Angels Landing Trail--West Rim Trail

The West Rim Trail climbs out of Zion Canyon from the Grotto, switchbacking through Refrigerator Canyon and up the paved series of turns known as Walter's Wiggles to Scout Lookout — a stretch open to any hiker, no permit required. From Scout Lookout, the final half-mile to the Angels Landing summit follows a narrow sandstone spine with support chains and drop-offs on both sides, and reaching it now requires a permit obtained through the National Park Service's seasonal or day-before lottery on Recreation.gov. Hiking beyond Scout Lookout without one carries real fines.

Know before you go

• Permit required for Angels Landing itself; West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout does not require one
• Chains and steep exposure on the final approach — not recommended for anyone uneasy with heights
• Trailhead access is via the Zion Canyon shuttle for most of the year