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Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail

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Hard
Check out this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail near Springdale, Utah. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 13 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
• Fee Information: Zion National Park charges a fee to enter. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/fees.htm This is a popular paved trail that leads up to Scout Lookout. Despite the pavement, the trail can be very steep and difficult in some sections. It is also quite exposed, so visiting in either the morning or late afternoon will provide some shade. After crossing the Virgin River on a bridge, the trail turns right and follows the river for a bit. Then, it starts climbing on a paved trail. The views of the canyon become incredible along the way, offering great photo opportunities. After a series of tight, steep switchbacks, you'll arrive at Scout Lookout. Beyond Scout Lookout, many daring people venture to nearby Angels Landing.
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3.6miLength
1,122ftElevation gain
2h 13mEstimated time
Out & back
Fee required
Dogs not allowed
Paved
Hiking
Rivers
Views
Waterfalls
Trailgoers are saying
4.9
Recent reviews highlight stunning views and well-maintained pathways. Challenges include steep inclines, icy areas, and potential crowds. Starting early, bringing spikes, and staying hydrated are recommended.
This summary is AI-generated from trail reviews and won’t always be perfect.
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Reviews

4.9
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Yesterday
Bathrooms availableGreat views

We started the hike around 4pm and ended by 6pm. We couldnt complete the last part of the hike as permits are required. However the views from the scout lookout are beautiful. Certain areas of the paved path were still covered in ice which made it difficult to hike. Overall- an enjoyable experience

YesterdayHiking
Bathrooms availableGreat views

Bring spikes!!

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Feb 16, 2025Hiking
Great views

Went to Scouts lookout. Switchback was slushy and slick but otherwise he trail was great.

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Feb 16, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat views

Awesome hike, pictures do not do it justice. Walter wiggles section was extremely icy spikes definitely recommended

Conditions: Icy
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Feb 16, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat views

Great trail, ice on last set of switchbacks- needed our clips. Continued above scouts lookout for 1/2 mile- good views back Started early 8 am so track uncrowded

Parking: Free, Medium lot
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Feb 14, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat views

Amazing trail with wonderful views. Intermediate trail when dry, but sketchy when icy or snowy conditions especially hiking down.

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Feb 13, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Beautiful, pictures don't do justice. Cons: paved trail from bottom to submit which makes it too easy in my opinion. I thought this mountain would be more challenging and I am a bit disappointed. I won the lottery for Angels Landing but couldn't complete. Very slippery with fresh sticky snow. Spikes are a must.

Difficulty: Easy
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Feb 13, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

Started in the morning before the snow. The hike was amazing, little traffic, and the views with the snow made it all better, the switch at the top we put cleats on, definitely helped with the slicker rocks. Visibility haltered the final ascent. But that was just us… Loved the hike, would definitely do it again!

Difficulty: Hard
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Feb 11, 2025
Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

This is a very steep climb but safe and worth the effort. I stopped plenty of times on the way up to rest and have a drink! Used poles on the way down. Moderate difficulty

Feb 8, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

This is a beautiful trail. We didn’t go all the way since a permit is required. The views were so amazing in multiple spots.

Conditions: Dusty, Dry ground, Well maintained
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Feb 8, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat views

I’m deathly afraid of heights and it got me after the first chain section. I stopped at It was nice not having the trail super crowded so we could take our time. No snow anywhere. Voices carry farther than you think. Perfect time of year to hike.

Parking: Permit required, Free, Small lot
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Feb 5, 2025Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

Very steep but worth the effort!

Difficulty: Moderate
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Feb 4, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Concrete path going up for a while. Couldn’t do Angel’s Landing without a permit (tomorrow maybe). Continued on past on the West Rim trail. Awesome views!

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Feb 3, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Wow

Parking: Free, Medium lot
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Feb 3, 2025
Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Get to the trailhead early. Midday when we returned for emerald pools and couldn’t get a spot closer than the Zion Lodge.

Feb 2, 2025Hiking
Great views

Pretty much straight up and straight down. BEAUTIFUL views! Paved. Wear good shoes and bring plenty of water.

Parking: Free
Feb 1, 2025Hiking

Awesome hike!

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Feb 1, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

So stunning! Try to go early !! It is definitely strenuous and being on the hike before the sun is out made it 10x easier to get through! This is a tough hike (for beginners, like me) because the incline so take your breaks and bring your water. So beautiful and so worth it!!

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Medium lot
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Feb 1, 2025Hiking

Hiked further than the lookout.

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Jan 31, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

No ice or slippery areas.

Parking: Permit required, Entry fee, Free, Large lot
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Jan 28, 2025Backpacking
Great conditionsGreat views

Beautiful! Extraordinary experience as it snowed up past Angels Landing! What a gift!

Conditions: Snow, Well maintained
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Jan 26, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

At this time of the year there is not much flow of people, so it was a very good walk without many people...

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Parking: Entry fee, Free, Large lot
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Jan 25, 2025
Bathrooms availableGreat views

I definitely underestimated this trail (first time ever hiking!) and my boyfriend and I decided to go for it. It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done, we’re both currently laying in bed in so much pain haha. But I’m so glad we’re able to say we made it! The views are so worth it, easily one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my life. If we can do it so can you, as long as you put your mind to it!

Jan 24, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Parking does get crowded so going early is key. The hike does have a series of inclines and switchbacks but you can take your time and make it work. Dress in layers and bring water. Views are terrific and we took our time at the top.

Difficulty: Hard
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Jan 24, 2025
Great conditionsGreat views

Great trail. No ice.

Jan 22, 2025
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Can be a tough hike due to sharp inclines and many switchbacks, but if you take as much time as you need it is easily doable! There are bathrooms at the bottom and the top, and beautiful views along the entire route not only at the top!

Jan 22, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Enjoyed this trail! It is paved the whole way up, until the lookout area. I’m afraid of heights and this wasn’t too bad because the path is pretty wide, so you can keep close to the one side. At the top you can see the chains to continue to angels landing. I would recommend this trail!

Parking: Permit required, Free, Large lot
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Jan 21, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Absolutely stunning views. Very high up with paths that have straight drops so people with fear of heights keep that in mind! So worth the climb 10/10

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Large lot
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Jan 21, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

That hike was a bit tough because of the elevation , but it was definitely worth it! There were restrooms at the bottom and top, and the views were amazing.

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Jan 20, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Great trail, started to get busy after 9am. We did get a permit for angels landing but only went partially up. Gets SUPER narrow and steep. Total time is about 2.5 hours if you have a consistent pace.

Difficulty: Hard
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Last updated on February 18, 2025 at 7:14 am GMT