Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail Hiking Guide
Scout Lookout is the saddle at the top of Walter's Wiggles where the Angels Landing chains begin, and you don't need a permit to get there. You do almost all the work of the Angels Landing hike, earn a big view of Zion Canyon, and skip the exposed ridge. For a lot of groups it's the better day.
Permit: No Angels Landing permit is needed to reach Scout Lookout or to keep going on the West Rim Trail. You do need a Zion entrance pass: $35 for a private vehicle (valid up to 7 days), $20 per person 16 and older arriving on foot or by bike, or a Zion annual ($70) or America the Beautiful pass. Non-US residents 16 and over pay an extra $100 each unless they hold one of those annual passes.
Distance and Climb
AllTrails lists 3.8 miles round trip with 1,108 feet of gain and an estimate of two to two and a half hours. The park's own numbers differ a little depending on the page: its trail assessment gives 1.9 miles one way with 1,187 feet of climbing, while the Angels Landing permit page says about 2.25 miles and 1,000 feet from the Grotto. Plan for three to four hours, which is what the park suggests, if you stop for photos.
The Route
From the Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6) you cross the road and the footbridge over the Virgin River, then climb long switchbacks up the canyon wall. Most of the trail is concrete, but grades are steep: the park measured a typical grade near 13 percent with pitches far steeper. The path then levels into Refrigerator Canyon, a shaded slot that stays noticeably cooler, before the 21 tight switchbacks of Walter's Wiggles deliver you to a sandy, fairly flat bench with some shade.
At the Top
Scout Lookout is a junction. The chain route to Angels Landing heads off along the ridge, and that part does require a permit; rangers check here. The West Rim Trail continues uphill to the north with more views over the canyon and needs no permit. There are restrooms at the lookout but no water. Keep an eye on the cliffs and sky for California condors, and keep snacks zipped away from the bold squirrels and ravens.
Heat, Ice and Rockfall
Much of the lower climb sits in full sun on pale rock, so on hot days start early or late and carry plenty of water from the Grotto. In winter, ice can linger where the trail stays in shade, and the park advises against continuing to the chains when the ground is wet or icy. Rockfall happens throughout Zion and is likeliest near cliff faces; if you see or hear one, move away from the wall, and if you can't, shelter behind a big boulder with your pack over your head.
Reaching the Grotto
From roughly March through November the Scenic Drive is open only to the free shuttle, which leaves the visitor center every few minutes and takes about 45 minutes to reach the end of the canyon. Visitor center lots fill early; paid parking in Springdale plus the free town shuttle is the backup, and you'll show your park pass at the pedestrian entrance. In the winter weeks when shuttles don't run you can drive to the Grotto yourself.
Hiking tips for Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail
- Turn this into a meeting point: split from Angels Landing permit holders here and regroup at a set time.
- Fill up at the Grotto; Scout Lookout has toilets but no tap.
- Step aside on the switchbacks for people coming down fast; the concrete is steep enough to make downhill braking hard.
- Use Refrigerator Canyon as your rest stop on the way up; the park describes it as relief from the heat and climbing of the switchbacks below.
- Don't stack cairns or toss anything over the edge; climbers and hikers are often directly below you.
Nearby trails to explore
- Angels Landing Trail
- Emerald Pools Trail (Zion)
- Riverside Walk (Zion)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Didn't win an Angels Landing permit? Scout Lookout is still a great climb with company. Use TrailMates to find Zion hikers heading up from the Grotto. Download the TrailMates app to connect.