West Rim Trail (Zion) landscape

Photo: Photo by Andrey Grinkevich on Unsplash

West Rim Trail (Zion)

~2 days · 14.6 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance14.6 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain2,651 ft
Gain / mile182 ft
High point7,487 ft
Difficulty index19/100

What the West Rim Trail (Zion) is known for

Zion's top-down classic, dropping from Lava Point across the white slickrock of Horse Pasture Plateau to the canyon rim above Angels Landing and down into Zion Canyon.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the West Rim Trail (Zion) on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 4,295 ft to 7,487 ft over 14.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 2.4 mi · 17%
  • Downhill 7.5 mi · 52%
  • Flat 4.6 mi · 32%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the West Rim Trail (Zion)?

19 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the West Rim Trail (Zion) scores 19/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the West Rim Trail (Zion) take?

Most backpackers hike the West Rim Trail (Zion) in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 14.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the West Rim Trail (Zion)?

The West Rim Trail (Zion) climbs roughly 2,651 ft total — about 182 ft per mile, topping out near 7,487 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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