Hike up and up the many switchbacks of the West Rim trail on your way to Scout Lookout, before Angels Landing, at Zion National Park.
Are you looking for a challenging Zion National Park trek that rewards you with panoramic vistas without the nerve-wracking exposure of Angels Landing? Then look no further than Scout Lookout! This scenic out-and-back trail offers stunning views of Zion Canyon’s massive rock formations and the Virgin River below.
- Distance: 3.6 miles (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours (depending on your pace and breaks)
- Difficulty: Strenuous (includes steep switchbacks and exposed sections)
- Cost: National Park Fees
Zion National Park is situated in the southwestern corner of Utah, near the town of Springdale. It’s one of, if not the most popular of the National Parks. There is no shortage of fantastic trail options, one of which is the iconic, adrenaline-pumping Angels Landing. Opting to hike just the first portion of this hike which takes you to Scout Lookout is a great, highly-memorable option that is still PLENTY of work!
Getting Around Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Shuttle: This is the most recommended option for transport around the park, especially during peak season. Park your car at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and hop on the free shuttle system. Take the shuttle to The Grotto stop (stop #6). This is where you’ll find the trailhead for the West Rim Trail, which leads to Scout Lookout.
- Driving: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles during certain times of the year. Follow the scenic drive until you reach The Grotto Picnic Area. Parking here can be limited, so be prepared for potential delays, especially during busy times.
- Biking: You can also choose to bike or e-bike to The Grotto as there are racks where you can lock your bike.
Hiking to Scout Lookout
AllTrails map of Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail.
The Grotto Trailhead
Bathrooms are located at The Grotto since it is a very popular shuttle stop. There is also a restroom on the top of Scout Lookout, but the park prefers to save that for absolute emergencies! Fill up on water while here – there is no water available along the hike or at Scout Lookout.
Look for the well-marked West Rim Trail sign. Cross the road and bridge over the Virgin River. In front of you will be Angels Landing. Take a moment here to let it soak in that in a couple of miles, you’ll be almost all the way up there.
Starting on the West Rim Trail
Prepare yourself to go up, up, and up some more! This trail has long switchbacks in the first 2⁄3 of the hike as you wind your way up the mountain-side. This trail starts out sandy and then is paved. There isn’t a railing or barrier on the cliffside for most of the trek.
There are flat sections in the very beginning and the middle, but besides that, it’s all uphill. The higher you climb, the more steep the drop offs become. At times, this hike can feel like you’re ascending the Grand Canyon!
Keep your eyes peeled for incredible views throughout the hike of Zion Canyon and interesting rock formations along the cliffs.
In the Shade of Refrigerator Canyon
One part of your ascent involves passing through a section called Refrigerator Canyon. After about 1 mile, the trail levels out a bit as you cross a small bridge and enter this section. It’s a bit darker here, so if you’re hiking in early morning or late evening, be prepared for lower visibility.
Refrigerator Canyon was given this name because there is typically cool air emanating from this area with towering rock walls and shady alcoves. It’s a nice reprieve during the seemingly never ending switchbacks!
Keep Your Voice Down: Try to be quiet while hiking through this section of the trail as it is home to the Mexican Spotted Owl, a threatened species. They’re one of the largest owls in North America and their nesting is disturbed by loud noises.
Trekking Up Walter’s Wiggles (Switchbacks)
Named after the park’s first superintendent, Walter Ruesch, this iconic set of 21 steep but somewhat short switchbacks is iconic of this hike.
These switchbacks are very steep, will get your heart pumping even more, and test your stamina. There are spots to stop and catch your breath for a minute or two out of the way of fellow hikers. If you stop, take a look down at the steepness!
Once you have climbed the switchbacks of Walter’s Wiggles, you’ll be nearly to the top for Scout Lookout.
Views of Zion Canyon
After the incredible trek up Walter’s Wiggles, go straight as the trail levels out to a somewhat more open area. Head onto the sandstone slab of rock to reach Scout Landing.
Take in panoramic views of Zion Canyon and the incredible Angels Landing ahead. See the Virgin River winding through the massive rock formations. If you’re lucky, you may spot a California condor, an endangered bird that calls the cliffs of Zion its home.
Still, be very careful of the edges with dangerous drop offs and little to no railings around.
My Experiences at Scout Lookout
The first time I visited Zion National Park, we only spent one day here in August, and chose to hike Angels Landing. At the time, no permit was needed to hike it’s entirety. From the group I was with, half of us continued on, while half of us remained at Scout Lookout.
I stayed with a friend who was getting extremely anxious because of the height and sheer drop offs. At the time, I was somewhat thankful to have had my friend as my reason to just stay at Scout Lookout because it is truly a fantastic viewpoint, and Angels Landing is actually quite threatening. However, in the days and months after that experience, I was regretful for having not made it to the very end and being able to say I hiked Angels Landing.
So, several years later I returned to Scout Lookout, this time with a lucky lottery winning permit and hiked the entirety to the end of Angels Landing. That’s a whole other experience though!
I think hiking to Scout Lookout is an exhilarating, highly-rewarding trek in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and would recommend it to anyone who is physically up for the challenge.
Continuing onto Angels Landing
If you have a permit to hike Angels Landing, then venture on for an incredible, nerve-wracking experience! If you’re in a group with some people wanting to hike along that cliff, but others value the safety of more than a foot’s width of trail, then you can choose to continue hiking the West Rim Trail. Going the full length of Angels Landing and back may take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the amount of people on the trail and the hikers’ nerves. That’s more than enough time to continue hiking West Rim once you’ve descended.
Hiking Tips for Zion’s Scout Lookout
- If hiking with kids, be extremely careful as there are exposed areas of the trail with dangerous drop offs.
- You do not need a permit to hike to Scout Lookout, but you do need one to continue onto Angels Landing.
- Always carry water when hiking in Zion National Park. Bring at least 1 liter of water per person, and 2 liters in the warmer months to be safe.
- Check the weather before your hike. Rain, ice, or snow melt can make the switchbacks and rock very slippery and dangerous. You’ll need to take precautions like wearing special foot gear if choosing to hike in not ideal conditions.
- Wearing sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, long breathable layers, and sunglasses are all recommended for this hike. There are areas with shade, however, the majority of the trail is fully exposed to the Utah sun’s strong rays.
- West Rim to Scout Lookout is very well marked and easy to follow so you do not necessarily need to carry a trail map or other navigation devices.
Other Recommended Hikes in Zion National Park
If you’ve got a couple of days to spend at Zion National Park, then here are some other recommended trails to hike:
- The famed Narrows hike through the Virgin River
- Family friendly options of Emerald Pools or Zion Riverside Hike
- The Watchman Trail with views of the Court of Patriarchs and Towers of the Virgin
Remember, the best views are often earned. The challenging hike to Scout Lookout will leave you feeling accomplished, and the panoramic vista will be a memory that stays with you long after your adventure.
