ANGELS LANDING - ZION NATIONAL PARK
If a steep climb with exposure to a knife edge peak
appeals to you, then you will like the Angels Landing hike.
HOW
TO GET THERE
This hike is located in Zion National Park (Southern Utah).
To the trailhead: Park at the visitor center and take the free
shuttle to the Grotto stop. The well signed trailhead starts across the
road from the tram stop.
RATING
Be Aware of: exposure, scrambling.
30 yr old Recommendation: This is not a good hike for people who are
afraid of heights, but it's a great hike for those who enjoy scrambling.
The approach to the peak is lots of fun. Leave the kids at home. This hike is
Moderately Strenuous.
DETAILS
Elevation change: about 1600 ft of climbing
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip.
Time: It took us four hours of hiking.
Time of year: Late Spring, Summer, Early fall. Make sure it hasn't
rained recently before taking this trail.
Solitude: No chance. This is one of the most popular trails in Zion
National Park. Expect to meet 200-300 people on this hike.
After crossing the Virgin River, the paved trail soon starts to switch
back up the wall of the canyon. Views of the virgin river become
available, but these are but a taste of the views to come. As we climbed
steadily on this portion, we were continually impressed by the amount of
work that must have gone into the trail.
It is best to get an early start on the trail, as the switchbacks are
shaded during the morning but are directly exposed to afternoon sun.
After about a mile of hiking, the trail levels out for a bit as it
travels through refrigerator canyon. This hidden slot between Angels
Landing and the Cathedral Mountain. You will notice some maple trees
enjoying the shady and cooler slot on your left, as well as some small
caves and pockets in the sandstone on your right. The level trail is a
nice break before the climbing resumes in earnest.
After emerging from refrigerator canyon, you will start to climb a
series of switchbacks known as 'Walter's wiggles'. Again, this is a good
opportunity to admire the trail making skills as you head up these
switchbacks. After 1.8 miles of hiking, you will reach the top of the
switchbacks and 'Scouts Lookout'. There is a port-a-john here, as
well as some benches for resting. Many of the hikers turn around at this
point, as the trail gets really interesting from this point on. To
continue, find the signed trail junction to the Angels Landing (the West
rim trail also branches off here).
The trail from this point includes a good bit of scrambling and
exposure. There are some chains put in strategic places to help you with
these. Many of the scrambles have huge exposure so focus on what you are
doing instead of the drop off. This trail can get a bit crowded with
people going up and coming down, so be patient and enjoy the views opening
up as you wait. This final 0.4 miles is some of the most enjoyable
hiking/scrambling anywhere.
At the end is your reward for all your hard work. You now enjoy
unparalleled views of the big bend in the virgin river, the great white
throne, and Zion canyon. I sure hope you brought your camera.
The return is enjoyable too, as the height and exposure gets magnified
as you descend off of the peak.
[The final ascent to Angel's Landing]
[Walter's wiggles]
[Don't slip!]
return to top...
We did this hike in early September, 2006
