The trail to Angels Landing, center, will be closed October 23-25 so crews can install new toilet facilities/Lee Dalton file

The two evaporative toilets at Scout Lookout in Zion National Park in Utah are being replaced with a new four-stall facility. In preparation, park staff will be emptying and removing the existing toilets October 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 fly overs. 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 were to close today, October 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 is designed to 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 more than 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.

This project was made possible by a private donation through the Zion Forever Project.

“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 Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “Thousands of people every year will benefit from this project.”