Scout Lookout
Conquer Walter's Wiggles for breathtaking, permit-free Zion Canyon views from Scout Lookout.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds & heat
Scout Lookout
Best Time
Avoid crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Walter's Wiggles for breathtaking, permit-free Zion Canyon views from Scout Lookout.
"The climb is steep, but the reward is breathtaking – the views that open up at the top are unforgettable."
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
80% of the trail is exposed to sun. Stay hydrated! Restrooms available at The Grotto & Scout Lookout.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is paved but can be sandy. Good grip is essential for the steep sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walter's Wiggles
West Rim Trail
A challenging series of 21 steep switchbacks leading to Scout Lookout. Conquer these for epic canyon views!
Scout Lookout Vista
End of West Rim Trail (before Angels Landing chains)
Panoramic views of Zion Canyon. A perfect spot to rest, snack, and admire the landscape.
Refrigerator Canyon
West Rim Trail
A shaded section offering a brief respite from the sun and a change of scenery before the final ascent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permit-Free Views: Scout Lookout
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
80% of the trail is exposed to sun. Stay hydrated! Restrooms available at The Grotto & Scout Lookout.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is paved but can be sandy. Good grip is essential for the steep sections.
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid midday crowds and heat. Early mornings or late afternoons offer better conditions.
🦔 Friendly Chipmunks
Chipmunks are common at the lookout. Please do not feed them!
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
80% of the trail is exposed to sun. Stay hydrated! Restrooms available at The Grotto & Scout Lookout.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is paved but can be sandy. Good grip is essential for the steep sections.
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid midday crowds and heat. Early mornings or late afternoons offer better conditions.
🦔 Friendly Chipmunks
Chipmunks are common at the lookout. Please do not feed them!
⬆️ Trail Etiquette
Stick to the right and yield to uphill hikers. Expect crowds during peak times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Scout Lookout is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking views and rewarding challenge. Hikers consistently highlight the strenuous nature of the climb, particularly Walter's Wiggles, but deem the panoramic vistas from the top absolutely unforgettable. It's a top recommendation for those seeking iconic Zion scenery without the Angels Landing permit.
"Scout Lookout is an absolutely incredible and fantastic hike. The climb is steep, but the reward is breathtaking – the views that open up at the top are unforgettable. One of the best home in Zion National park."
Olga Opara
"Great views from Scout lookout, beware the hike is quite strenuous with steep and constant elevation for well over 3 kilometers.
While the road is paved with concrete, it will challenge the best hikers, there are quite a lot of people in this trail so expect crowd and use trail etiquette (stick to your right, yield to people climbing up). There are friendly chipmunks at the lookout, please do not feed them.
80% of the trail is fully exposed to the sun, and the effort + exposure will make you sweat, carry plenty of water.
Out and back can be done within 2 hours but expect an all out hike with important knee impact."
Mr Blue
"The strenuous West Rim Trail ascends ~1,000 ft (305 m) to Scout Lookout, high above the canyon floor. Hikers cross the Virgin River and then ascend a series of steep switchbacks along the canyon wall. The trail flattens out as it enters Refrigerator Canyon, offering relief from the heat and elevation gain of the previous segment, but resumes the climb shortly afterward at Walter’s Wiggles: a series of 21 switchbacks that leads hikers to Scout Lookout, a relatively flat, sandy area with some shade.
At Scout Lookout, there is a junction with the West Rim Trail and the route to Angels Landing. Many hikers choose to stop here to enjoy the views of Zion Canyon, or to look for the endangered California condors that call the cliffs home. Those looking to continue hiking to the end of Angels Landing will need a permit from recreation.gov.
Water and restrooms are available at The Grotto, and restrooms are available at Scout Lookout. There is no water available at Scout Lookout.
This hike will take an average of 3 hours. No pets are allowed on the trail."
Doug Ho
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead for Scout Lookout is The Grotto, located at Shuttle Stop #6 on the Zion Canyon Shuttle. You must use the park shuttle to access this stop during peak season. 
No, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for most of the year. You'll need to take the mandatory Zion Canyon Shuttle to reach The Grotto trailhead.
Parking at The Grotto trailhead is extremely limited. It's best to park in Springdale and take the town shuttle to the park entrance, then transfer to the Zion Canyon Shuttle.
The closest major airport is Las Vegas (LAS). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Springdale, the gateway town to Zion.
Yes, Hurricane is a viable option if Springdale is too expensive. It's about a 30-40 minute drive to the park entrance, so factor in travel time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, a permit is NOT required to hike to Scout Lookout. It's the same trail as Angels Landing up to the chain section.
The entrance fee for Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, it's covered.
Scout Lookout is accessible during park hours, which are generally dawn to dusk. The Zion Canyon Shuttle operates on a schedule, so check their times.
Yes, Scout Lookout does not require a reservation or permit. The permit system is only for the final chain section of Angels Landing.
The permit lottery system for Angels Landing began in April 2022 to manage overcrowding and safety on the iconic hike.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Scout Lookout is about 3.6 miles round trip and typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the top.
Yes, it's considered strenuous. The hike involves significant elevation gain, steep switchbacks (like Walter's Wiggles), and is largely exposed to the sun.
The views are breathtaking! You get panoramic vistas of Zion Canyon, including views of Angels Landing itself. It's a fantastic reward for the climb.
Yes, there are restrooms available at Scout Lookout. Water is not available there, so be sure to bring enough with you.
The majority of the trail to Scout Lookout is paved, but some sections can be sandy. Good footwear is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best photographic conditions, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. Golden hour is ideal.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant rock formations. Don't forget a polarizing filter for the sky.
The entire lookout offers stunning views. The junction before the Angels Landing chains provides a dramatic perspective looking back at the trail.
Drone usage is prohibited in all National Parks, including Zion, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
Keep an eye out for chipmunks at the lookout and potentially California condors soaring above the canyon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
😨 Fear of Heights
The hike up to Scout Lookout is strenuous but does not involve the exposed chain section that makes Angels Landing so daunting. You'll still get incredible vistas without the extreme exposure. +1 The trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy the scenery from a safe distance.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ascent: Walter's Wiggles and Beyond
Before Walter's Wiggles, hikers traverse the paved path through Refrigerator Canyon. This section offers a welcome reprieve from the direct sun and a slightly less steep gradient, allowing for a moment to catch your breath and appreciate the towering sandstone cliffs.
+1Key Takeaways for the Ascent:
* Be prepared for steep, sustained climbs.
* Walter's Wiggles is a significant challenge.
* Carry ample water and sun protection.
* The views are a major payoff for the effort.
Scout Lookout: The Permit-Free Panorama
+1 From this vantage point, you can gaze down at the winding Virgin River, the iconic formations of Zion, and the dramatic drop-offs that make this area so famous. It's a relatively flat, sandy area that provides a natural resting spot after the strenuous climb. Many visitors choose to stop here to enjoy their packed lunch, take photos, and simply soak in the incredible scenery.
It's also a popular spot for birdwatching, with the chance to see endangered California condors soaring overhead. Why Scout Lookout is a Must-Do:
* Offers stunning, permit-free canyon views.
* A great alternative for those with a fear of heights.
* Provides a sense of accomplishment without needing a lottery win.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit