Zion's Observation Point: Hike Scout Lookout
Hiking Scout Lookout in Zion National Park: A Guide
Scout Lookout, nestled near Angel's Landing in Zion National Park, is a popular hiking destination that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here's a guide to help you plan your hike.
Preparation
The hike to Scout Lookout is challenging and requires fitness clothing or light hiking gear. It's recommended to bring at least 1L of water for the hike, and facilities for bathrooms and water refills are available at The Grotto, a convenient starting point for the Angels Landing hike.
Getting There
From The Grotto, located at shuttle stop #6 near the Angels Landing Trailhead, you can begin your journey to Scout Lookout. The trail starts with a gradual ascent leading through a well-maintained path and switchbacks. Along the way, you'll pass Refrigerator Canyon, home to the threatened Mexican Spotted Owl, one of the largest owls in North America. It's important to note that loud noises can disturb the nesting of these owls, so keep your hike as quiet as possible.
The Trail
After Refrigerator Canyon, you'll encounter Walters Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks. After this climb, you will reach Scout Lookout, a popular turnaround point for many hikers before continuing on the more exposed and challenging part of the Angels Landing trail. The trail is steep, but it has pavement, making it difficult for trekking poles to dig in.
Equipment
For the hike, the Osprey Hikelite 26, Altra Lone Peak 9, Garmin inReach Mini 2, and AllTrails Plus are recommended for their specific features. However, the Scout Landing Trail does not have specific recommended gear or equipment mentioned in this paragraph.
Historical Note
Before the establishment of Zion National Park, a cable car named Cable Mountain operated from 1901 to 1927, transporting lumber from the upper area of the park. By 1927, the cable car had strip-mined the land of lumber.
Facilities
There is a bathroom facility located behind the last photo on the hike. Beyond the information provided about Refrigerator Canyon, no further hike directions for Scout Lookout are given in this paragraph.
Accessibility
The Grotto can be reached via shuttle bus during most of the year, or by driving and parking at The Grotto Picnic Area in the off-season.
- For the challenging hike to Scout Lookout in Zion National Park, fitness clothing or light hiking gear is essential.
- On the hike, it's important to pass Refrigerator Canyon quietly due to the presence of the threatened Mexican Spotted Owl.
- The popular Osprey Hikelite 26, Altra Lone Peak 9, Garmin inReach Mini 2, and AllTrails Plus are recommended for their specific features, although no specific gear is mentioned for the Scout Lookout trail.
- Upon reaching the trailhead at The Grotto, maps and directions are available to guide your outdoor-living adventure towards Scout Lookout.
