Zion National Park is home to some of the best hikes in Utah and arguably the world. The red-rock landscape and the green trees together make up such a unique landscape you can’t find anywhere else.

Once you make your way to this part of the world, Angels Landing via Scouts Lookout is definitely on the list of must-do hikes to do in Zion National Park.

The view from the top of Angels Landing looking back into the valley is so iconic we had to see it for ourselves. We’re so excited to dive into this one.

From all the switchbacks to the Utah heat, and even waiting in line for the shuttle bus there’s so much to know when it comes to hiking Angels Landing via Scouts Lookout.

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What to expect when hiking Angels Landing via Scouts Lookout

Walk up to Scouts Lookout in Zion.

Angels Landing via Scouts Lookout is definitely one of the more challenging (and busy) hikes but it is totally worth it in our opinion because the view from the top is amazing. Before heading on this hike in Zion National Park, there are a few things you should know…

It’s going to cost you to get into the park since it’s a National Park but if you have an America The Beautiful Pass and a permit to hike Angels Landing, then you’re all good to go. Once you arrive, you will also have to pay for parking and then walk to the entrance of the park.

From there, there’s a shuttle service that takes hikers to a bunch of different stops where you can start your hikes (more of this later in the post).

Be prepared to wait in line for a while to get on the shuttle. Zion National Park is one of The Mighty 5 (famous national parks in Utah) so it is a very busy and popular spot to hike.

Once you get off the shuttle and start hiking you’ll be treated to some really cool views. The hike is challenging so take your time and stop every now and then to take in the views and admire how cool Zion really is.

Also read: How to Hike the Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon

Practical information about Scouts Lookout trail

Distance: 8 km return / 4.97 miles return
Elevation: 497 m / 1630 ft. elevation gain
Type: Out and back
Length: 3.5 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Fee: $35 per vehicle or included if you have an America the Beautiful Pass.
Permit: Required

Here's the sign for Angels Landing hike at Scout Lookout

Click here to see a map of the beginning of the Scouts Lookout trail via Angels Landing.

On top of having an America The Beautiful Pass, on and after April 1st, 2022, you will need a permit to hike Angel’s Landing due to overcrowding. You can get the permit through a lottery on the NPS website which opens every day at 12:01 am and closes at 3 pm Mountain Time. It costs $6 to apply for a permit.

Scouts Lookout via Angels Landing is Zion’s most iconic hike

Zion is known as one of Utah’s “Big Five” or “Mighty Five” for a reason. In Zion alone, there are so many hikes to do – but one that we couldn’t miss out on was Scout’s Lookout via Angels Landing.

This is probably the most iconic hike in the whole national park (which is why you now need a permit to hike it). Maybe it’s because of Walter’s Wiggles (21 steep switchbacks you do on this hike), the stunning view of the valley every time you look over your shoulder, or a combination of it all.

Everyone has a different part of the hike they love. Even though it’s hard it’s manageable for most people and the reward at the end is totally worth it!

The hike itself is magical. Every switchback you conquer will leave you with a better view of the valley below. You’ll notice how quickly you’re gaining elevation and the views just become more and more breathtaking.

Scouts Lookout vs Angels Landing

The view before Angels Landing hike at Scout Lookout

Before getting into the details of the hike we want to talk about Scouts Lookout vs Angels Landing. Scouts Lookout is the main trail that takes you from the shuttle stop and up Walter’s Wiggles. Scout’s Lookout is the majority of the hike and eventually, near the end, it splits off to Angels Landing.

Angels Landing is where you’ve most likely seen that famous picture from looking deep down into the valley of Zion National Park.

We didn’t actually do the last stretch of Zion National Park because we were a little scared. Partially with how busy it was and partially because of the drop-offs on both sides of the narrow ridge.

So to clarify things: Scout’s Lookout is 90% of the hike before the last little bit which is called Angels Landing.

We’re not saying don’t do it but just assess the situation once you’re there and make a responsible decision once you’ve seen it for yourself. Maybe the permit situation makes this part safer.

