West Rim Overnight Permit: Route
West Rim Overnight permits are booked by advance reservation in Zion National Park. The route covers 14 miles.
Camp on the edge of Zion Canyon with sunset views of Angels Landing and the Great White Throne from your tent door.
This guide covers the West Rim Trail Overnight permit.
1-2 nights
Duration
14 miles
Distance
1,200'
Elevation Gain
moderate
Difficulty
About West Rim Overnight
The West Rim Trail is a 14-mile point-to-point route from Lava Point to The Grotto, passing above Angels Landing with views that define Zion. Nine designated campsites along the trail allow 1-3 night trips. The trail can be hiked in either direction, but north-to-south (downhill overall) is standard. A shuttle or two-car setup is required. Kolob Terrace Road to Lava Point closes in winter.
The West Rim Trail offers what the Narrows cannot: perspective. From 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, you'll watch the sunset paint the sandstone walls in colors that shift by the minute. This is the classic Zion backpacking route, passing directly above Angels Landing on its way from Lava Point to The Grotto.
The West Rim Overnight route
- Distance
- 14 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Elevation gain
- 1,200 ft
- High point
- 7,890 ft
- Low point
- 4,300 ft
- Trip length
- 1-2 nights
- Difficulty
- moderate
Points along the route
- Lava Point TrailheadMile 0, 7,890 ft
- Sawmill SpringsMile 2.5, 7,153 ft
- West Rim ViewpointMile 5, 7,200 ft
- Campsites 1-4Mile 4, 7,300 ft
- Potato Hollow SpringMile 8, 6,800 ft
- Cabin SpringMile 10, 6,716 ft
- Campsites 5-9Mile 10.5, 6,781 ft
- Scout LookoutMile 12, 5,350 ft
- Walter's WigglesMile 12.5, 5,000 ft
- The GrottoMile 14, 4,300 ft
West Rim Overnight permit detailsandAll Zion National Park permits
The Experience
Sitting at Camp 6 as the sun drops, you watch the Great White Throne transform from white to pink to deep red. Angels Landing juts out below you like a ship's prow. The Virgin River is a silver thread so far below that hikers are invisible. This is the view that postcards try to capture. Then darkness falls and the stars emerge, undimmed by light pollution, and you understand why people call this place sacred.
The West Rim Trail begins at Lava Point (7,890 feet), the highest point accessible by road in Zion. The first miles wind through ponderosa pine forest before the trail breaks onto the rim with views that stop you in your tracks.
Campsites 1-4 are positioned along this northern section. The trail then drops to Potato Hollow (reliable spring water) before climbing back to the rim at Cabin Spring. Sites 5-9 occupy the most dramatic positions overlooking the main canyon.
The final descent includes the famous Walter's Wiggles, 21 tight switchbacks carved into the cliff face, before ending at The Grotto shuttle stop.
What to Expect
14 miles point-to-point with 2,000 feet net descent
9 designated campsites (reservable by number)
Three or four springs along the route, none of which Zion guarantees - the park does not publish a flow status, so carry the full day and treat anything you take
Exposed rim-top hiking with dramatic drop-offs
Crowds increase significantly below Scout Lookout
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Permit Requirements
Backcountry permit required (reserve online)
Camping only at designated numbered sites
Each West Rim campsite has its own limit, from 2 to 12 people — NPS lists site 2 at 2, sites 3, 5 and 7 at 4, sites 6, 8 and 9 at 6, and sites 1 and 4 at 12
No fires at any backcountry site
Food must be stored in provided animal-proof containers
Human waste must be packed out (WAG bags)
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •4L water capacity (sources may be seasonal)
- •Sun protection (exposed trail)
- •Sturdy hiking boots
- •WAG bags for waste
- •Bear canister or provided food storage
Recommended Gear
- •Trekking poles for steep descent
- •Camp chair for sunset viewing
- •Camera with wide-angle lens
- •Extra water capacity if springs are seasonal
- •Wind layers for exposed camping
Hazards & Safety
Extreme exposure near rim. Fatal falls have occurred.
Limited water. Springs can run dry in late season.
Lightning danger on exposed rim. Descend if storms approach.
Heat exhaustion in summer. Start early.
Crowds on Walter's Wiggles can cause dangerous congestion.
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October offer ideal temperatures. Summer is hot but manageable with early starts. Lava Point access road closes November-May.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a West Rim Overnight permit?
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West Rim Overnight permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit West Rim Overnight?
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April-May and September-October offer ideal temperatures. Summer is hot but manageable with early starts. Lava Point access road closes November-May.
How long is the West Rim Overnight route?
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The route is 14 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 1-2 nights.
How difficult is the West Rim Overnight route?
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Backpackers comfortable with heights and exposure. The trail itself is not technical, but cliff edges are real.
What gear do I need for the West Rim Overnight route?
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Essential gear includes: 4L water capacity (sources may be seasonal), Sun protection (exposed trail), Sturdy hiking boots, WAG bags for waste, Bear canister or provided food storage.
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