OVERVIEW

The Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park is one of the most iconic and adrenaline-inducing hikes in the world. The trail is notorious for its thin, spine-like ridge that protrudes out from the mountainside to a viewpoint featuring incredible panoramas across Zion Canyon.

The unique and precarious nature of the Angels Landing trail, combined with the magnificent vistas of Zion National Park, attract nature enthusiasts and thrill seekers from all over the world. It isn’t the longest or most difficult hike, but the vertigo-inducing heights and vertical drops to the valley below will have you both mesmerized and terrified. 

Shirlee is the daredevil of the family and has little to no fear of heights. She has done several via ferratas and had previously hiked Angels Landing with a friend. For years she had been wanting to hike the trail again, bringing me with her this time. 

Despite my extreme fear of heights, we attempted the trail in 2020. I had read several articles about what to expect on the hike, and was both excited and nervous. But due to thorough preparation, realistic expectations, and a solid grasp of the chain next to me, I came away absolutely loving this trail.

Angels Landing is a thrilling hike that will challenge you both physically and mentally. In this guide, you’ll discover how to prepare for Angels Landing and what to expect when you also set out on this epic adventure.

ANGELS LANDING HIKING STATISTICS

Distance: 4.3 miles.

Elevation Gain: 1,827 feet.

Duration: 4 hours.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Where: The trailhead is found at the Grotto in Zion National Park.

LOGISTICS

Permit

The popularity of Angels Landing has led to the rollout of a permit system. You can apply for the permit beforehand on the Zion National Park website.

Seasonal Lottery

Permits can be obtained in two ways. The first way is to apply through a seasonal lottery system. You rank 7 days (or windows of days) and time slots that you want to hike and enter them into the lottery. You can register up to 6 hikers on the same application and each application costs $6.

The permits are issued 5 days after the 20 day application period closes. If you were selected to receive a permit, you’ll be charged $3 for every person that was registered. All notifications are done by email.

HIKE DATES	LOTTERY OPENS	LOTTERY CLOSES	PERMITS ISSUED
March 1 – May 31	January 1	January 20	January 25
June 1 – August 31	April 1	April 20	April 25
Sept 1 – Nov 31	July 1	July 20	July 25
Dec 1 – Feb 28	October 1	October 20	October 25

Day Before Lottery

You can also apply for a permit the day before your planned hike, again on the national park website. Applications may be submitted from 12:01 am to 3 pm MT the day prior to the designated hike day and the application cost is $6. You can again register 6 people on each application. 

The results of the lottery are released at 4 pm MT on the same day that you applied. If your application was accepted, you’ll be charged $3 for every person that you registered. 

Make sure to print a copy of the permit and carry it on your person during the hike. Alternatively, take a screenshot of it and save it to your phone. Phone service is unreliable in the park and park rangers may ask you to present the permit at any time along the trail.

Park Shuttle

Zion National Park operates a seasonal and complimentary shuttle bus service within the park. In fact, during shuttle season you’re not allowed to drive personal vehicles along the park’s only road, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Every year the park adjusts the shuttle schedule, but it generally runs from March through November. 

The Springfield Line buses leave Majestic View Lodge every 15 minutes, making several stops throughout Springfield. They go as far as Zion Canyon Village. The first buses start operating at 7 or 8 AM, depending on the season.

The Zion Canyon Line buses leave Zion Canyon Village every 5-10 minutes, beginning at 6 or 7 AM (depending on the season). They go to the end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at Temple of Sinawava and make 9 stops along the route, including the Angels Landing Trailhead at the Grotto. 

WHAT TO BRING

The Angels Landing trail is only about 4 miles, but it typically takes about 4 hours to complete it. You’ll need to be adequately prepared to ensure you have a safe and rewarding experience. 

We found the trail to be well maintained and in very good condition. Most of the time we were hiking through a mix of dry dirt, clay, or sand. However, in rain or snow, conditions would be drastically different and far more dangerous. 

The final half mile along the ridge, however, is quite different. The dirt and sand transform into large slabs of Navajo sandstone rock. A bit further are sections that require the use of chains and rock scrambling.

Make sure to have hiking boots with good tread to ensure you don’t slip on the dirt and have solid footing on the rocks. Hiking poles would be helpful on the long descent back to the grotto, but they would be a hindrance along the ridgeline as you’ll need your hands to grip the chains.

Additionally, the majority of the trail is completely exposed, the only exception being the small shaded section in Refrigerator Canyon. You’ll need adequate protection from the sun, in the form of sunscreen, a hat, and possibly sleeves.

You won’t find a drinkable water source along the trail, so make sure to bring a minimum of 2 liters of water with you, and likely more if hiking in the summer months.

ANGELS LANDING HIKE

West Rim Trail

The Angels Landing Trailhead is located at the Grotto. You’ll likely be dropped off here by the Zion National Park shuttle bus (stop #6) and it’s a great place to use the restroom and fill up on water before setting out on the trail. 

The initial portion of the trail follows the West Rim Trail and is only a minimal ascent. You’re led across the Virgin River and along the riverbed while being accompanied by cottonwood trees and desert shrubs. But after only a few minutes the long ascent up toward Refrigerator Canyon begins.

The dirt trail is very wide here and ascends up the southern slopes of Cathedral Mountain using a few long switchbacks. Eventually you’ll reach the aptly named Refrigerator Canyon, providing the only area of shade along the hike. 

