If you are an intermediate to experienced hiker looking for a great day hike in Zion National Park, the West Rim Trail cannot be beat.
Last summer I had the opportunity to backpack the “Trans-Zion” hike which is around 40 miles and takes you from the very northwest of the park into the heart of Zion. While the entire hike was amazing my favorite part was the West Rim Trail. So when I recently had a day free to visit Zion again this trail was the first thing that came to mind.
We left Cedar City, UT at about 6:30am and headed for Lava Point. Shortly before Lava Point there is an option to follow a dirt road to the trail head of the West Rim trail. We arrived at about 8:00am and began our hike.
Within a few hours you are viewing some of the most amazing vistas in the park and they are your constant companion for the west of your journey. Below is a picture taking from the trail looking west.
Before long you start your decent into the valley. After Angels Landing it becomes paved but still very steep. This is also the first sign of civilization and you begin to overhear a variety of languages being spoken by passerby’s either on their way to or from Angels Landing.
Finally you are greeted by the Valley and it is amazing sight to behold. By 3:00pm we were down at the Grotto taking the free shuttle to the entrance of the park to wait for our ride home.
