Scout Lookout

Scout Lookout is a sandy, partly shaded shelf high above Zion Canyon, where the West Rim Trail meets the route to Angels Landing. It’s a natural turnaround for hikers without an Angels Landing permit: you still get the canyon view, but the summit ridge continues beyond this point. Getting here takes a strenuous climb, so this is a hike rather than a quick pullout.

Start at The Grotto shuttle stop, number 6, and cross the road and bridge to the West Rim Trail. Scout Lookout is 1.9 miles uphill with about 1,187 feet of gain; the round trip takes about three to four hours. The route climbs steep switchbacks, eases through Refrigerator Canyon, then tackles Walter’s Wiggles. Much of the trail is hard concrete, but the grades are steep and there are steps. Dogs aren’t allowed.

The climb opens onto a relatively flat, sandy area with some shade and wide views over Zion Canyon. Rest here before heading back or continuing onto Angels Landing. Endangered California condors use the surrounding cliffs, so scan the ledges as you take a break.

The final climb follows Walter’s Wiggles, a set of 21 tight switchbacks named for Walter Ruesch, Zion’s first superintendent. Ruesch engineered them in 1926.