West Rim Trail to Cabin Springs

The West Rim Trail to Cabin Springs via The Grotto Trailhead has become our unofficial anniversary hike. On our one year wedding anniversary, we backpacked in and tackled this beast of a hike, camping on the West Rim to celebrate our milestone. We decided to repeat this for our 19th anniversary. However, the weather was not going to cooperate, so we decided to go out and back with weighted backpacks as a training opportunity and still have a chance to commemorate our special day.

The first several miles of the trail are “paved” or some version of hard-packed material since this is a heavily travelled section of the trail. As you walk along the Virgin River to start, keep your eyes out for deer along the water. You will then start a steady climb upward as you head toward Scout Lookout, which is also the start of the Angel’s Landing trail. Brace yourself for the Walter’s Wiggles switchbacks. 

Continue onward on the West Rim Trail and be ready to feel completely immersed in the park. The crowds will dwindle away and, before you know it, you will more than likely be on your own for long stretches. You will be surrounded by the towering cliffs  and spectacular vastness of Zion. There are so many viewpoints on this section of the trail that give you a glimpse into how grand and sprawling this park is.

Soon you will enter into a forested area. After that point, you will begin the final trek up, up, up, until you reach Cabin Springs. This spring is often a source of water you can filter if needed. The last mile upward is perhaps the most spectacular. The world drops away as you climb up to the literal top of Zion and you will forget all about how tired you are as you admire the view you worked hard to get to.

 The West Rim trail itself continues onward to add many more miles. You can also camp along the stretch past Cabin Springs, be aware a backcountry permit is required for backpack camping within the park.

Difficulty: Strenuous related to mileage and elevation gain.

Trail Stats: AllTrails says 9.2 miles, out and back, 3,133 feet elevation gain. 

Our tracked data varied from this and said 10.96 miles with 4,065 elevation gain.

Trail Finding: Relatively straight forward.

Conditions: Mostly compact surfaces (paved or hard rock), shorter sections of more uneven rock and very short and infrequent spots of sand.

Would I Repeat This: Yes, though it is a commitment for a day trip, both time and physically.

Parking: The trail starts at the Grotto Trailhead. Depending on the time of the year, you will need to park at the Zion National Park Visitor Center and take the shuttle to the trailhead. In the ‘off season’, you can drive to the lot at the trailhead and depart from there. 

Timing: Due to higher elevations, during the winter you may need take snow or ice into consideration. Intermittent shade, like at places where you go through the canyon near Scout Lookout, along Walter’s Wiggles, or closer to Cabin Springs. Otherwise, this trail is mostly exposed to sun.

Downloaded Map: Not required, but it was nice to have to know ‘how much longer’ and also to mentally prepare for some steep sections ahead.

Fees: This hike is within Zion National Park. You will need to pay the entrance fee or show your National Parks Annual Pass.

Trails: So many!  You are within Zion National Park, the list goes on and on for options. Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook, Angel’s Landing (by permit only), Many Pools, Watchman, and so many more!