Scout Lookout — Attraction in Apple Valley

This is the furthest spot you can go along the Angel's Landing Trail before you reach the chain section. After this point, the trail narrows, the drops become nearly vertical, the crowds begin to bottleneck, and the danger levels increase by orders of magnitude. If you have a debilitating fear of heights, aren't wearing proper footwear, aren't in good physical condition, or otherwise have doubts about your ability to complete the chain section, stop here. There is no shame in making the safe decision and ending your hike here, as the best "hiking" is already behind you. Don't let the "you have to do Angel's Landing for street cred" mentality affect your judgment. Sure there are some nice views from Angel's Landing, but I found the views from Observation Point to be similar, only on a much grander and more impressive scale. Know yourself and your limits.

As for Scout Lookout, the views here are very nice. I'll admit, not quite as nice as on top of Angel's Landing, but still pretty amazing. The hike here is strenuous and somewhat long, but it is enjoyable and the scenery is stunning. Starting in the valley, climbing switchbacks up a mountain until you reach a neat canyon, then reaching Walter's Wiggles and feeling the sense of dread as you look straight up at switchback after switchback, before reaching the top and being able to look down at all the areas you came from to get here. Such a cool hike. I'd recommend the hike to Scout Lookout to anyone in decent physical condition, without reservations. You won't be...

The strenuous West Rim Trail ascends ~1,000 ft (305 m) to Scout Lookout, high above the canyon floor. Hikers cross the Virgin River and then ascend a series of steep switchbacks along the canyon wall. The trail flattens out as it enters Refrigerator Canyon, offering relief from the heat and elevation gain of the previous segment, but resumes the climb shortly afterward at Walter’s Wiggles: a series of 21 switchbacks that leads hikers to Scout Lookout, a relatively flat, sandy area with some shade. At Scout Lookout, there is a junction with the West Rim Trail and the route to Angels Landing. Many hikers choose to stop here to enjoy the views of Zion Canyon, or to look for the endangered California condors that call the cliffs home. Those looking to continue hiking to the end of Angels Landing will need a permit from recreation.gov. Water and restrooms are available at The Grotto, and restrooms are available at Scout Lookout. There is no water available at Scout Lookout. This hike will take an average of 3 hours. No pets are allowed...

This location was simply stunning, once we caught our breath. The views from almost anywhere up here are fantastic and worth the journey. Getting here early in the morning was even better, since there were only a few of us up here, which changed quickly as the morning progressed and by the time we began our descent, the place was quite busy. There are several restrooms at this location. The day before we had contact with Ranger Richard, who we met once again this morning at the top. He was there to check permits for those climbing Angels Landing and we really enjoyed meeting him and the information he provided us with atop Scout Lookout. We also met a California Condor Society volunteer named Ray, you was giving a informative talk about the endangered condor and the amazing work his organization is doing to bring back the condor population within the...