Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail
A steep paved and rock-cut climb through Refrigerator Canyon and Walter's Wiggles to Scout Lookout.
Route overview
Strenuous climb to the Angels Landing junction and a major Zion Canyon viewpoint.
Scout Lookout follows the West Rim Trail from the Grotto through a sustained climb, Refrigerator Canyon and the tight switchbacks of Walter's Wiggles. It reaches the point where the permitted Angels Landing chain section begins, but no Angels Landing permit is required to stop at Scout Lookout or continue on the West Rim Trail. The route delivers most of the elevation gain and canyon views of the Angels Landing approach without entering the narrow chain ridge.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Distance
- approximately 4.5 mi / 7.2 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 3–4 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- approximately 1,000 ft / 305 m
- Best season
- Spring and autumn; winter only with suitable conditions
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No for Scout Lookout
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Heat, ice, cliff edges, crowding, rockfall and shuttle timing
Highlights
Walter's Wiggles, Refrigerator Canyon, Zion Canyon panorama, Angels Landing views
Why find a buddy
A strong partner-matching route because pace, heat tolerance, exposure comfort and turnaround discipline are all relevant.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.