The hike to Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most exhilarating and picturesque hikes in the world. But as people started flocking to Zion in record numbers, the hike became challenging for navigating the crowds rather than the sheer cliffs. As a result, the National Park Service instituted a permit system for the chain section in 2022. Although this reduced the crowds, many enthusiasts found themselves on the short end of the permit lottery system and wondering how to get the most out of a trip to Zion. Here we compare the Angels Landing hike to the trek to Scout Lookout, the turnaround point on the trail for those unwilling to tackle the final stretch to the peak. As such, the Scout Lookout trail replicates over 80% of the legendary hike. So, whether you have physical or mental limitations that preclude you from attempting the chain section of Angels Landing or was not awarded a permit via the lottery system you can decide if Scout Lookout is a worthwhile alternative.

CONTENTS
00:00 Intro Teaser
01:04 Map & Overview
02:00 Comparison
02:52 Start Hike to Scout Lookout
03:57 Refrigerator Canyon
04:30 Switchbacks
06:20 Walter's Wiggles
07:00 Scout Lookout
07:55 Heading Back
09:05 Shuttle Pickup

Angels Landing is a 4.4 mile hike with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Scout Lookout is a 3.6 outandback with about 1,150 feet of climb. The popular AllTrails App rates Angels Landing as an incredible 4.9 out of 5, placing it as the top hike in the United States. The Scout Lookout Trail, however, is still rated a 4.8 on par with the likes of Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail, Yosemite’s Half Dome, and the Narrows here at Zion. While nothing can replace the intense feeling of navigating cliffs and soaking in the panoramic views of Angels Landing, the hike to Scout Lookout is no slouch, with awe inspiring views of the Zion Canyon that rivals almost any hike this country has to offer.