Take note of the transforming vegetation as the towering canyon walls obstruct the sun and allow bigtooth maples and douglas firs to flourish in the cool temperatures. Use this location as a respite from the head before continuing on.

Walter’s Wiggles

The trail proceeds up the east wall of Refrigerator Canyon, along a steep set of 21 switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles.  The retaining walls and switchbacks were built in 1924 and designed by Walter Ruesch, the park’s first superintendent. 

Ascending up the hairpin turns is exhausting, and you might need to take a few breaks along the way. Walter’s Wiggles will surely test your stamina, but after this thigh crushing ascent you’ll soon reach a great place for another rest at Scout Lookout.

Scout Lookout

At the top of Walter’s Wiggles is a large plateau where you’ll find a restroom and dozens of other hikers recovering from the brutal ascent. This area is known as Scout Lookout and is where many people with a fear of heights might consider turning back. 

From Scout Lookout you can see the final 500 foot vertical climb along the knife-like ridge to Angels Landing. I sat here and watched some of the facial expressions of people both preparing for the climb and returning from it. Some hikers looked absolutely terrified while others were overwhelmed with excitement.

Ridgeline and Hogsback

Initially the trail is fairly wide and not too frightening as you make your way over and around some large sandstone slabs. You’ll get a feel for the heights and how to maneuver around other hikers while keeping your wits about you. This is also a great time to get familiarized with the chains, as they quickly become your best friend.

Not too much later the trail narrows considerably as it approaches an area known as “Hogsback”. You’ll now be walking up the completely exposed spine of the ridge, with 1,000 foot vertical drops on both sides to the floor of Zion Canyon. Prepare for some rock scrambling as the path ascends to the final viewpoint.

Although there were a few times that I could hear the throbbing of my heart, I took it slow and always had a hand securely gripping the chain at my side. I followed Shirlee’s lead. Watching her effortlessly scramble up the rocks gave me confidence to move forward.

The trail levels out and widens to a large viewpoint at Angels Landing. We saw dozens of people gathered here, sharing stories of their adventure along the ridge and taking in the stunning views of Zion National Park.

Walk around Angels Landing as you’ll have breathtaking vistas in every direction. If it’s not too crowded you might sit down here for lunch before retracing your steps back to the stable footing at Scout Lookout.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Angels Landing is an inherently challenging and dangerous hike. As of 2024, 17 people have died while hiking this treacherous trail. Most of these fatalities were due to falls from the narrow and exposed sections of the trail, near the summit.

Heights

I have a significant fear of heights, so I was very concerned about my ability to complete the hike. Although there were certainly some anxiety-inducing sections, I felt surprisingly safe by taking it slow and always having a hand around the chains, giving myself three points of contact at all times.

That being said, if you have an extreme fear of heights then you should probably avoid hiking Angels Landing. We saw a few people on the ridgeline who looked absolutely terrified and were likely regretting that they didn’t stop at Scout Landing. 

Crowds 

The hordes of crowds on the trail cause congestion along the ridge and I believe create the biggest safety concerns. A few areas of the trail are only wide enough for one way, single-file traffic. 

Fortunately, we found everyone to be very patient and give other hikers plenty of time to navigate the challenging and crowded portions of the trail. If a section of the trail is mobbed with other hikers, it’s best to wait for it to decongest before moving on.

Fitness

Hiking to Angels Landing was not easy. The trail ascends nearly 2,000 feet over a short distance and is almost completely exposed to the sun. You’ll need a good amount of fitness and stamina to tolerate the hike. 

I’d also recommend resting up at Scout Lookout prior to proceeding to the ridge. There are some steep ascents and technical areas along the ridge that require strenuous rock scrambling. If you’re fatigued by the time you get to those areas, it will further add to the perilous nature of this hike.

Weather

We’ve traveled to southwest Utah over the winter on several occasions. Although this is typically a wonderful time to visit the region, we have experienced days of rain, snow, and ice. I would strongly advise against attempting this hike in those sorts of conditions. 

Hiking along the ridgeline when it’s wet, icy, or slippery would be extremely challenging and hazardous. Just reschedule the hike for another day when you can enjoy it without exposing yourself to these unnecessary risks.

Suitability for Kids

Our opinion is that this is not a safe trail for young kids. One wrong step or lapse in concentration could be fatal. Unless your kids have extensive hiking experience and are comfortable using chains and hiking along exposed trails, it’s best that they journey no further than Scout Lookout.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Anyone who loves exploring the beautiful US National Park system and hiking challenging trails is certain to have Angels Landing on their bucket list.

Zion National Park is one of the most popular US National Parks, recognized for its varied landscapes, iconic hiking trails, and unique ecosystem. In addition to “The Narrows”, Angels Landing is one of the most famous and iconic hikes in the park.

The hike to Angels Landing was somewhat demanding due to its exposure to the sun and near constant ascent up to Scout Lookout. But the hair-raising rock scramble across the knife-like ridge up to Angels Landing is certainly the highlight of the trail.

I was very hesitant to hike Angels Landing due to the precarious ridgeline with sheer drop-offs on both sides to the valley floor below. However, I was able to control my fear of heights by going slow, watching others, and using the sturdy chains.

Overall the hike to Angels Landing was a thrilling experience that provided spectacular scenery while testing us both physically and mentally. By taking certain precautions and using sound judgment, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on this amazing trail.