Even if you only make it to the top of Scouts Lookout the hike is absolutely worth it and we loved it!

Taking the Zion shuttle to the Scouts Lookout trailhead

There are so many hikes in Zion National Park but Scouts Lookout is by far one of the best

So now let’s look at the Zion trail map to make the explanation a bit more visual. Once you enter the visitor center you will end up having to wait in line to get on a shuttle – unless you’re visiting Zion in winter when it’s less touristy.

Once you’re done waiting in hopefully what is a short line (depends on the season) you’ll get on the bus. The bus takes roughly 20 minutes until you get to stop #6 which is also known as The Grotto. The Grotto is where you get off to start the hike of Scouts Lookout. There are “washrooms” (porter potties) if you need to use the bathroom and picnic tables if you want to have some food before starting your adventure for the day.

The start of Scouts Lookout towards Angels Landing

There are so many hikes in Zion National Park but Scouts Lookout is by far one of the best

Once you’re ready to start the hike you will cross the road and walk over the bridge until you get to a T-intersection. From there you will go right and head up the Scouts Lookout trail and begin the zig zags or switchbacks – whatever you like to call them. We personally love the name they’ve been given: Walter’s Wiggles.

Walter’s Wiggles are probably most people’s least favourite part of the hike because it’s basically just a bunch of switchbacks going back and forth while gaining lots of elevation.

Personally, we think, if you take a second to enjoy the view after every switchback, it’s pretty cool. You really notice how much elevation you cover in such a short period of time. Every switchback means more and more elevation gain.

Walter’s Wiggles is probably the hardest part of the hike as well. So once you make it past the wiggles you know it’s not going to be too much harder! Unless you do Angels Landing, of course, but we didn’t so we can’t say!

West Rim Trail to Scouts Lookout

Wohoo! The hardest part of the hike is done. This little section of the West Rim Trail is the final stretch that leads you to Scouts Lookout. This part of the hike is actually a bit shaded without too many views because you’re more inside the canyon hiking up. There are a few more switchbacks ahead of youbut not nearly as many as on Walter’s Wiggles

The last stretch will bring you to the opening where you’ll see the iconic valley in Zion. Probably one of our favourite views in all of Utah along with the view from Ramparts Trail in Cedar Breaks Monument.

Enjoy this view before you make it to the actual Scouts Lookout that overlooks the whole park.

The ridge up to Angels Landing

Before we mention the ridge up to Angels Landing we just want to let you know that the National Park has launched a pilot permit program to hike up to the top of Angels Landing. Because of the amount of people that hike up daily and for the safety of all the hikers they have created this pilot program. You can find more information on the Angels Landing Permit here.

Now to our experience, this is the only part of the hike that we didn’t do. We ended up having lunch at Scouts Lookout and watching all the hikers pass each other going to and from the Angels Landing Lookout. We personally don’t think it’s as dangerous as some say – just from the sheer amount of people hiking to the Angels Landing Lookout.

Saying that you should definitely be cautious and make sure you’re wearing proper hiking shoes and aren’t afraid of heights. There are steep drop-offs on both sides of the ridge. So be careful, take your time, and remember if you don’t feel like doing it you don’t have to. The view from Scouts Lookout is very similar and a lot safer!

Making it to Scouts Lookout is a pretty big area with an awesome view. Remember to pack a lunch for your hike because by the time we got to Scouts Lookout we were starving! 😉

So even if you don’t end up getting the permit you should definitely still make the hike up to Scouts Lookout!

Scouts Lookout back to The Grotto (shuttle bus stop)

Since this hike is an in-and-out trail you just go back the same way you hiked up. There’s a good chance if you hike up earlier in the day you’ll see lots of people coming up as you go down.

One of the best parts of going down is you can jog down Walter’s Wiggles while taking in the view of the valley the whole way down! Jogging down was one of our favourite parts of the hike.

Fun fact: A fun fact about Walter’s Wiggles is that these switchbacks are named after Walter Ruesch, Zion’s first superintendent!

