Evidence of a huge waterfall, active during a storm or runoff, is visible on the walls above the north side of the West Rim Trail in Telephone Canyon. Also seen is a much smaller version of the famous Checkerboard Mesa on a portion of the south side.

The trail passes through several small, shady areas — mini versions of Refrigerator Canyon.

The path then rises sharply on switchbacks along steep cliffs and finally offers panoramic views of the area. The trail heads for the forested Horse Pasture Plateau.

However, before that the path splits and offers a loop option. At the West Rim Spring, hikers can continue up Telephone Canyon or go left and have more bird's-eye views of the area. The two paths eventually reunite at the Plateau.

Terry said the West Rim Trail offers many features.

"There are many scenic vistas with views of Wildcat Canyon, Inlay Canyon, Right and Left forks of North Creek, Phantom Valley, the Guardian Angels, Greatheart Mesa and Mount Majestic," he said. " Much of the trail is through Ponderosa Pine forest and there is abundant wildlife."

Horse Pasture Plateau is the farthest most day hikers would probably care to go and double back. However, hikers from Lava Point could go one 14-mile trek in a day because most of it would be downhill.

A backcountry permit is required for any person camping overnight in Zion.

• Hikers going to Angels Landing should be extra cautious and aware there are long drop-offs along a narrow ridge — with chains added for safety.

"Hikers are responsible for their own safety," Terry said. "The Angels Landing Trail is not recommended for small children, and older children should be closely supervised. The Angels Landing Trail is also not recommended for anyone who is afraid of heights."

People have been killed falling off of Angels Landing. It is no place to fool around.

• One unusual feature about most trails in Zion is that there is pavement — usually concrete — all the way along.

Terry said the West Rim Trail was hard-surfaced in about 1955 because of the erosion of the trail from rain and rutting of the trail by horses.

This hard surface means less upkeep, but Terry said the park would like to replace it with a better hard surface.

"Bags of cement were brought in by pack stock and by small motorized trail buggies," Terry said, to complete the work.

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E-mail: lynn@desnews.com