Towering at more than 5700 feet above sea level in Zion National Park, Angels Landing is one of the most iconic and notorious rock formations in the United States. The trail to the top is a daring and heart-pumping challenge, pushing the limits of even the most seasoned hikers.
Each year, thousands of visitors from around the globe flock to the trailhead, excited and anxious in their attempt to summit the monolith that (as stated by an early explorer) “only an angel could land on”.
In truth, the whole experience along the trail to Angels Landing is spectacular…..not just the last half mile when hikers are required to use chains to hold on to while creeping along the cliffs. The views of Zion Canyon and the surrounding area are enchanting and thrilling from every portion of the trail, making this hike a great option even if you don’t feel comfortable climbing all the way to the top!
What You Need to Know
A permit is now required to hike the chains portion of the Angels Landing Trail. Get more information here.
The trail begins with a stunning view of Angel’s Landing and the surrounding rims of Zion Canyon. From here, it can be hard to believe that in just a few short miles, you will be peering over the edge of this dramatic formation!
As you begin your adventure, you’ll notice that the trail is sandy and gradually gains elevation as it follows alongside the Virgin River.
As the trail travels away from the river, you may begin to huff and puff. This is where the first set of steep switchbacks begin. They carve their way to the top of the ridge, providing incredible views of Zion Canyon.
This section of the trail not only gains a fair amount of elevation, but it is sun-baked for most of the day and provides very little shade. The stunning views make the climb up the switchbacks more enjoyable…whenever you get tired, just stop and snap a gorgeous picture!
The views from these switchbacks are spectacular and well worth the hike, even if you do not plan to travel the chains to the top of Angels Landing. A few rock outcroppings provide small patches of shade to take a rest and snap some great photos before saying goodbye to the canyon views for a time.
Just when you feel like you might die from the heat, the trail makes its way into a narrow gap between Angels Landing and Cathedral Mountain. This canyon is called Refrigerator Canyon — it got its name because of the cool breeze that flows through the area. Most of the canyon is shaded and flat, providing a much-needed reprieve from the heat.
Upon exiting Refrigerator Canyon, the trail begins to sharply zigzag up and up as far as the eye can see. One of the most famous parts of the hike to Angels Landing is this series of 21 short switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. You may have so much fun on the Wiggles that you won’t even notice how tired you are from all of the elevation you are gaining!
About halfway up the Wiggles, you may begin to wonder if these switchbacks are ever going to end! A look of relief and gratitude may wash over your face as you emerge upon Scout Lookout.
With ample space to spread out, Scout Lookout is a popular place to stop and rest, and it is recommended that children and those afraid of heights terminate their hike here. A small bathroom exists just off the trail, but it is so overused that the Park Service is asking that it only be used for extreme emergencies.
The West Rim Trail continues to your left, and the Angels Landing Trail begins straight ahead.
Are you prepared to take on the next 0.5 miles of steep drop-offs, a narrow trail, and those infamous chains? If you are not, sit and enjoy the gorgeous views from Scout Lookout. If you are, get ready for quite the adventure!
If you’ve made it up and over the first ridge and are feeling good about your preparation and abilities, you may be ready to conquer the real beast….the narrow razorback rock that leads to the top of Angels Landing. Even someone who is thoroughly prepared, in shape, and not scared of heights may be a little unsettled while staring this rock in the face!
If you are feeling uncomfortable or unsafe at any time during this climb, don’t be afraid to turn around. Your safety is the most critical factor to consider while hiking.
While climbing the trail to the top of Angels Landing, make sure that you have good hiking shoes with excellent traction. You will want the use of both of your hands, so be sure to secure everything (including your camera and water bottles) in your backpack so that you can effectively maneuver around the dizzying drop-offs.
On one side of the razorback, the cliffs descend 800 feet. On the other side, it’s a shocking 1200 feet to the bottom of the canyon.
A few times during your hike to the top, you will be exposed to the sheer cliffs on both sides of you, but usually, the cliffs emerge just one side at a time. Take in the grandeur and majesty of it all. The magnificence will leave you speechless!