Eventually, once you’re at the bottom, the shuttle bus will hopefully not be too far away. During the summer months and peak season, the shuttle bus runs very frequently so you shouldn’t have to wait long.

You can see on the Zion National Park Map that you’ll be at The Grotto bus stop. Make sure to take the bus that’s going to the visitor centre so you don’t ride it in the opposite direction towards the end of the national park.

Camping in Zion National Park

There are a few places to camp in Zion National Park. If you plan to camp in an RV or in a tent we have a few great and affordable recommendations. We highly recommend staying for a few days in or around Zion since there is so much to see and do in the national park.

South Campground in Zion National Park

South Campground is hands down the best campsite in Zion National Park. Being able to camp inside Zion means you don’t have to worry about waiting in line to get in and out of the park and you can just walk to stop #2 and beat the crazy lines people have to queue up for to get on the shuttle busses. So if you get the chance to stay at the South Campground then absolutely take it.

Of course, lots of people want to stay here and you’re probably thinking that you have to book it a year in advance. That’s not the case though. As long as you can be here EARLY in the morning (around 5-5:30 am) you should have a chance to get a spot. It’s a first come first serve basis so there are no reservations. So you can even be spontaneous and actually end up getting a spot if you come early enough in the morning.

There are 117 spots total so hopefully, you get a spot. It’s the best $20 you will ever spend on a campsite. You can check out the Zion South Campsite Map to give you a bit of an idea of the layout you can also see on the Zion trail map where the site is located (the tipi that says South).

Watchman Campground in Zion National Park

This is probably the second-best campground around Zion. The only difference between this one and the South Campground is that Watchman is located just south of the National Park entrance. You’ll have to go through the entrance when you want to enter the national park and also when you go back to Watchman Campground.

You will also have to queue up at the first stop and wait for the shuttle busses like all other visitors. It’s one of the main differences and why we’d go for the South Campground first. That being siad, Watchman is also fantastic. You can see the map of the Watchman campsite here.

The Watchman Campsite has to be reserved in advance so you should book earlier in the year if you plan to go in the summer during high season. Campsites start at $20 for tent sites and go up from there. With 170 sites available you should hopefully be able to get a spot. At least if you book in advance.

You can find the Watchman Campground phone number on the top of the second page. There you can reserve a spot and know for sure you’ll have somewhere to camp in Zion.

Little squirrel walking on the sand.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

If you’re looking for something basic just outside of the national park then Ponderosa Ranch has everything you need. The sites are basic and great if you’re just wanting to tent under the Utah stars and have a few nights close to Zion.

A night costs $49 per two people for a campsite. On top of that, the campsite has laundry, showers, wireless internet, picnic tables, and more. So basically everything you need to rough it a few nights in between the magical Utah mountains.

You can also book a room for around $130 depending on the season.

How to get to Zion National Park

The view before Angels Landing hike at Scout Lookout

From anywhere in Las Vegas

  • It’s roughly a 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park.
  • The directions can be found here.

From anywhere in Salt Lake City

  • It’s roughly a 4.5 hour drive from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park.
  • The directions can be found here.

From anywhere in Cedar City

  • It will take you just under 1.5 hours to get to Bryce from Zion National Park depending on which way you go.
  • The directions can be found here.

Before you go

Make sure to check the weather and plan accordingly before you go – and depending on which campsite you want to stay at, think about booking beforehand.

Zion is actually open during the winter months so you can hike all year round as long as the conditions are ok. Some hikes may be temporarily closed during the winter months so be prepared to have a backup plan.

You can see the average monthly temperature for Zion and here is the temperature right now in Zion to give you a bit of an idea.

If Angel’s Landing is closed we definitely recommend Observation Point in Zion and maybe even some of the other smaller hikes like Lower Emerald Pools.

We’d say the best time to go to Zion would be in early fall when it’s less busy. We went in October and it was fabulous.

Hiking Tip: Look up the trail on AllTrails before starting your hike 🗺️. You can find important trail information such as recent wildlife sights and trail closures. Check out the free version here or get a 7-day free trial of AllTrails Pro here.

