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This hike can begin from Lava Point or The Grotto. The hike from Lava Point will prevent a long climb, but may be hard on the knees. This description begins from The Grotto and ascends to Horse Pasture Plateau. The beginning elevation of the hike is 4,300 feet. The trail begins on the western side of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Cross the foot bridge over the North Fork Virgin River and bear right at the fork in the trail. West Rim Trail leads northward along the river for one third of a mile then makes a few switchbacks as it heads westward at the mouth of Refrigerator Canyon.

The trail gains 450 feet in the first mile. It reaches the bottom of Refrigerator Canyon after ascending two series of switchbacks. Once in the canyon the gradient eases for a third of a mile. The trail soon begins to ascend the eastern wall of the canyon. The next 600 feet of canyon wall is ascended by hikers via a stretch of trail known as Walters Wiggles. There are 21 short switchbacks along this section of trail constructed in the early part of the Twentieth Century.

At the top of Walters Wiggles is Scout Lookout and a trail junction. From the lookout the view eastward is down into Zion Canyon and across the canyon to Observation Point. At Scout Lookout hikers are two miles from The Grotto and have gained 1,050 feet in elevation. Day hikers may choose to hike to Angels Landing from this junction. Turn right at this junction to climb that route.

The ascent continues along West Rim Trail from Scout Lookout. In the next mile the trail ascends at least 500 feet, skirting the head of Refrigerator Canyon. The track then descends into the headwaters of Telephone Canyon, following a drainage that arcs westward around the base of Mount Majestic. At the head of this drainage the trail ascends steeply to reach the top of Horse Pasture Plateau. The elevation at the top of this climb is 6,750 feet.

Once on the plateau top the trail forks. Walking to the right a short distance will bring hikers to Cabin Spring and campsite number 1. Walking to the left you'll reach campsite number 2 then campsite number three. This fork is nearly five miles from The Grotto. The West Rim Trail continues along the left side of this fork. The right side of the fork leads through Telephone Canyon and eventually meets West Rim Trail further north on the plateau.

West Rim Trail leads westward from this trail fork. It ascends 250 feet in the first half mile, levels for a short distance then continues to ascend steadily to approximately 7,355 feet. This high point is known as West Rim Overlook. From this point hikers along the trail are able to look down into the Right Fork North Creek drainage. The trail leads north from this point skirting the head of Right Fork North Creek Canyon.

From the overlook the track leads one and a half miles along the canyon rim to meet the Telephone Canyon Trail. This is the end or beginning of a loop around the southern tip of Horse Pasture Plateau. West Rim Trail continues to the left from this junction. The trail leads northward over rolling, forested terrain for nearly two miles to Potato Hollow. It follows this drainage to its head and then ascends steadily for 350 feet to the plateau top.

Leaving Potato Hollow behind the trail follows a ridge between the upper North Creek, south, and upper Virgin River drainages. The trail continues another five miles from Potato Hollow to Lava Point. Most of this portion of the trail leads through forest so hikers are protected from severe exposure to the unforgiving desert sun. Hikers should make prior arrangements at the visitor center if camping at Lava Point is desired.

Next: Horseback Riding

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