Tragic news out of Utah where a hiker was found dead on Sunday on the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park.
Canyon Overlook Trail is is a moderate 1 mile trail on the East Side of Zion and is one of the most popular destination for hikers in Zion. It is incredibly scenic but also has many steep drop-offs above the the dark slot canyon. The end of the trail is marked by a fenced cliff edge facing the main Zion Canyon.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received reports a “possible fall of a hiker” shortly after 7 a.m. Sunday and Washington County first responders and Zion search and rescue personnel responded to the incident. The 37-year-old male hiker was pronounced dead at around 7:40 a.m. by Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue. Zion National Park Rangers and Zion Technical Search and Rescue also responded to assist in the recovery of the body.
The hiker’s remains were transported to the Washington County Medical Examiner for further examination. The detectives from sheriff’s office are conducting an “active investigation” into the hiker’s death.
Our thoughts are with the victims family and friends. Read the press release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office below:

ZION NATIONAL PARK PRESS RELEASE:
SPRINGDALE, Utah – A hiker was found dead on the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park, Feb. 2, 2025.
Zion National Park received the report of the fatality at approximately 7:15 am. Emergency medical services from Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue were the first on scene and pronounced the hiker, a 37-year-old man, dead at approximately 7:40 am.
The Zion National Park Technical Search and Rescue Team assisted with recovery efforts, and the hiker’s remains were transferred to the Washington County Medical Examiner for further examination.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the exact cause of the man’s death.
The Canyon Overlook Trail, which was temporarily closed for recovery operations, is now open.
The park’s response involved more than 30 personnel from Zion’s search and rescue team, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue.
