Best hike in Zion National Park? – Backpacking the West Rim Trail
Best hike in Zion National Park? – Backpacking the West Rim Trail
We’ve been all over Zion National Park. We’ve been in the depths of Pine Creek Canyon and the peak of Angel’s Landing. The diversity is absolutely incredible, and it keeps drawing us back. But there aren’t that many backpacking options in Zion. Or are there? Yes, there is the famous Zion Narrows, but for the most part, they’re day trips.
So I did some research and found the Zion West Rim Trail. The first article I came across said it was the best hike in the park. That’s saying a lot. But I was intrigued, so I read on. The more I researched, the more it sounded like a must-do hike. So I figured out the permit system and got our permits.
The Zion West Rim trail can be done two ways; start at the Grotto and hike up Angel’s Landing….and then keep hiking up. Or, go up to Lava Point and hike in from there, going down Angel’s Landing at the end of your hike.
Down sounded better to me, so that was our itinerary.
First thing you need is a shuttle. We used Red Rock Shuttles:
We left our car at the Zion Visitor Center, hopped on the shuttle and were on our way. We’ve made this drive many times before. You leave the lower section of the park and get up into the pine trees. It’s absolutely gorgeous. And again, diverse.
We started our hike around 7AM from Lava Point. It’s maybe 5~6 miles on a mellow trail through the pines and, honestly, not that remarkable. And then you hit Potato Hollow and the views just open up. You have the white stone peaks of Zion, overlooking many of the technical canyons. It just makes me want to explore more and more of the park.
Soon enough, we got to our campsite. We chose Zion West Rim trail camp 2 because it was a) as close as you could get to the exit and b) by a fairly reliable spring. The other campsites looked fine, but camp 1 & 2 were protected from the wind and closer to the spring, so I recommend those if that’s up your alley.
The next day, the REAL fun begins as you descend down into the canyons. At first it’s the white rock of upper Zion, but eventually the Zion West Rim Trail gets down into the red rock.
And then, there it is. The bucket list Angel’s Landing trail. And it’s BELOW YOU. West Rim Trail brings you in for the most amazing views of the iconic Angel’s Landing…You will definitely feel accomplished as you walk past all the day hikers heading to the Angel’s Landing peak, knowing you slept nearly 1,500 feet above their goal.
That’s about it. The video will speak for itself. This was an amazing hike that got added to our yearly rotation.
Can’t wait to do it again.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Black Hole – Tommy Ljungberg
Vapour – Osoku
Blue Skies Turning Red – Vulcan Peaks
All But Me (Luwaks Remix) – OTE
A New Sleep – Arden Forest
Oh My – Las Lunas
Dreamy – Megan Wofford
It’s a Beautiful World Out There – Nashional
Now We Do It Again – Duplex Heart
If you click on the links below – and especially if you buy from these links – I’ll get compensation. So that would be cool. No, I’m not sponsored by them, but I love the products.
Filmed on:
GoPro Hero 9 Black:
Canon EOS R:
Weebil S gimbal for your DSLR:
I love Zion, I was back here in August and was able to do Angels Landing before it closed to permits… I have to say it was a good decision… There were soo many people that had no business being up there, I guess NPS was sick of all the rescues… That said I truly love Zion and it really comes alive during the monsoons!
I was also in Kolob Canyons (west Zion) and that was spectacular, I highly recommend it. Amazing trails without the crowds of Zion…
West Rim is definitely next on the list for the region! Awesome video as usual Jerry!
Love your videos! I went on a three week road trip to Rocky Mountain national park, Moab, Zion, Bryce, and Page because of them. Going to Sedona and more for a month in April! Keep the videos coming!
What time of year was this?
Great video! I've been looking into trails at zion that i want to check out next time i head out that way. also, i too carry a gopro and canon with me haha twins
What month did you hike the west rim trail?
Just really enjoying your awesome videos! It sounds like you live in Phoenix, I am out at at Casa Grande which is great to have easy access to all these excellent hikes.
Thanks and don't stop filming!
I know exactly where to go for xmas vacation! 🥶🥶… thank you for the amazing views & lovely music!
You guys are awesome! Thank you so very much for all the effort and investment you guys put into your work. Walking/trekking is the shortest path to the heart
I did this hike in March. We got stuck in the snow and added an extra 3 miles on the hike😂 was definitely sore the next day. By far one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done though
Thanx for sharing !
2 years w/o US west/south and its canyons…
Hard for a French- Swiss guy
Dang what a GEM! I was just at Zion in July did angles landing, narrows, and emerald pools. All amazing hikes but I wish I would’ve known about the west rim. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome, I keep going back to your video. Plan on doing this with my sons.
We just did Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail. I can't believe we missed this.
I am Japanese and a traveler departing from Japan.
