The West Rim Trail (Top Down)

Route Description for The West Rim Trail (Top Down)

The West Rim Trail Top-Down route takes hikers through some of the most picturesque scenery in Zion National Park. This hike is long and strenuous and not recommended for young children. Proper footwear, lots of water and snacks, and an early start are all musts for this hike. This hike can be broken up into a multi-day backpacking trip to make the distance and elevation more manageable. This hike also has such spectacular scenery, you won’t want to rush your way through. The West Rim Trail from the top down is usually quiet until you reach Scout Lookout and Angels Landing towards the end of the hike. Be prepared for lots of hikers and photographers crowding this last part of the trail.

The West Rim Trail will take you past iconic viewpoints in Zion including Scout Lookout and Angels Landing that overlook the main canyon. The views you earn on this hike are absolutely worth the effort. Be sure to bring along a camera to capture the beauty of this trail.

Starting from the Trailhead near Lava Point, follow the West Rim Trail southeast. The Wildcat Canyon trail will branch off on your right just 0.3 km in—stay left at this junction. 2.1 km later, you’ll see a spur trail on the right hand side of this trail. This trail goes down to Sawmill Springs and to campsite 9.

This spring flows seasonally and is a good place to fill up water if you need it. Remember that water from these natural springs is only safe to drink once treated. 6.9 km later there is another spring just off the trail to your left. This is Potato Hollow Spring- it also flows seasonally and is also a good place to fill up. Just a mile and a half past Potato Hollow Spring, the trail divides in two. Stick to your right to stay on the West Rim Trail. The other (left-hand) path takes you along Telephone Canyon before rejoining with the main trail. Both paths are good choices with great views and both will connect again about a mile and a half later at Cabin Spring. Cabin Spring is your last chance to fill up water along the trail, so take advantage of this source if you need to. From Cabin Spring, the trail will begin to get busier as you hike another 2.8 miles to the Angels Landing Trailhead. A side trip up to Angels Landing is an exciting addition to this hike, but if you are not into exposure, enjoy the views from Scout Lookout instead before heading down Walter’s Wiggles into Refrigerator Canyon. A mile and a half down the trail from the 21 switchbacks, you will arrive at the West Rim Southern Trailhead.

Congratulations! You made it! From the Southern Trailhead, cross the footbridge over the Virgin River to the Grotto Picnic site and catch a shuttle back home.

Trail Highlights

Angel’s Landing

Angels Landing is a 454 m tall formation of Navajo Sandstone that overlooks Zion’s main canyon. The trail up to the overlook is highly exposed and vertiginous. Despite the dangerous approach, Angels Landing is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park.

Walter’s Wiggles

Walter’s Wiggles is a series of 21 switchbacks up a steep section of the West Rim Trail. These switchbacks are located just before the trail branches off to Angel’s Landing in one direction and continues on to Scout’s lookout in the other. The Wiggles are named after the first Park Superintendent: Walter Ruesch, who designed the switchbacks back in 1926.

Insider Hints for The West Rim Trail (Top Down)

• This hike is point-to-point- make sure you have a way to get back to your vehicle at the trailhead at the end of the day. Alternatively a private shuttle can be hired in Springdale to drop you off at the trailhead and save you a logistical headache.
• This hike is long and exposed: bring good sun protection, and lots of water and electrolytes.
• Hiking poles can be a huge help on this trail.