West Rim Trail Overnight Permit
Zion National Park · Utah
Overnight camping permit for the West Rim Trail. 9 designated backpacking sites along the trail.
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West Rim Overnight reservation dates
- route distance, point to point
- 14mi
- elevation gain
- 1,200ft
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a West Rim Overnight permit
As of September 2026, West Rim Overnight in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. West Rim Overnight rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled West Rim Overnight permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The West Rim Overnight route covers 14 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- UT
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on West Rim Overnight: Live availability activityWhen West Rim Overnight permits open upWest Rim Trail Overnight permit itinerary
The West Rim Overnight hike
- Distance
- 14 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 1,200 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 1-2 nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 4,300 - 7,890 ft
West Rim Overnight elevation profile
Lava Point Trailhead to The Grotto4,790 ft of descent · 1.6% average grade
Lava Point Trailhead
Starting point. Primitive campground available. Road closes in winter.
- Mile
- 0.0
- Elevation
- 7,890 ft
- From start
- +0 ft
2.5 mi to Sawmill Springs
Starting point. Primitive campground available. Road closes in winter.
First water source on the route. Flow varies. Check at the Wilderness Desk and carry the full day.
First dramatic views into Zion Canyon.
Northern campsites in forest setting with developing views.
Water at the low point of the trail. Flow varies. Check at the Wilderness Desk before you plan around it.
Last water before the descent. Flow varies. Check at the Wilderness Desk and carry the full day.
Prime rim-edge campsites with sunset views.
Above Angels Landing. Permit check point.
21 carved switchbacks descending to canyon floor.
Shuttle Stop 6. End point with restrooms.
Camp on the edge of Zion Canyon with sunset views of Angels Landing and the Great White Throne from your tent door.
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 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.
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 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.
West Rim Overnight hike 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, so carry the full day and treat anything you take
- Exposed rim-top hiking with dramatic drop-offs
- Crowds increase significantly below Scout Lookout
How hard the West Rim Overnight hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required3/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential4/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
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.
When to hike West Rim Overnight
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.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (4,300 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Day 6: Extreme heat (95°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
Today
77°
61°
22%
Wed
93°
63°
Thu
94°
69°
Fri
93°
74°
Sat
94°
75°
Sun
95°
77°
Mon
90°
75°
West Rim Overnight photography 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
West Rim Overnight rules, gear and safety
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 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
Rules & regulations
- 01Backcountry permit required (reserve online)
- 02Camping only at designated numbered sites
- 03Each 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
- 04No fires at any backcountry site
- 05Food must be stored in provided animal-proof containers
- 06Human waste must be packed out (WAG bags)
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.
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for West Rim Overnight.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for West Rim Overnight · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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West Rim Overnight FAQ
How do I get a West Rim Overnight permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a West Rim Overnight cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. West Rim Overnight permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit West Rim Overnight?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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.
West Rim Overnight trail conditions and trip reports
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a West Rim Overnight permit
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Trans-Zion Traverse
The complete 48-mile crossing from Kolob Canyons to the East Rim, with the West Rim section as the climax.
Tradeoffs
Much longer commitment (4-5 days) but the ultimate Zion backpacking experience.
- Easier AlternativePermit required
Angels Landing Day Hike
Just the chain section from The Grotto to Angels Landing summit. Same dramatic views, no overnight gear.
Tradeoffs
Crowds and permit lottery hassle. No sunset camping experience.
Where to stay near West Rim Overnight
- Virgin River Canyon Recreation AreaVirgin River Canyon Recreation Area (P)
- Snow Canyon State Park campgroundUtah
- Gunlock State Park campgroundUtah
- All Utah campgrounds
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