I don't know how to get to the West Rim Trailhead.
Please tell me the means of transportation to the parking lot.
I gotta do this!
West Rim has been on my list for awhile. Need to check it off. And East Rim too! Gotta dream!!
What a nice video, my friend! Great backpacking trip! Enjoyed watching, the nature is amazing. Cheers from Russia, Jerry, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft, tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy!
Thanks for this video. Brought back memories of up back packing up past Angles Roost in April 1979 to the rim with skis to camp in 4 feet of snow with amazing views. No human tracks to be seen but mine.
Altras are the best!! RE: Ugly…yes, I've had a few pairs that would make 3rd grade boys jealous. But, they feel SO good! LOLOLOLOL.
I love this!! Thank you! Hiking it in October!
Once again another fantastic video, I have been to Zion a few years ago when it wasn’t as crowded as it seems to be now. A person has to do National Parks more than once because there is always a new trail to do .
I'm confused about the shuttle service – I didn't realize private companies operated inside the park. Is this new? Oh, and if you think the Lone Peaks are comfortable, try the Altra Olympus! Even better – more cushion!
Mexican food sounds so good. Cheers!🍺🍺
Awesome area!Great show thanks for sharing.
I am so excited to go here!
Amazing as always!
6:15 = Beautiful….what a scene to wake up to! Can't say it enough, love the vids….makes me jealous and want to move that direction! How's permit system work for this leg? Lottery? Looking to plan but hard to do if you don't know you'll have a permit? Suppose you'd need a backup plan if you get out there and the weather isn't conducive to backpacking? Or is that actually a thing? Not much stops us from camping in MN….
stunning views of the beautiful place!' Thanks for sharing
Just got back from zion as well. I think I'll be adding the west rim trail to our list next time we go out. Looks fun to hike in and camp.
Your videos are the best, the cinematography is amazing. You make every hike look incredible and I have learned so much from watching. My wife and I think Tina is cool as shit and the two of you are so much fun to watch. Thanks for giving us a peek into your word and please keep up the great work we look forward to seeing your future adventures!
Really enjoyed your video! We are putting Zion on our list of places to go for sure. Also, nice music selections. We just subscribed.
What do you look for in your go pros. What sets one apart from another?
Another very enjoyable video!
We were at Zion in April 2021 for the 1st time and have already made reservations to go back next year. This trail is something I’ve been looking at doing, if nothing else, by going up it from Scout Lookout for an hour or so. Thank you for showing us what it’s like.
As always, you’re quite a pair. We love the humor in your videos, but there’s a genuine sweetness and tenderness you have for one another that comes through, despite the teasing. Here’s hoping you keep doing the hikes and videos for many years to come.
It is a beautiful world out there, dig the tunes. Great show as usual.
Jerry, video production just keeps improving and especially liked the placement on the ambient soundtracks – effective.
If you haven't checked out HOP VALLEY in the Zion Area then do yourselves a favor next time. Carry on …….
Very cool ! I saw in the credits you gave credit to the sun for lighting but no credit to Mother Nature for that chilling rain ha ha !
Have you and Tina been to Whitmore canyon via St. George Utah ?
Overland Bound did a great video on this epic spot on the edge and in the middle of the North Rim of Grand Canyon . Putting it on the list !
How do you manage to get Tina to drive all the time ?
Top scenic hike video in my book, of your videos, also favorite hikers of all! Thanks Jerry and Tina!
Clearly we need to head back to Zion… there's so, so much left for us to explore. And the view looking DOWN at Angel's Landing is surreal as hell. 😲 Love the windy outtakes. Feel like we've got so many clips like that ourselves. It never fails… you start moving again and it stops. 😄
Taking my niece there next Tuesday. Hop valley to the Grotto. Too funny, I also have reserved #2. Still snow there???
Great video Jerry! Glad the shuttle situation worked out for you guys! Btw I too wear the ugly shoes…the Altra Lone Peaks have rocked my world…literally able to do double the mileage that I’m used to. Hey be got 120 miles on them so far…pretty beat up but I’ll buy them over and over again if I need to.
Sucks about your GoPro…any way they can just repair the screen?
Love your videos man! They’re instructional and humorous. Thanks. And yep, once you go Altra, you will never go back. It’s like wearing pillows on the bottoms of your feet
Pretty F#$&’n awesome! I gotta bleep that out now. Your welcome. 😂🤣😂 The colors of the canyon walls are beautiful, I’m sure even more so in person. Thanks for sharing.
Daaang not a lot of people can say they were looking down at the angel landing.
Weather has been weird in utah. I got here may 4 and it has been anywhere between freezing to 99 degrees. Elevation changes play a huge factor too.
Altra Lone Peak is where it's at. I do all my non-technical hiking in my Altras.
What a treat ! Thanks 🙂