Be mindful of the weather and do not plan on hiking this trail if there is the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, or high winds. This route is extremely exposed, and the rocks and chains can be slippery when wet.
The sections of the trail where the chains are needed can be incredibly congested. With traffic traveling up and down the rock and only one chain to share between hikers, please be patient with those around you!
Every hiker has a duty to help others navigate a path that is safe and courteous. Please do not put others in danger by not waiting your turn, going off-trail to find a faster way, or goofing around.
If you cannot be patient, smart, and mature, you should not be on the trail to Angels Landing!
After clinging to the chains for a half-mile, the trail opens up a spectacular and enchanting view of Zion Canyon! The river shimmers nearly 1500 feet below, and the beautiful surrounding red rocks emit a magical glow.
Squirrels and chipmunks that call this daring location home scurry along the cliffs. The hardiest of trees emerge from cracks in the rocks, providing a nice spot of shade to sit and enjoy the breathtaking views. You have conquered the trail to the top of Angels Landing!
The views are spectacular in every direction!
The trail to Angels Landing is a strenuous 5 miles roundtrip and gains 1488 feet of elevation. Downhill travel along this trail is also strenuous and can be especially hard on the knees.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
The West Rim Trail to Angels Landing begins at the Grotto, located in Zion Canyon, just past the Zion Lodge. During the off-season, you can drive your car to the trailhead, but during peak season, all visitors must use the mandatory Zion Canyon Shuttle.
The Grotto Trailhead has bathrooms, running water, and a picnic area.
Hi Ash! We are planning our trip to Zion, Bryce, and Arches using your itineraries. They are so helpful in out planning! Quick question: our Angel’s Landing permit for June is for after 9:00am. I don’t see an end time in my email, and it looks as if the passes for summer are all before 9:00am or after 9:00am. Would it be possible to attempt this hike later in the day or even evening to avoid crowds and maybe find cooler temps? Someone on Facebook told me we’d have to start by noon with this permit, but I don’t see why as long as it’s after 9:00am. Maybe I’m missing something? I’m aware we’d have to be done to catch the last shuttle. Thank you!
Yeah, they changed those reservation times for the summer. You can go anytime after 9, so if you want to go later in the evening (it would need to be pretty late because it’s still hot outside well into the afternoon), you totally can!
Hi Ash, I am planning a visit to Zion & Bryce in early June and you have helped me so much. I LOVE your site and have used your tips with other National Parks trips I’ve been on as well. This Angel’s Landing guide has me super excited and suddenly nervous ha. I have your Zion and Bryce Itineraries that I’m using and tweaking to make fit our comfort level they have been so helpful. I am a flat lander from Michigan so Utah is basically Mars. Which smaller hike(s) do you recommend if we aren’t doing The Narrows? We are planning on the Riverwalk and peeking at The Narrows but those wet rocks just aren’t for us.
Hey Sarah, will you contact me here? I can answer your question more specifically there since you’re using the Zion Itinerary :)
Hey! I’m going to Zion in October and I was just wondering what are a good pair of hiking shoes that I should get for Angels Landing? Usually when I hike I use my everyday running shoes but for this one I feel like I need actual hiking shoes haha..thanks!
The most important thing is to have a pair that has good traction/grip — if your running shoes are grippy, they will work fine! Otherwise, I hike in name-brand shoes made by Merrell or Oboz.
Hello Ash! I have never been to Zion and am trying to get the most out of it. I am planing on backpacking The Narrows top-down (and yes, I’ll be hounding the website to get the permit when it opens up… but speaking of which, does it open on the 5th of the month like right at midnight in EST or how does that work if you happen to know…) but also want to spend another day at Zion to do Angel’s Landing. Another website claims it takes 3-6 hours to do Angels Landing, is this true? If so, that should leave me some time to do another short hike or so before the day’s over right? If so, what would you recommend?? Thanks.
Yeah, the 5th at 10 a.m. I believe. Good luck! Angels Landing takes a half a day, unless you go when it’s really busy and have to wait in line at the chains. Go first thing in the morning and you should have time to do some smaller hikes like Canyon Overlook or Emerald Pools. Have fun!
