Walter's Wiggles
The iconic, steep switchbacks leading to Scout Lookout in Zion National Park. A challenging climb with breathtaking views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Walter's Wiggles
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The iconic, steep switchbacks leading to Scout Lookout in Zion National Park. A challenging climb with breathtaking views.
"This is the final push to Scouts Lookout... a memorable section of the Angels Landing trail, and definitely not for the faint of heart."
🎯 Start Your Hike Early
Beat the crowds and the intense sun by starting your ascent at sunrise.
💧 Hydration is Key!
Carry plenty of water, especially during hot summer months. You'll need it for this strenuous climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Infamous Walter's Wiggles
Zion National Park, leading to Scout Lookout
A relentless series of 22 steep switchbacks that will test your endurance. The payoff is worth the climb!
Scout Lookout Views
Top of Walter's Wiggles
Catch your breath and soak in breathtaking panoramic views of Zion Canyon before the final push to Angels Landing.
Impressive Trail Engineering
Walter's Wiggles section
Marvel at the stonemanship and drainage of this challenging, yet well-designed, section of the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer Walter's Wiggles: Your Zion Prep
Angels Landing Permit & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Start Your Hike Early
Beat the crowds and the intense sun by starting your ascent at sunrise.
💧 Hydration is Key!
Carry plenty of water, especially during hot summer months. You'll need it for this strenuous climb.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The paved trail can be steep and sometimes slick. Good hiking shoes are a must.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery just before Walter's Wiggles is stunning. Don't forget your camera! 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start Your Hike Early
Beat the crowds and the intense sun by starting your ascent at sunrise.
💧 Hydration is Key!
Carry plenty of water, especially during hot summer months. You'll need it for this strenuous climb.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The paved trail can be steep and sometimes slick. Good hiking shoes are a must.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery just before Walter's Wiggles is stunning. Don't forget your camera!
⚠️ Check Trail Conditions
Be aware of potential ice or snow on upper switchbacks, especially outside of summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Walter's Wiggles is a challenging but rewarding section of the hike towards Angels Landing, praised for its impressive trail engineering and stunning canyon views. While strenuous, many find the climb exhilarating and the payoff at Scout Lookout well worth the effort. Some visitors note the crowds and the intensity of the climb, especially in warmer weather.
"This feature on the way to; Angels Landing, Scouts Lookout and eventually West Ridge Trail is a steep 20 switchbacks. It is roughly paved and features stonemanship and drainage during the wet season.
This is the final push to Scouts Landing (the staging area for Angels Landing."
marlette MARLETTE
"You are almost there, 10-11 more short, steep switchbacks and you are at Scouts Lookout and a chance to catch your breath before ascending Angels Landing. On our climb two weeks ago, there was still some ice and snow on the upper switchbacks that made you take a little more time going up and down, but we were still able to make without spikes. The best part, we started off on this hike around sunrise and there were only a few brave souls out at that time, which made the hike even better. And what is up with the name of these switchbacks? Never found out the background on how it was named."
Thomas B
"If you’re less able to make the climb and won’t be going to Angels Landing I’d turn around before Walter’s Wiggles, the views a are better after the first set of switchbacks (see last photo vs the rest)"
Magda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Walter's Wiggles is located on the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park, leading to Scout Lookout and Angels Landing. You'll typically take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Grotto (stop #6) and then begin the hike.
Parking at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is limited and fills up quickly. It's highly recommended to use the Zion Canyon Shuttle system to access the trailhead.
During peak season, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You must use the mandatory Zion Canyon Shuttle to reach the trailhead for Walter's Wiggles.
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.
Walter's Wiggles is a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. It is not considered accessible for individuals with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While Walter's Wiggles itself does not require a permit, the subsequent hike to Angels Landing does. You must obtain a permit through the NPS lottery system to hike Angels Landing.
Zion National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the Zion Canyon Shuttle operates on a seasonal schedule, typically from early spring to late fall.
There is an entrance fee for Zion National Park, which is typically valid for 7 days. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
Yes, you can hike Walter's Wiggles without a permit. The permit is only required for the section of the trail beyond Scout Lookout to Angels Landing itself.
