West Rim Overnight itinerary
Every published mile marker on the West Rim Overnight route, in order, with the distance and elevation change between each one — and which permit each stretch needs. To watch dates and set alerts, go to the West Rim Trail Overnight permit page.
Which permit covers this route
The West Rim Overnight. One reservation is an ordered sequence of nights at named sites, issued by reservation.
- Stops mapped
- 10
- Across the markers
- 14.0 mi
- Published route length
- 14 mi
- Published ascent
- 1,200 ft
How long it takes: 1-2 nights. That is the figure the permit publishes — this page does not divide the route into days, because no source records which stop you sleep at.
The stops below are the route's published mile markers, in order, with the elevations recorded against each one.
Distance and elevation change on each leg are the difference between the two published figures either side of it, so the legs are arithmetic on the markers and nothing more.
Adding up only the climbs between markers gives 212 ft, which is a floor rather than the total: anything that rises and falls between two markers is invisible to it.
The West Rim Overnight route, stop by stop
Mile 0.0
7,890 ft
Lava Point Trailhead
Starting point. Primitive campground available. Road closes in winter.
2.5 miles · 737 ft down to Sawmill Springs
Mile 2.5
7,153 ft
Sawmill Springs
First water source on the route. Zion publishes no flow status for the West Rim springs - check at the Wilderness Desk and carry the full day.
1.5 miles · 147 ft up to Campsites 1-4
Mile 4.0
7,300 ft
Campsites 1-4
Northern campsites in forest setting with developing views.
1.0 mile · 100 ft down to West Rim Viewpoint
Mile 5.0
7,200 ft
West Rim Viewpoint
First dramatic views into Zion Canyon.
3.0 miles · 400 ft down to Potato Hollow Spring
Mile 8.0
6,800 ft
Potato Hollow Spring
Water at the low point of the trail. Zion publishes no flow status for it - check at the Wilderness Desk before you plan around it.
2.0 miles · 84 ft down to Cabin Spring
Mile 10.0
6,716 ft
Cabin Spring
Last water before the descent. Zion publishes no flow status for the West Rim springs - check at the Wilderness Desk and carry the full day.
0.5 miles · 65 ft up to Campsites 5-9
Mile 10.5
6,781 ft
Campsites 5-9
Prime rim-edge campsites with sunset views.
1.5 miles · 1,431 ft down to Scout Lookout
Mile 12.0
5,350 ft
Scout Lookout
Above Angels Landing. Permit check point.
0.5 miles · 350 ft down to Walter's Wiggles
Mile 12.5
5,000 ft
Walter's Wiggles
21 carved switchbacks descending to canyon floor.
1.5 miles · 700 ft down to The Grotto
Mile 14.0
4,300 ft
The Grotto
Shuttle Stop 6. End point with restrooms.
Getting a West Rim Overnight for the dates you want
Planning the route is the easy half. West Rim Overnight dates go fast, and the ones that come back are cancellations — they return to the booking system without warning and are gone again quickly. PermitSnag watches West Rim Overnight around the clock and alerts you the moment a date opens.