Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park

walk across the street from the viewpoint down to the river, pretty waterfall and view of the mountains and a bridge. great photo opp at sunrise or sunset. beware, lots of wasp activity at the river. Actual viewpoint is a stroll up a hill a bit, and does provide a nice view as well. Shuttle stop 4. No people at all. Quiet and beautiful.

The Court of the Patriarchs is Shuttle Stop Four. There are no services. We got off the bus, which cannot wait, and climbed a very short but terribly steep trail to a viewpoint. This walk ascends 40 feet to allow one to see over the trees. The short trail is not a good bet for wheelchairs, but most of the view can be seen from the park road looking across the Virgin River. Abraham Peak at 6890 ft., Isaac Peak at 6825 ft., Mount Moroni at 5690 ft., Jacob Peak at 6831 ft. The OT names were given to the mountains (except Mount Moroni) by Frederick Vining Fisher, a Methodist minister, who visited the park in 1916.

Court of the patriarchs is and ionic photo opportunity at Zion national Park, and if you're willing to take to the wildly you can make the court of the patriarchs the most incredible hike at Zion. We stopped at court of the patriarchs 2/11 and decided to cross over the road to get a better look. We started down sand bench trail but decided to turn off and just walk towards the court of the patriarchs. We walked by some horse stables and a large water reservoir and then up a small Sand dune to an unmarked trail. We hiked for about a mile and a half to the foot of the patriarchs. Then we headed to the left and continued up to the waterfall. I know that some of the hikes at Zion are dangerous, but this one is not unless you go to the edge of the waterfall. You need to wear hiking boots as well as long pants to avoid being acupuncture by the flora and fauna. I can't say that this trip is Park approved but if you can do it you must.

Court of the Patriarchs is a popular landmark of towering peaks which can be seen from the canyon floor in Zion National Park. There is a convenient Zion Shuttle Stop (4) and short 2-3 minute ascending trail that leads to a viewpoint from which you will see fine views of the three major peaks and sandstone cliffs. The peaks were interestingly named the biblical figures Moses, Isaac and Jacob. The view of the Court of the Patriarchs is quite beautiful against the blue skies. Considering the short walk to the viewpoint, it is well worth exiting the Zion Shuttle for a few minutes to take a few pictures and to enjoy the scenery here before proceeding further into Zion. Shuttles pass by to pick-up and drop off passengers every few minutes.

We walked from the gate, abt 2 miles plus whatever distance from the car. Lots of bikes and walking people. Fairly good space to stay clear from vehicles, mostly shuttles. Excellent views, cooled off in the river although quick in and out since the water is reported to have cyanobacteria and their toxins. The connection to sand beach trail was a little further up., that was so convenient. No port-a-potties that we could see.