits as it goes. The lower level is Kayenta sandstone, which is much less porous. The water can no longer continue down and is therefore forced out creating the constant dripping of Weeping Rock.
In the photo above you can see the top of Weeping Rock from near the beginning of the trail. The trailhead begins at Weeping Rock (#7 shuttle stop).
Walk up from the stop and cross the bridge. Some families were resting under the bridge when we were there.
Across the bridge is the closed trailhead for Observation Point, East Rim and Hidden Canyon.
In August of 2019, there was an enormous rockfall. Luckily the trails were temporarily closed for trail maintenance because a 31,000 ton piece of Navajo Sandstone fell 3,000 feet onto the trails below, knocking over trees and everything else in its path! Here is a link to a video clip of the rockfall caught on camera! It’s been nearly four years, but the trail to Weeping Rock is the only one that has been reopened. You can get to Observation Point from the East Mesa Trail.
The trail is paved, but is a bit steep and sometimes too crowded for strollers. It is definitely too steep for wheelchairs. (The Pa’Rus and Riverside Walk trails are wheelchair accessible.)
In only 0.25 of a mile, you get to Weeping Rock. You walk up a few steps and get a little sprinkled on.
The stripped white are calcium and other mineral deposits creating a limestone called tufa.
The views from under Weeping Rock are beautiful and enhanced by the drips.
Stats: Distance – 0.5 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 15-40 minutes
Elevation gain – 98 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – paved with a few stairs
Bathrooms – At trailhead
Seasons to hike – Year-Round (use micro-spikes in winter)
Permits needed – $35/vehicle for 7-day pass or National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – No
