West Rim Trail

Overview

If you want the quintessential rim-to-canyon experience, this is it. The West Rim runs from Zion’s cool, forested high country down into the Main Canyon on a trail literally carved into the White Cliffs. Most hikers tackle it top‑down as a one‑way, point‑to‑point day (about 14–14.5 miles from the West Rim Trailhead to The Grotto, longer—around 15.5–16+—if you start at Lava Point). It’s also a superb 1–2 night backpack using designated campsites by permit.

Route Options

• Top‑down: Start at Lava Point or the West Rim Trailhead and finish at The Grotto. Expect a net descent of roughly 3,650 feet with meaningful rolling ups and downs along the plateau.
• Bottom‑up day hike: Start at The Grotto, climb Refrigerator Canyon and Walter’s Wiggles to Scout Lookout, then continue onto the West Rim for bigger views and fewer crowds. The Scout Lookout outing alone is a shorter, steep out‑and‑back.

Highlights on the Top‑Down

• Lava Point to Potato Hollow: Pleasant, cooler forest with early looks to South Guardian Angel. Potato Hollow is a quiet valley; its spring can run dry later season.
• Toward Cabin Spring: Climb to Hammerhead Viewpoint and traverse Horse Pasture Plateau with sweeping looks to Greatheart Mesa, Ivins Mountain, and Inclined Temple. Views expand over Mount Majestic, Castle Dome, Heaps, and Behunin canyons. Cabin Spring (West Rim Spring) is usually the most reliable water up here.
• The Big Descent: The last miles are dramatic—trail chiseled into near‑vertical White Cliffs, a breezy “Little Siberia” section, and finally Walter’s Wiggles down to The Grotto.

Angels Landing Connection

The West Rim passes Scout Lookout—the split for Angels Landing. A permit is required to continue onto the chains section. Many backpackers drop heavy packs at Scout Lookout before a permitted side trip.

Difficulty and Time

This is a strenuous undertaking thanks to length, cumulative ups, and a long, pounding descent. Strong day hikers often need 7–10+ hours top‑down. The bottom‑up to Scout Lookout typically runs 3–5 hours round‑trip depending on fitness and crowds. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for knees and balance on the hard slickrock and switchbacks.

Best Time to Hike

Best spring through fall. Upper access via Kolob Terrace Road often closes in winter due to snow, and early season can hold lingering snow/ice up high. Start early for cooler temps and to stay ahead of the Scout Lookout/Angels Landing crowds; shade is limited and the lower canyon bakes in the afternoon.

Water and Camping

Carry plenty. Springs on the upper rim (Sawmill, Potato Hollow, Cabin) vary with season—Potato Hollow and Sawmill often dry by mid to late summer, while Cabin Spring is typically the most reliable. For overnights, camping is only at designated sites (9 total) with a wilderness permit; a portion of sites can be reserved in advance while others are walk‑in at the Wilderness Desk shortly before your trip. Always confirm current water and campsite status before you go.

Logistics and Tips

• Top‑down is best with a prearranged shuttle to Lava Point/West Rim Trailhead; otherwise you’ll need two vehicles. The Grotto (bottom end) is served by the park shuttle.
• Expect exposure along the White Cliffs; those uncomfortable with heights may feel it. Poles help on the sustained descent. Footing is mostly firm dirt and slickrock with engineered switchbacks.
• This trail gets quieter beyond Scout Lookout—if you’re crowd‑averse, keep going onto the West Rim proper rather than stopping at the Angels Landing junction.

If you want big views without the chain scramble, the West Rim delivers—in spades—plus a grand tour of Zion’s high country few visitors see.