Angels Landing
Springdale, Utah
Details
Distance
4.24 miles
Elevation Gain
1488 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jason Hatfield
The Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park is a steep and challenging approximately 5 mile out-and-back trail to one of the most incredible vistas in the world! This hike is best done in the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall) when the temperatures are a bit more mild.
Angels Landing has long been one of my favorite Zion National Park hikes. The hike is thrilling, extremely photogenic, and appeals to those who enjoy exchanging leg power for views. The hike to the top isn't long, 2+ miles, but you'll definitely feel the 1500 feet of gain! The trail features a mostly paved surface (to protect from erosion and high use), steep switch backs, a cool canyon, rock scrambling, safety chains, and plenty of long drop-offs. Please note, a permit is now required for this hike. Use the link at the bottom of the page for more information and to apply.
This extremely popular hike starts at The Grotto Trailhead where it crosses the Virgin River along the West Rim Trail. Due to the every increasing popularity of the park you'll need to park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and ride the free shuttle most of the year; the dwindling off-season allows for parking at the TH for a couple months in the winter, excluding holidays. Arrive early or late to avoid most of the crowds but be prepared for bottlenecking on the trail during peak season (May-Nov). This should be a little more manageable given the permitting process.
The first 2+ miles of the trail follow the canyon floor and switchback up the cliff walls. This portion of the hike is mostly on paved trail and brings you through the aptly named Refrigerator Canyon, a welcome respite on hot summer days. You'll also encounter Walter's Wiggles, a fun section of 21 tight switchbacks. It's incredible to see the 1930's CCC engineering that carved a path up through this almost unyielding landscape.
Once you reach Scout's Overlook the real fun starts, the last half mile of the trail follows a narrow sandstone ridge to the summit of Angels Landing. Many people choose to stop at this view once they size up the remaining "hike". This is my favorite part and is actually relatively easy if you're experienced and safe, but it is still very dangerous. You will need to traverse and scramble your way up steep, narrow cliffs with limited safety chains while navigating around other hikers; proper footwear really makes a difference here. You also have the obligation of being safe around others, meaning if you're not in good shape, feel sick, are afraid of heights, or have a small child, you shouldn't be on this part of the trail. If you seize up at a narrow spot on the trail you can create a hazard for everyone else on it.
Now that we have all the warnings out of place and you've made it to the top, enjoy the view and spend some time soaking it in! There's actually a fair amount of space at the top and you can even do a little exploring. When you're finished pack out any trash you find and follow the same way back, it can actually be more challenging going down so pay extra attention to your footing.
*This trail is not advised for young children or those with a fear of heights. Hiking the trail is not recommended in inclement weather such as snow, ice, or lightning, due to long drop offs and extreme exposure. People have died on this hike due to not following these recommendations.
Contact and permit information:
- Permits are now required for hiking Angels Landing. The seasonal lottery allows you to choose seven ranked days (or windows) and times when you will be in the park. The day-before lottery is a second chance if you didn't get your dates in the seasonal lottery or if you're looking for a last-minute option. You can learn more about the two lotteries and application process on the NPS.gov website.
- For updates on current conditions, visit the Zion National Park Visitor's Page.
Tips:
- Restrooms and water are available at the Grotto, but it's best to come prepared with water upon entering the park
- Bring a small backpack to carry supplies so you have your hands free and are balanced throughout the hike
- Sunscreen is a must as most of the hike is exposed
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Reviews
Angels landing is amazing and totally worth hiking, just make sure you’re careful because it’s definitely one of the more dangerous options. Fyi, you need to get apply for tickets and get lucky since they try to limit the amount of hikers.
5.0
Had to get up at the crack of dawn to take the shuttle to the TH. Lines formed as it is basically the creme de la creme of hikes in Zion. The hike is well maintained and straightforward. I did not have any issues with getting up or down the trail. Yes, use caution, but it is not unmanageable. It looks scarier than it actually is.
5.0
Looks like this place needs a permit now. Good! Because it was tooo crowded. Came here before it was super popular. I work my trekking boots and my friend wore her nikes. Don’t wear your nikes, she nearly slipped and fell. She didn’t go all the way up. But I did. It was so hard. But worth it. The view was spectacular. I learned about the cables on the side during this hike and wish I had gloves. More like climbing gloves to prevent slippage. The hike was long and slippery at certain spots but lucky I had good shoes. Also bring sunscreen.
5.0
One of the classic Zion hikes so be prepared for crowds. There's a permitting system in place now so be sure to apply before you visit. Even if you don't get all the way up, the hike up through refrigerator canyon is a great trail and if you want to continue up Walter's Wiggles there's a great views from Scout Lookout. It's short and steep!
5.0
Great day hike in Zion, note it will be crowded anytime during the day so be prepared. However the permit system will help thin out the crowds this year making for a more enjoyable time. I hiked this beginning of June 2021. The hike is straightforward with elevation gain to switchbacks to a flat staging area where you have a beautiful view of the Zion valley floor. From here be prepped for another hour with a Congo line of people to go up the spine of the hike in the chain section. There is obvious exposure but no hanging from the sides at any time. For those experienced hikers, it is a pretty normal ascent up albeit with crowds.
5.0
Pretty steep for the first part, just tons of switch backs, but not difficult. Starts getting more technical when you get to the chain sections, especially if there's traffic going to and from. The views are spectacular though! Very popular hike so catch it on a week day if you can.
5.0
I hiked this in January when the trail was largely covered in ice/snow. It's a different ballgame up there when it's like this. The visitor center does sell traction, but they seem to just be Yaktrax, not anything with real grip. Invest in a pair of microspikes if you plan to go up there in the snow - and make sure you are comfortable in them before you attempt the chain section. Permits are going to be required after April 1, 2022. Plan accordingly!
5.0
Pretty cool hike. Quick up and down if you're in shape. The chain section adds a bit of fun to the final stretch of the hike, although it doesn't feel particularly exposed at any point (IMO). Definitely be prepared to be in a traffic jam if you go during the day. Fantastic view from the top!
4.0
This is probably the most talked about hike at Zion- although the Narrows and Emerald Pools are up there too. This hike starts out by climbing up switchbacks before you get to the iconic part of Angeles Landing. That flat area is a great place to regroup and refuel before starting the rope section.
5.0
Angels Landing is a must do hike when visiting Zion National Park. The trail can get very crowded so it's best to get early in the day. The trail is mellow until you start going up the switchbacks. Once you make it to the top of the switchbacks the real fun starts. Just take your time and be sure footed every step of the way from here. Such a fun hike!!!
5.0
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Nearby
Lady Mountain
Upper Emerald Pool
Lower Emerald Pool Trail
Aid Climbing Moonlight Buttress
Zion National Park Bus stop 8
Hike Observation Point
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