10am??? That’s terrible, the 5th of next month (when October permits go up) is on a Monday, which means I will be working when the window opens up… Ugh… I was really hoping it opened on midnight then Sunday I can just stay up and hound the website until it’s open, ah, oh well. Thanks for the info, I’ll definitely be looking at Canyon Overlook or Emerald Pools!! Your website is the absolute best. Even though none of your itineraries suit what I’m doing exactly, I feel like buying one just to support you and your efforts here, lol.
Yeah, I’m not sure why it’s so late in the morning…usually reservations open by 8 or so, but not for the Narrows haha. And I should clarify that it’s Mountain Time, so if you live somewhere else it might be a different hour for you. And thanks, glad you’re finding the website useful. Safe travels!
You know, I’m an idiot. I kind of read “Zion Canyon” as like a specific area and not referring to the entirety of the main thing. Now that I realize what you mean in your itinerary description, I’ll order your 3 day itinerary for sure. I’m sure it’ll be full of useful information to my planned trip. :-)
It can be confusing if you’ve never been there before. Glad to help in any way I can!
Ash,
I just purchased your one day itenerary for Zion and for Bryce.
My biggest question: are we going to miss out by not doing the 8.0mile observation point hike.?
Thanks for your input.
Hugh
Hi Hugh,
Observation Point is amazing {and currently closed if you’re planning on going anytime soon}. With only one day in the park, you’ll definitely miss out on some things because there just isn’t enough time to get to it all. But if you wanted to add in a long hike like Observation Point or Angels Landing, then I’d do that first and then work through the rest of the itinerary with the time you have left :) Have a great trip!
Hi Ash,
Great informative site you have! I’ll be visiting Zion mid April ( 3 1/2 days), do you think a hike through The Narrows, Angels Landing and Emerald Pools is possible during our visit? Would it be possible to do more than one hike a day if we start early? Perhaps combining a big one with maybe a shorter one like the Weeping Rock, Pinecreek Waterfall or even going through the Carmel Highway Tunnel? Are any of these places open, or will possibly be open by April 17-20/2019? If not , what would be your sugestion on hikes. Would like to do the most we can on those days.
Thank you so much :)
Hey Sandra! The Narrows is almost always closed in April due to high water levels from the spring run-off. We’ve had a crazy amount of rain and snow this year so the river will be running high and likely won’t be open. I put all of my suggestions for the park, including tips on when to be where to maximize your time and avoid crowding, in this itinerary: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/zion-itinerary/
Have fun!
We are planning a visit in mid august. We will being coming from page az (antelope canyon) and want to do the narrows one day and not sure what to do the 2nd day. We are 55 and 60 and good health and hike often. Thoughts on 2nd day hike? We are from Indiana so we are used to lower elevations
Angels Landing is the most popular hike in the park and a great choice!
Hey Ash! Thanks for the posts. These are all great. How early can you get into the park? We are headed there in mid-April. I know the shuttles are mandatory during the spring, but they don’t start running until about 7am. Would it be possible to get there even early and get a head start on the crowds? And if so, what’s the best way to do that?
Hi J! No, you’ll have to wait for the shuttles. Just catch the earliest one and you’ll have beaten 95% of the people that hike that trail :) The only way around that would be to stay at the lodge inside of the park and then walk to the trailhead from there. Have fun!
Sorry, this maybe a silly question but.. does the shuttle pick you up at Grotto?
It does!
Thank you for the great information. We are doing a 7-day tour through the Utah parks starting in Zion and ending in Arches/Canyon. Two questions for you.
1) Is it possible to do Angels landing on a half day from Vegas in October? Less crowds?
2) Is there normally less water in the fall for the Narrows? Would like to do both hikes if possible?
Hey Bryan! Yes and yes :) You should be able to do both. The crowding on Angels Landing will depend on when in October you are there though…it’s Fall Break coming up and Zion is slammed during that time.
I’m really hoping I get to go this summer, but I’ve got an important question since this will be a 4-5 hour hike. What about bathrooms? Where are you supposed to go pee during the hike?
