Reservation6/10
Zion La Verkin Creek / Kolob Arch Overnight permit
Overnight camping on the La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch in Kolob Canyons. 1...
West Rim Trail Overnight Permit
Zion National Park · Utah
Booked one camp per night, in order
Overnight camping permit for the West Rim Trail. 9 designated backpacking sites along the trail.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on West Rim Overnight were gone within 10 minutes.
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West Rim Overnight Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
West Rim Overnight Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, West Rim Overnight in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation.
- The West Rim Overnight route covers 14 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Cancelled West Rim Overnight permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
14 miles
Elevation Gain
1,200 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
1-2 nights
Difficulty
ModerateElevation Range
4,300 - 7,890 ft
Highlights
- •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
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.
Hazards & Considerations
- !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.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (4,300 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Extreme heat (101°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
- Tomorrow: Extreme heat (100°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
- Day 3: Extreme heat (97°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
Today
⛅
101°
85°
Sun
☀️
100°
81°
Mon
☀️
97°
76°
Tue
⛅
95°
78°
Wed
☀️
96°
78°
Thu
☀️
96°
78°
Fri
☀️
98°
77°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand3/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk4/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Backpackers comfortable with heights and exposure. The trail itself is not technical, but cliff edges are real.
Recommended Experience
Basic backpacking experience. Comfort with exposure helpful but trail itself is straightforward.
Not Recommended For
Those with fear of heights. The rim campsites are exposed with dramatic drop-offs.
About This Permit
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 Experience
Why It Matters
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 Route
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.
The Feeling
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.
Rules & Regulations
- •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 Checklist
Required
- 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
- 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
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for West Rim Overnight
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
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Key Landmarks
↑
1,200ft
Gain↓
4,790ft
Loss⛰️
7,890ft
High📏
14.0mi
Distance📐
1.6%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•10 landmarks
Landmarks (10)
West Rim Overnight FAQ
How do I get a West Rim Overnight permit?
West Rim Overnight permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit West Rim Overnight?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the West Rim Overnight permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a West Rim Overnight permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunset from sites 6-9 offers the best photography in Zion. The Great White Throne and Angels Landing glow orange-red in the last light.
Best Light
Golden hour is everything on this trail. Midday light is harsh on the white sandstone. Sunrise illuminates the east-facing cliffs.
Beat the Crowds
Sites 1-4 see fewer visitors than the popular sites 6-9. Weekday trips offer more solitude. Start from Lava Point to avoid the Angels Landing crowds on day one.
Classic Shots
- 📍Sunset on the Great White Throne from the rim
- 📍Angels Landing from above with Zion Canyon beyond
- 📍Tent silhouette at camp with canyon backdrop
- 📍Walter's Wiggles switchbacks from above
- 📍Morning mist in the canyon
- 📍Virgin River ribbon far below
Can't Get a West Rim Overnight Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Trans-Zion Traverse
Similar ExperienceThe complete 48-mile crossing from Kolob Canyons to the East Rim, with the West Rim section as the climax.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Much longer commitment (4-5 days) but the ultimate Zion backpacking experience.
Angels Landing Day Hike
Easier AlternativeJust the chain section from The Grotto to Angels Landing summit. Same dramatic views, no overnight gear.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Crowds and permit lottery hassle. No sunset camping experience.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your West Rim Overnight trip
Very HardIn Demand26 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand3 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand57 sitesDevils Garden Campground
Arches National Park
Book campsite
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