West Rim Trail

This trail starts at the West Rim trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road, near Lava Point, and ends at the Grotto in Zion Canyon. For the first 6.5 miles, the trail traverses across high alpine elevation with sweeping views of the Wildcat Canyon area as you drop into Potato Hollow. Next, the trail climbs out of Potato Hollow before it splits into the Telephone Canyon Trail and the West Rim Trail.

The West Rim Trail follows along the rim with views of Phantom Valley and the canyons to the south. Telephone Canyon Trail provides a shortcut between Potato Hollow and Cabin Spring, or it creates a possible loop for hikers entering and exiting the same trailhead. At Cabin Spring, the trail begins a steep drop in elevation and descends 2,500 feet over 4.7 miles, ending at the Grotto.

Camping is only allowed in designated sites with a permit. This trail is best in the late spring, summer, and fall. The trail typically has deep snow in the winter that can remain until late spring. Deep snow can also close the road leading to the trailhead.

 

Wilderness Campsites

 
A campsite surrounded with low herbaceous plants and tall pine trees. The view from the campsite shows deep canyons atop the plateau.
West Rim Campsite #1 and its view.

NPS Photo

West Rim Campsite #1

  • Maximum Group Size Limit: 12
  • Availability: First-Come, First-Serve, Walk-In Basis
    • Permits must be obtained in person the day before or day of the trip during regular Hours of Operation from the Wilderness Desk.
  • Site Description: The only site along the Telephone Canyon Trail, site #1 is a short walk from Cabin Spring and offers distant views of the Dixie National Forest and northern regions of Zion.
 
A firm dirt campsite with nearby pines and spruce trees. The view from the campsite shows large canyons atop the nearby plateau.
West Rim Campsite #2 and its view.

NPS Photo

West Rim Campsite #2

  • Maximum Group Size Limit: 2
  • Availability: Online Calendar Reservation
  • Site Description: This site is small and secluded, located near Cabin Spring.
 
A campsite in a flat vegetated area, with occasional pine trees dotting the landscape. Views from the campsite offer a glimpse into neighboring canyons.
West Rim Campsite #3 and its view.

NPS Photo

West Rim Campsite #3

  • Maximum Group Size Limit: 4
  • Availability: First-Come, First-Serve, Walk-In Basis
    • Permits must be obtained in person the day before, or day of the trip during regular Hours of Operation from the Wilderness Desk.
  • Site Description: This site has great rim views and is approximately one mile from Cabin Spring.
 
A dirt-and-gravel campsite surrounded with scattered pine trees. Nearby views look down into the surrounding canyons.
West Rim Campsite #4 and its view.

NPS Photo

West Rim Campsite #4

  • Maximum Group Size Limit: 12
  • Availability: Online Calendar Reservation
  • Site Description: This is a large site that can accommodate a group and has great views of the deep canyons below the rim.
 
A packed dirt area with a handful of surrounding pine trees. Nearby viewpoints create views into the massive canyons to both the east and west.
West Rim Campsite #5 and its view.

NPS Photo

West Rim Campsite #5

  • Maximum Group Size Limit: 4
  • Availability: First-Come, First-Serve, Walk-In Basis
    • Permits must be obtained in person the day before or day of the trip during regular Hours of Operation from the Wilderness Desk.
  • Site Description: This scenic site is about two miles from Cabin Spring and allows campers to enjoy sights both to the east and west.
 
A packed dirt area with surrounding pine trees. Nearby viewpoints provide views of the surrounding canyons.
West Rim Campsite #6 and its view.

NPS Photo

West Rim Campsite #6

  • Maximum Group Size Limit: 6
  • Availability: Online Calendar Reservation
  • Site Description: This scenic site is close to the junction of Telephone Canyon and the West Rim Trail.
 
A packed dirt and sand area surrounded by grassy fields and scattered pine trees. Views look over the surrounding plateau.
West Rim Campsite #7 and its view.

NPS Photo

West Rim Campsite #7

  • Maximum Group Size Limit: 4
  • Availability: First-Come, First-Serve, Walk-In Basis
    • Permits must be obtained in person the day before or day of the trip during regular Hours of Operation from the Wilderness Desk.
  • Site Description: The site is just a few minutes walk from Potato Hollow Spring (which is not a reliable source of water).
 
A packed dirt campsite with pine trees on one side and grassy fields on the other.
West Rim Campsite #8 and its view.

NPS Photo

West Rim Campsite #8

  • Maximum Group Size Limit: 6
  • Availability: Online Calendar Reservation
  • Site Description: This site is located behind Potato Hollow Spring, which is not a reliable source of water. This site also provides views of upper Imlay Canyon to the east.
 
A dirt and gravel campsite surrounded by trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Nearby views look into the surrounding pine forest.
West Rim Campsite #9 and its view.

NPS Photo

West Rim Campsite #9

  • Maximum Group Size Limit: 6
  • Availability: First-Come, First-Serve, Walk-In Basis
    • Permits must be obtained in person the day before or day of the trip during regular Hours of Operation from the Wilderness Desk.
  • Site Description: To access this site follow the sign off the West Rim trail to "Sawmill Spring". The northernmost site on the West Rim Trail, campsite #9 is only about a mile from Lava Point.
 

Water Sources

 
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Cabin Spring

The spring is located near campsites #1 and #2 near the edge of the canyon rim. It is a seep from the ground that collects in a small pool. Usually has a small flow year-round.

Approximate Location
N 37°17'15.2"
W 112°58'04.2"
Elevation 6736 ft

 
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Potato Hollow Spring

The spring is located near campsite #7 and #8 in the bottom of Potato Hollow. It is a seep from the ground that pools in a few areas. Usually is dry by mid to late summer. Not a reliable water source.

Approximate Location
N 37°19'15.0"
W 112°59'14.4"
Elevation 6760 ft

 
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Sawmill Springs

The spring is located near campsite #9 and close to the West Rim Trailhead. It is a seep from the ground that pools in a few areas. Usually is dry by early to mid summer. Not a reliable water source.

Approximate Location
N 37'22'06.2"
W 113'01'02.0"
Elevation 7173 ft

 
A tent sits in a wilderness campsite, with beautiful sandstone cliffs in the distance.
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Last updated: June 26, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale, UT 84767

Phone:

435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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