That’s the hard part….there’s really not a great place along the trail to do your business. There is a pit toilet before the chains start but it’s for emergency use only. They really don’t like you to use that one. You could also hike further along the West Rim Trail to find more privacy. But again, really not a great spot for that anywhere close to Angels Landing :(
That’s the hard part….there’s really not a great place along the trail to do your business. There is a pit toilet before the chains start but it’s for emergency use only. They really don’t like you to use that one. You could also hike further along the West Rim Trail to find more privacy. But again, really not a great spot for that anywhere close to Angels Landing :(
Hi ash.im planning to go to angels landing last week of march2018. Is there still a lot of people there?like for spring break
Yes it will probably be quite busy with spring-breakers. Zion is very busy in the spring and summer. Have fun!!
Does angels landing require a permit? I know a few of them do and I’m in the process of planning a visit and want to be prepared
This one doesn’t!
Hi Ash,
Ive purchased a couple of your itineraries and have a question for you… how long will it take the hike to Angels Landing, start to finish? we are flying into vegas in the evening (early april) and will have to drive to Zion in the am. So we cant start the hike until probably 1 pm… will it be too crowded at that point? do you think we will be able to finish it before sunset? let me know your thoughts when you get a minute. thank you for all the info!
It depends on how fast you hike, but I’d allot 3-4 hours for it. For me personally, I hike it first thing in the morning or not at all. By the afternoon there are just too many people on the trail for me to feel safe on the section with the chains. That’s a personal preference, but I’ve done the trail enough times to see first-hand how stupid people can be on that part and I’m not willing to risk my safety because they decide to be rude or impatient. But it really is your own personal preference and what you feel comfortable with :)
This is the best description of the trail thus far. Thank you so much for descriptive information with visuals. :)
Given the current “global warming,” do you think it’s feasible to hike this during mid- to late- November 2017? Are there any waterfall hike (without going/walking through water)
Also, I am hiking with my fiancee who is still trying to conquer his fear of heights (and snakes), would this be a good hike for him? If not, what would the alternative hiking trail be for us?
Thank you for your help!
Happy to help! The snow doesn’t usually fall that early in the season, but it’s not unheard of so you’d just need to watch the weather. This trail is not a good one for people with a fear of heights….even people who don’t think they have a fear of heights often have to muster up a lot of courage to complete it. You may find the trail to Observation Point to be a more mild way to get a similar view. Good luck and have fun!
Thinking about visiting Zion for spring break (2nd week of March). Is this a good time? Would we be able to do Angel’s Landing then?
Angels Landing should be open in March. Spring Break in Zion is usually quite busy so definitely be prepared for crowding!
Hi Ash, thank you for all your information, recommendation and tips& tricks. We plan to visit Zion in August and we would like to try Angels landing. But we have two sons, 9 and 13 years old. Would it be feasible for them? Isn’t it too dangerous? Thank you Jana from Prag
Hi Jana,
At that age, your sons would probably be just fine. I would definitely get an early start though…..catch the shuttle up the canyon no later than 7:30 a.m….even earlier if you can swing it. The hike is phenomenal, so even if you get to the chains (last 0.5 mile of the trail) and decide not to continue on, it won’t be a wasted hike. The views are fabulous! There are a lot of people that get to the chains and then decide not to continue on — that’s okay!
Thank you for your fast reply.
Regards, Jana
I am SO blessed by this blog! I’m wanting to visit ALL of these National parks, and in planning to do so this year, all these posts have been SO so helpful! Planning has been significantly less stressful. Thank you, THANK YOU!
Ciera, I am so glad that you are finding everything to be helpful. You made my day! I am more than happy to help you plan your trips, so if you have any additional questions please let me know. Also, I often put little tips and tidbits of info on facebook as well if you want to head over there to stay in touch and share pictures from your travels!
I have yet to do this hike. Do you know how far it is to Scout Overlook? I don’t think I could do the chains. :)
I have so many hikes I want to do in Zion but one of my favorites is Hidden Canyon.
It’s about 2 miles one way to Scout Overlook. The whole hike is beautiful and totally worth going even if you plan on stopping before the chains. I did Hidden Canyon a long time ago, but I definitely need to go back and hike it again!