Angels Landing, portion of West Rim Trail close for evaporative toilet improvement
By Alyssa Baltrus
The two evaporative toilets at Scout Lookout in Zion National Park are being replaced with a new four-stall facility. In preparation, park staff will be emptying and removing the existing evaporative toilets Oct. 23–25. The operation requires the use of a helicopter, so safety precautions in the form of trail and road closures will be in effect. On all three days of the operation, Angels Landing and the West Rim Trail will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. between the Grotto Trailhead and the patio just above Scout Lookout.
Flaggers will be stationed on the Scenic Drive in the area of Big Bend for periodic road closures during flyovers. All traffic, including shuttle buses, will be delayed during the three days of operations. Climbing routes on Angels Landing, including the Minotaur, will be closed. However, those planning through hikes or backpacking trips from the West Rim into Zion Canyon will be permitted but should expect long delays.
The existing toilets will close Oct. 15. The new toilets being constructed on site are projected to open at the end of November. In the meantime, visitors should use the restrooms at the Grotto Shuttle Stop before beginning an ascent to Scout Lookout, Angels Landing, or further along the West Rim Trail.
This project will improve the effectiveness of the evaporative toilets. The existing toilets are designed to handle approximately 110 uses per day. Current usage indicates an average of nearly 200 uses per day with peak days experiencing over 650 uses. New technology will also help reduce the need for the park to remove built-up waste from annually to once every three or four years.
“Replacing the evaporative toilets at Scout Lookout is not one of those glamorous projects, but it has been one of the park’s biggest needs” said Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “Thousands of people every year will benefit from this project.”
Update
Weather has delayed the park’s planned closure of Angels Landing and a portion of West Rim Trail to Oct. 24–26. Angels Landing and the portion of West Rim Trail between the Grotto Shuttle Stop and just above Scout Lookout, will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The Big Bend Shuttle Stop will also be closed during helicopter operations.
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