THE WEST RIM TRAIL

TRAIL INFORMATION

VIEW PHOTOS!

Overview:
The West Rim Trail is a long 14-mile trail that links the main canyon with the isolated Kolob Terrace section of the park. Starting from the Grotto in the main section of the park, the old paved trail zigzags its way up the west side of the main canyon and works its way up a series of side canyons including the appropriately-named Refrigerator Canyon. The incline of this part of the trail is fairly steep and will probably have you catching your breath. The famous Walter's Wiggles is an amazing section of quick switchbacks that takes you up to a plateau above the main canyon. From Scout's Lookout, you can either hike Angel's Landing or continue up the West Rim trail. Past Angel's Landing, the trail continues north and then turns west into a larger side canyon/basin area, then a final set of switchbacks take you to the upper plateau.

The scenery on the upper plateau (Horse Pasture Plateau) is quite different; the trail is mostly level leading through sections of pine, aspen, and open meadows. Along the way you will see many incredible viewpoints including the outstanding view of the Great West Canyon and the side canyon at Potato Hollow. At the far end of the West Rim Trail is Lava Point -- the highest point in the park with a more subtle, yet impressive view of both the main canyon and the Great West Canyon. Note: Lava Point is roughly 3000 feet higher than the Grotto, so temperatures may be a lot cooler.

Three Ways to Hike the West Rim Trail:

• Day Hike up from the Grotto: This is the most popular way to hike the West Rim Trail. Starting from the Grotto in the main canyon, you can hike up the West Rim Trail to Angels Landing. This fairly strenuous hike would take roughly 4 hours (including Angels Landing). Continue up the West Rim Trail and hike as far as you like, then turn around when you have had enough. If you in good hiking shape, you can probably hike all the way up to the upper plateau to get a view of the Great West Canyon. The effort is well worth the view! (Note: The lower part of the trail is quite popular, but once you get past Angel's Landing, the crowds really dissipate.)
• Day Hike from Lava Point: Starting from Lava Point, you can hike down the West Rim Trail and each view gets better and better than the last: the teaser view of the North Guardian Angel, the view into Imlay Canyon at Potato Hollow, the incredible view of the Great West Canyon, then the amazing hike down into the main canyon. Even though the hike is mostly level or downhill, this 14-mile route makes for a long strenuous day. Strong hikers can still squeeze in a side trip up to Angels Landing. (Of course you could also hike from the Grotto up to Lava Point, but that seems a bit anti-climactic to me.)
• Two-Day Backpack from Lava Point: Same route as above, but doing this trail as a two-day hike allows much more time to soak in the amazing views. Note: A Zion backcountry permit is required for the overnight, and you pick your campsite when you reserve or purchase the permit for your group. Please see the Zion Permits website for more information.

Driving To Lava Point:
If you're starting your hike from Lava Point, you probably want to drive there! From Springdale, drive west to the town of Virgin, then turn north on the Kolob Terrace Road. It is roughly a 19-mile drive up through the Kolob Terrace Section until the turnoff for Lava Point. The final stretch to Lava Point is a dirt road, but it is accessible by non-4WD vehicles. If you are hiking one-way and don't want to spot your car, many outfitters in Springdale offer shuttle services for a fee. If planning your trip for early Spring, check conditions at the Backcountry Desk as the Kolob Terrace Road often gets closed for Winter due to snow.

Water Sources:
If you are doing the lower part of the West Rim from the Grotto, bring your own water. On the upper plateau, water is occasionally available at Potato Hollow and Sawmill Springs, but check conditions at the Backcountry Desk. On dry years you probably want to bring your own.

Camping Suggestions:
A permit is required to camp at any of the campsites on the West Rim Trail. You may purchase a permit for your group at the Backcountry Desk 1-2 days before your hike. You can't go wrong with any of the campsites: 4, 5, and 6 give you great views of the Great West Canyon, but 1, 2, and 3 are good as well. I really like #1 because of the incredible view at sunrise. Campsite 7 at Potato Hollow is a great isolated spot as well. Camping is also available at Lava Point on a first-come first-served basis. I have never seen this campground crowded, but I have heard that it fills every now and then.

Joe's Spin:
I love the West Rim Trail! From the subtle beauty of the upper plateau to waking up to an incredible view and hiking down into the main canyon, this is still one of my favorite hikes. Navigation is quite easy, but bring a copy of the ever-so-popular National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map to keep track of your progress.

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