West Rim Trail: Point-to-Point Backpack
Spectacular journey from high elevation to low among Zion National Park's vertical canyon walls.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 23 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 435 m
The West Rim Trail takes hikers away from the crowds.
Hiking Difficult
The West Rim hike begins at the Grotto shuttle stop (#6). In Zion National Park, hikers use the free shuttle to get to many trailheads. The shuttles run most of the year, excepting January 1st – February 15th. Check online before planning your trip to Zion, as there are periodic changes to the schedule.
This 10-mile roundtrip route provides a sampler of the many faces of Zion, including the amazing “Walter's Wiggles,” Scout Lookout, the start of the infamous Angels Landing, and remote singletrack that leaves the crowds behind.
Starting from The Grotto, head across the pedestrian bridge spanning the Virgin River, turning right onto the wide, concrete West Rim Trail. This trail heads steadily upward as the sheer drop-off becomes more pronounced. For those unaccustomed to heights and exposure, staying close to the wall is helpful. Another way to deal with the fear is to let the stunning views distract you.
Soon, the route heads away from the drop-offs as it turns in to cool Refrigerator Canyon. Here, the climb moderates into a fairly gentle grade that allows weary hikers to catch their breath and take a picture or two before undertaking “Walter's Wiggles.”
The infamous “Walter's Wiggles” is the name of the 21 switchbacks that climb steeply up to Scout Lookout. This segment of the route is a seriously impressive feat of engineering and untold amounts of cement! The maintenance required on such a trail is mind-boggling and hikers may well encounter park workers navigating a riding power-wheelbarrow, mixing cement, and replacing old sections. Be sure to thank them; they do arduous work!
At Scout Lookout, the majority of the huge number of people who have been hiking up will head toward the iconic Angels Landing. Angels Landing is known as a thrill-seeking, chained route across an extremely narrow, exposed ridge.
A very few will instead continue on the West Rim Trail, leaving the hordes of people behind. Once the West Rim Trail leaves Scout Lookout, Zion becomes a wonderland of spectacular scenery to be enjoyed in solitude.
The entire length of the West Rim Trail is 14 miles (28 miles roundtrip), making it more typically a backpacking route. For day hikers, it can be hiked as far as desired before simply turning around and heading back. Hiking 5 miles from the Grotto makes for an amazing 10-mile foray into the best Zion has to offer.
The West Rim Trail includes: traversing expanses of slickrock, singletrack through the forest (with stunning red leaves in the fall!), and views of popular climbing walls and the tiny climbers in the distance. Perhaps, however, the best view is of Angels Landing, seen from a quiet vantage point.
A hike on the West Rim Trail is proof that solitude can be found in the middle of a popular National Park.
Sources: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/shuttle-system.htm
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
Spectacular journey from high elevation to low among Zion National Park's vertical canyon walls.
Difficult Hiking
0 m away
The Emerald Pools provide a cool, refreshing oasis.
Moderate Hiking
9 m away
Zion National Park's iconic vertigo-inducing hike to a heavenly view.
Severe Hiking
1 km away
Short, easy trail between Zion Lodge and the Angels Landing Trail in the main area of Zion National Park.
Easy Hiking
1.7 km away
This hike climbs four steep miles to a stunning overlook.
Difficult Hiking
1.7 km away
Hidden Canyon combines chains, scrambling and an arch.
Difficult Hiking
1.7 km away
An otherworldly dripping springs.
Easy Hiking
2.9 km away
One-of-a-kind hike through a flowing stream, between soaring sandstone walls, in one of the world's most dramatic slot canyons
Moderate Hiking
5.1 km away
Short and sweet hike to sweeping views of lower Zion Canyon.
Moderate Hiking
5.3 km away
Easy off-trail adventure in a gorgeous side canyon of Zion National Park.
Difficult Hiking
11 routes · Hiking
25 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
10 routes · Hiking
10 routes · Hiking
63 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking