West Rim Trail packing checklist | Camp Check

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Trip details · West Rim Trail

# West Rim Trail packing checklist

*   Activity**Backpacking**
*   Park**Zion National Park, UT**
*   Nearest**The Narrows (bottom-up), 8.3 mi**

A high-plateau backpacking trip that ends with a huge descent into Zion Canyon.

## Trip details

Distance

About 14.2 mi, Lava Point to the Grotto

Descent

2,500 ft drop from Cabin Spring

Permit

Wilderness permit for overnights

Best season

Late spring and fall (our pick)

### Source

*   [NPS: West Rim Trail](https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/west-rim-trail.htm)
*   [NPS: Wilderness trail descriptions](https://nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/traildescriptions.htm)

"Our pick" seasons are our own call.

## Packing list

Reset

Ready to go: **0%** · you have 0 of 6

We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. [Details](/about#affiliate)

Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there's a product suggestion.

1.  **Wilderness permit + campsite**Some sites must be reserved ahead. Pick up the permit at the Wilderness Desk.Need itHave it

    No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

2.  **Canister stove**Fires aren't allowed in the wilderness.Need itHave it

    ![MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61RbJPrebyL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)

    MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove

    $49.95 on Amazon

    Fires aren't allowed in the wilderness.

    [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5O7551/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20)

3.  **Water filter**Springs are seasonal, so check their status and filter everything.Need itHave it

    ![LifeStraw Personal Water Filter](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/610MT9qiRyL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)

    LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

    $17.95 on Amazon

    Springs are seasonal, so check their status and filter everything.

    [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006QF3TW4/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20)

4.  **Foam sleeping pad**Can't be punctured on sandstone or cactus.Need itHave it

    ![Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71r9o+AP-yL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)

    Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad

    $59.95 on Amazon

    Can't be punctured on sandstone or cactus.

    [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005I6R0WC/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20)

5.  **Rechargeable headlamp**For pre-dawn starts before the long descent.Need itHave it

    ![Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71R9kAUnBtL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)

    Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp

    $33.88 on Amazon

    For pre-dawn starts before the long descent.

    [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H1R16SV2/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20)

6.  **Lightweight knife**For food and cord, without carrying a full tool.Need itHave it

    ![Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sHi+R6qwL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)

    Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife

    $16.28 on Amazon

    For food and cord, without carrying a full tool.

    [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UGYWTO/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20)

Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 12, 2026, and may have changed.

## Photos

![Zion West Rim Trail - South Guardian Angel](/photos/west-rim-trail-1.webp)

Photo: [Michael W](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zion_West_Rim_Trail_-_South_Guardian_Angel.jpg) · [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0) · Wikimedia Commons

![View from West Rim Trail Zion January 2011](/photos/west-rim-trail-2.webp)

Photo: [Fredlyfish4](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_from_West_Rim_Trail_Zion_January_2011.jpg) · [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Coordinates **37.3840°N 113.0320°W**

Park **Zion National Park, UT**

Time now **UTC --:--:--**

[](/spots/angels-landing)[](/spots/watchman-campground)[](/spots/the-narrows)[](/spots/west-rim-trail)[](/spots/delicate-arch)[](/spots/devils-garden-campground)[](/spots/navajo-loop-queens-garden)[](/spots/sunset-campground)[](/spots/kings-peak)[](/spots/mirror-lake-campground)[](/spots/bright-angel-trail)

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**Affiliate disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate, Camp Check earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are affiliate links and don't change your price.

**AI disclosure:** Pages are drafted with AI help and checked by a person against the linked NPS/USFS sources and live Amazon listings. Conditions, prices and stock change, so check before you go and before you buy.

**Map data:** Elevation from [Terrain Tiles on AWS](https://registry.opendata.aws/terrain-tiles/) (Mapzen/Tilezen), built from USGS 3DEP and NOAA ETOPO1 data, among others.

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