Scout Lookout – West Rim Trail, Zion National Park
Scout Lookout – West Rim Trail, Zion National Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
Scout Lookout – West Rim Trail, Zion National Park
Hiking
5.0
(141)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Zion National Park
Tips
October 29, 2019
Hiking
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October 29, 2019
Hiking
•
May 31, 2020
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Scout Lookout – West Rim Trail, Zion National Park
4.9
(366)
4,836
hikers
7.20km
03:41
530m
530m
The Angels Landing Trail is a truly unique and difficult hike in Zion National Park, offering an exhilarating journey to one of the park's most spectacular viewpoints. This 4.5-mile (7.2 km) route involves a significant 1737 feet (530 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 3 hours and 41 minutes. You'll navigate challenging terrain, including the famous Walter's Wiggles switchbacks and an exposed final ascent to the Angels Landing summit, where chains are bolted into the rock to assist hikers.
Planning your visit requires careful attention to the Angels Landing Trail permit system; permits are mandatory to hike past Scout Lookout and are secured through a lottery on Recreation.gov. Given the extreme exposure and narrow path, avoid hiking during wet weather, storms, or high winds, as conditions can become very dangerous. The trail is not suitable for those with a fear of heights or young children, and it's best to start early from the Grotto trailhead.
What makes Angels Landing so notable is its iconic chain section, an impressive engineering feat first installed in 1926, providing stability on the final, thrilling push to the 5,790-foot (1,760 m) summit. From the top, you're rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Zion Canyon's rugged spires and ancient rock layers. This hike is a true test of physical and mental fortitude, offering an unparalleled adventure for experienced hikers.
5.0
(32)
448
hikers
3.60km
01:51
390m
50m
The Angels Landing Trail is a truly unique experience, taking you from the lush Virgin River banks through the cool confines of Refrigerator Canyon, then up the ingeniously carved Walter's Wiggles. The final push along the narrow, chain-assisted Angels Landing Spine offers an exhilarating, exposed scramble to a summit with unmatched panoramic views of Zion Canyon. It's a difficult 2.2-mile (3.6 km) hike with 1274 feet (388 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 51 minutes, best suited for experienced hikers without a fear of heights.
Planning your visit requires careful attention to the Angels Landing permit system; you'll need to secure a permit through an online lottery to access the chains section beyond Scout Lookout. The trail is accessed via the Zion National Park shuttle, which drops you at The Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6). Be aware that slippery conditions can make this already challenging route even more dangerous, so check the weather before you go.
What makes Angels Landing so notable is its blend of historical engineering, like the 1926 trail construction, and the sheer mental and physical challenge it presents. The iconic final half-mile along the knife-edge ridge, holding onto fixed chains, provides an unparalleled sense of adventure and exposure, making it a true bucket-list hike for many visitors to Zion National Park.
4.9
(313)
3,729
hikers
8.97km
03:25
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,530 m
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Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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