Information on the Angels Landing permit lottery can be found on the official Zion National Park website. It's a competitive lottery, so plan well in advance.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike up Walter's Wiggles to Scout Lookout can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop for photos or breaks.
Walter's Wiggles is considered a strenuous hike due to its steepness and elevation gain. It's a significant physical challenge.
Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead and at Scout Lookout at the top of Walter's Wiggles. There are no facilities along the switchback section itself.
The views from Walter's Wiggles and Scout Lookout are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of Zion Canyon. Many find the views before the Wiggles particularly stunning. +1
🍽️ 💧 Food & Dining
The Zion Lodge, located within the park, offers dining options. In Springdale, the gateway town, you'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Yes, it's highly recommended to bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike. There are no food services on the trail itself.
Springdale offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes and pizza places to more upscale restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
You can refill water bottles at the Zion Lodge and at the Visitor Center. Scout Lookout may have a water fountain, but it's best to carry enough for the entire hike.
Packing a lunch or substantial snacks is a great idea, especially if you plan to continue to Angels Landing. It's a long day with limited options.
📸 📸 Photography
The views just before Walter's Wiggles offer incredible canyon vistas. The switchbacks themselves are also photogenic, and Scout Lookout provides panoramic shots.
Be extremely cautious when taking photos on Walter's Wiggles. Stay on the trail, be aware of other hikers, and never stop in a dangerous spot.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be magical.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Zion National Park, including on the Walter's Wiggles trail, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A lightweight camera or smartphone is ideal for ease of carrying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children have plenty of water and snacks. The paved trail is generally safe, but supervision is essential due to the steep drop-offs. The hike to Scout Lookout at the top offers fantastic views and a sense of accomplishment, even if you don't proceed to Angels Landing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own water and snacks is essential and much cheaper than purchasing them inside the park. Springdale, the gateway town, offers a range of lodging and dining options, from budget-friendly motels to more upscale choices. Planning your meals and bringing reusable water bottles can significantly cut down on expenses.
🏃♀️ Trail Runners
Be aware that the trail is popular and can be crowded, especially during peak hours. Runners should exercise caution, yield to hikers, and be mindful of other users. The descent can be fast but requires control due to the steepness and potential for loose gravel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Walter's Wiggles
The purpose of these tight zigzags is to break down the steep incline into a series of less severe, albeit numerous, turns. This approach allows hikers to ascend the formidable cliff face without resorting to extreme gradients that would be unsafe or impossible to traverse. The visual impact of the winding path against the canyon walls is striking, making it a memorable part of the Zion experience.
While the engineering is impressive, hikers should still be prepared for a strenuous workout. The switchbacks pack a serious elevation gain into a short distance, testing both leg strength and cardiovascular endurance. Reaching the top of Walter's Wiggles offers a sense of accomplishment and a well-deserved break before the next stage of the adventure.
Navigating the Angels Landing Permit System
There are two types of lotteries: the seasonal lottery, which allows you to apply for a specific date range, and the day-before lottery, for last-minute plans. Winning a permit is competitive, so it's essential to understand the application process and deadlines on the official Zion National Park website. Without a permit, you will not be able to proceed past Scout Lookout to the chained section of Angels Landing.
Walter's Wiggles and Scout Lookout themselves do not require a permit, so you can still hike to these points and enjoy the incredible views without one. However, if your goal is to reach the summit of Angels Landing, securing a permit is a non-negotiable step in your planning.
Best Times to Hike Walter's Wiggles
Late afternoon can also offer a rewarding experience, especially if you aim to catch the golden hour light painting the canyon walls. However, be mindful of the time and ensure you have ample daylight to descend safely. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall generally offers more pleasant weather and fewer visitors compared to the peak summer months.
During winter, conditions can be unpredictable. While crowds are significantly lower, you might encounter ice and snow on the upper switchbacks, requiring extra caution and potentially specialized gear like microspikes. Always check the weather and trail conditions before your visit.
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