Hiking Scout Lookout Zion National Park (Utah)
Let’s be honest, if you’re thinking of hiking Scout Lookout, it’s because you either haven’t got a permit for Angels Landing or you’re too scared to do it! Having been there myself, I’ll be one of the first to say there’s no shame in either of those things!
Thankfully the hike to Scout Lookout Zion National Park provides a fantastic and less strenuous alternative to Angels Landing! Whilst this sub-4-mile route leads you up to the turnaround point just before Angels Landing it should still be considered as a standalone hike. This exciting route is full of winding switchbacks and incredible views through Zion, making it one to add to your list!
About Scout Lookout Hike
Walk type: Out and back
Distance: 5.8km (3.6 miles)
Maximum Elevation: 1648m (5407 feet)
Minimum Elevation: 1305m (4281 feet)
Walk time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Walter’s Wiggles, epic views of Great White Throne and Cable Mountain
Permit Required: No
Entrance Fee: None
Dogs Permitted: No
Scouts Lookout Hiking Route
Where is Scout Lookout?
Scout Lookout is located in Zion National Park in southwestern Utah.
It’s a popular hiking destination within the park, situated along the West Rim Trail. It offers breathtaking views of the Virgin River and the surrounding canyons. Most notably, Scout Lookout is positioned as the final resting point before the thrilling ascent to Angels Landing.
How to get to the Scout Lookout Trailhead
Getting to Zion National Park
To get to Zion National Park, fly into Las Vegas (2.5-hour drive) or Salt Lake City (4.5-hour drive). From there, take the I-15 to Utah State Route 9, which leads directly to the park’s entrance.
Reaching the Scout Lookout Trailhead
From the park entrance, make your way to the Visitor Centre to park (there are plenty of spaces, but they can fill up in the middle of the day). Once there take the FREE park shuttle along the Zion Canyon Line Route to The Grotto stop. The Grotto is the 6th stop and is 4.9 miles from the Visitor Centre which takes just under 30 minutes. Shuttles usually depart every 10-15 minutes.
You can follow the West Rim Trail almost directly from the Grotto Stop – route outlined below.
NOTE: Walking is possible if you miss the shuttle, but this takes just under 2 hours.
What to expect: Scout Lookout Zion National Park
To reach Scout Lookout via the West Rim Trail, begin at The Grotto Trailhead, accessible from the park shuttle.
NOTE: The Grotto is the last water fill-up station and toilets until you get back down at the end of the hike.
Cross the Virgin River via the footbridge and follow the signs for the West Rim Trail (pointing right). The walk starts with a gentle ascent through both open and shaded areas.
As you follow the dirt path away from the road, you will get your first glimpse of the Angels Landing rock directly ahead. As you get closer the gradient will increase and the path transitions into paved sections.
Near the base of the rock, you will encounter several switchbacks giving you some more elevation and offering views back the way you came and through the canyon.
The path is wide enough for groups to pass each other. It hugs the canyon wall and curls overhead in sections so you are walking in cut-out sections of the rock.
Eventually, the path plateaus as you enter Refrigerator Canyon. This section is cool, shaded and flat which is great respite from the uphill (and the uphill still to come). It’s a pleasant hike through a narrow passage until you reach further switchbacks at Walter’s Wiggles.
Walter’s Wiggles is a series of 21 steep and tight switchbacks named after Walter Ruesch – Zion’s first park superintendent! Marking the final hurdle before reaching Scout Lookout this section is really unique as you gain significant elevation without really moving very far!
After carefully navigating these switchbacks you’ll arrive at Scout Lookout, where you can enjoy expansive views of the canyon and the Virgin River below.
This spot serves as a popular resting point for those continuing to Angels Landing or as a rewarding destination in itself. I took great pleasure watching the relieved faces of anyone making their way back from Angels Landing as well as the insane views!
When to hike Scout Lookout Trail
The best time to hike the Scout Lookout Trail is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is typically mild, offering comfortable temperatures for hiking. Springtime brings blooming wildflowers and flowing streams, while fall features vibrant foliage.
Summer can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), making the hike more strenuous and potentially dangerous due to the heat. Meanwhile, winter often brings snow and ice, especially at higher elevations and narrow sections like Walter’s Wiggles. This can make the trail treacherous!
In terms of time – aim for early morning or late afternoon hikes to avoid peak heat and crowds. Though watch out for the first and last shuttle times!
FAQs
Do you need a permit for the Scout Lookout Zion National Park?
No, you do not need a permit to hike to Scout Lookout in Zion National Park. Simply ensure you have a valid national park entrance pass and follow all park regulations and guidelines.
However, if you plan to continue from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing, you will need a permit. The permit system for Angels Landing was implemented to manage crowding and ensure safety on this popular and challenging section of the trail.
Can you continue from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing?
When you’re up there it might seem tempting, but the answer completely depends on whether you have a permit to hike Angels Landing.
Without a permit, you’re not permitted to hike Angels Landing. You will need to stop at Scout Lookout just before the chains.
That being said, when I visited near the end of the day there were no park rangers to check permits… It’s up to you personally if you want to chance it but you need to be aware of the risks – getting caught or (more importantly) getting in danger with no assistance nearby.
If you do have a permit for Angels Landing, the extra hike should take 60-90 mins. Make sure to factor this additional time into your hike.
Can you fly a drone at Scout Lookout Zion National Park?
Though it may be tempting, the answer is no – you cannot fly a drone at Scout Lookout. Nor are you able to fly a drone anywhere within Zion National Park.
The National Park Service has banned the use of drones in all national parks to protect wildlife, ensure visitor safety, and preserve the natural soundscapes and experiences of the parks. Violating this regulation can result in fines and confiscation of your drone.
Is Scout Lookout Dangerous or Scary?
My greatest fear in life is my fear of ledges (i.e. big drops). This is one of the reasons I avoided Angels Landing.
Thankfully Scout Lookout is much safer and less scary! As long as hikers stay on the trail and follow safety guidelines, it’s generally safe. The trail is wide enough, and there are no sudden drops without space to avoid them.
Take particular caution in any adverse weather conditions. Rain and ice can make the footpath slippery.
What to pack for hiking Scout Lookout Zion National Park
Since this is a moderately short hike there isn’t much you need to bring.
You should wear comfortable hiking clothes which are appropriate for the weather (depending on the season you visit).
Hiking boots aren’t essential but are recommended. At the very least, you should wear sports trainers. In bad weather (rain or ice), wear hiking shoes with good grip as it can become slippery near the summit.
Besides the clothes you’re wearing, the usual hiking essentials:
- Water (1-2 litres)
- Camera
- Snacks
- Waterproof
More Hikes in Zion National Park
Once you’ve conquered Scout Lookout or Angels Landing, there are plenty more hiking trails to explore around the national park. Here are some of the most enjoyable:
- The Narrows via Riverside Walk (permits here)
- Watchman Trail
- The Subway (permits required)
- Emerald Pool Trail
- Sandbench Trail
- Kayenta Trail
- Canyon Overlook Trail
- East Rim Trail (Observation Point)
Before you go
Thank you for reading my travel guide on hiking Scout Lookout Zion National Park. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.
Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.
Happy hiking!
No Comments