Leave no trace

When you go hiking (and do other outdoor adventure activities), always remember to follow the 7 principles of leaving no trace.

This means:

  1. Plan ahead and prepare.
  2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
  3. Dispose of waste properly.
  4. Leave what you find.
  5. Minimize campfire impacts.
  6. Respect wildlife.
  7. Be considerate of others.

What to bring

It’s most likely going to be very hot outside if you plan to go in any of the summer months. It’s Southern Utah after all! So bring anything that can protect you from the sun since you are in the desert and the days can get very hot. And during all the switchbacks you are very exposed to the sun.

So bring:

  • It’s essential to bring water! We love this classic waterbottle from Stanley. Use code RWA20 for 20% off at checkout.
  • Sunscreen is a must when you go anywhere hiking in Utah! Even if you go early in the morning.
  • Proper hiking shoes are highly recommended especially if you plan to hike up all the way to Angels Landing.
  • Bring some food so you can enjoy it at the picnic spot “top of Scout’s Lookout”.
  • If your knees aren’t big fans of big elevation hikes try bringing some good hiking poles. They help so much on longer hikes like this one.
  • Relax, and enjoy the views with a nice PB&J, trail mix, or whatever you like to snack on while hiking!
  • Also this is a great list of hiking gear that you may need on a hike!

You may also like…

Here's Dom at Scout Lookout Zion National Park

Other useful info

  • Zion is open during the winter months.
  • In the 1920s Zion had roughly 3500 visitors a year. Nowadays you will see roughly 5 million people visit Zion every year.
  • You can buy an America the Beautiful pass online on REI’s website here. If you’re planning on visiting a bunch of national parks this year then it will save you lots of money.

We hope you enjoy this hike in Zion as much as we did! Zion is so magical and even though it’s very touristy it still blows you away. Scouts Lookout to Angels Landing is just one of the many amazing hikes in the national park.

If you’re exploring Zion or any of the other “Mighty 5” or even some of the state parks then here’s some inspiration of 12 awesome hikes around Utah.

Utah is something else. Especially when it comes to the nature and landscape found around the state. It’s something out of another planet. We hope you enjoy Zion as much as we did and we’d love to hear if there’s any other awesome hikes in the park that you end up doing.

Have fun!

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8 Comments

  1. Wellness Travel Diaries on May 17, 2020 at 2:13 am

    My husband and I visited Zion during the late fall two years ago. We both LOVED it! We weren’t able to hike Angels Landing, but that’s on the itinerary for our next trip 🙂

    • redwhiteadventures on May 17, 2020 at 3:06 am

      Hey,

      Ahh no way! It is such a fun hike and totally worth doing if you ever get a chance!

      -Dom

  2. Erin on May 25, 2020 at 10:11 pm

    I’ve always heard wonderful things about Zion National Park! I hope to visit some day! Thanks for the info and beautiful pics!!

    • redwhiteadventures on May 25, 2020 at 11:28 pm

      Hey Erin,

      Zion is incredible and has some of the most amazing hikes in Utah. Utah in itself is just so impressive an unique. Good luck with your future travels! =)

      -Jo

  3. Katerina on June 6, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    I was absolutely blown away by Zion and, to be honest, pretty much the whole Utah! The scenery there is just breathtaking. I didn’t do this hike but wish I had! Looking forward to coming back sometime soon. Happy weekend, Dom and Jo!

    • redwhiteadventures on June 6, 2020 at 7:02 pm

      Hey Katerina,

      Couldn’t agree more! We visited 3 national parks in Utah and they blew us away. I’m sure you’ll make it back one day. Enjoy yours too, Katerina! =)

  4. Bert Kadakia on January 6, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    Do you need a permit to climb Angels Landing in Zion National Park in 2022?

    • redwhiteadventures on January 6, 2022 at 7:18 pm

      Hey Bert, according to the NPS website, on and after March 31, 2022, you will need a permit to hike Angel’s Landing. You can get the permit through a lottery on the NPW website which opens every day at 12:01 am and closes at 3 pm Mountain Time. It costs $6 to apply for a permit.
      – Jo

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