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Angels Landing

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.9 (719)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Zion National Park
  5. Zion Canyon
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“One of the most memorable National Park hikes. Heavenly views await at the end of an exposed ridge. ”

Jason Smith
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4.4

Miles

7.0

KM

Out and Back

5,707' 1,740 m

High

4,321' 1,317 m

Low

1,390' 424 m

Up

1,390' 424 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

82%

Max Grade (39°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Though not traditionally considered a "family-friendly" hike, older kids will either love this hike, or be terrified by it (maybe both...). This hike is not suitable for small children.

No cars allowed in Zion Canyon between March and November. You must use one of the Park's frequent shuttles in order to get into the Canyon. Plan to take the shuttle to the Grotto drop off during these peak months. Check here for shuttle updates: nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/…

As of April 1, 2022, hiking Angels Landing requires a permit. For more information on the permit lottery, see: nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/…

Overview

Hiking Angel's Landing is a rare experience. The route is as efficient as it is improbable - most of the elevation gain happens on a paved trail, but it leads to a stone ridge with hundreds of feet of vertical drop on either side. You'll never forget the view.

Need to Know

Restrooms are located at Grotto Trail, and there is an outhouse at Scout Lookout partway up the trail. Bring water, food, sunscreen and all necessary clothing. The hike is not long, but it's intense and can be slow going. Bring what you need to stay safe and comfortable for an extended outing.

Description

From the Grotto shuttle drop-off, look for the signed trail on the west side of the road. The trail starts by crossing the beautiful Virgin River, and bends north to largely follow the stream. Angel's Landing will be staring right at you. Savor this light warmup, because you'll be working hard soon.

As the grade increases, the trail becomes paved leading into the 21 grinding switchbacks. You'll transition into the shady depths of Refrigerator Canyon beneath Angel's Landing, soon turning to enter the final, compact switchbacks (called Walter's Wiggles) to Scout Lookout, where the pavement ends and the real fun begins.

Assess conditions and your comfort with the exposed route ahead. If you are game, continue on the final 1/2 mile of the "The Chains" to Angel's Landing summit. There are chains anchored by posts as optional assistance at the route's steepest spots. Grab them if you need to. Regardless, you'll certainly feel the rush of air beneath your feet.

When I did Angel's Landing the weekend before Thanksgiving, it was a magnificent sunny day, but a chilly wind was blowing big gusts on the top section. it doesn't take much to make you realize how vulnerable you are up there, so be careful.

Exposure eases in the last few hundred feet to the summit. Once you are on top you can take a seat, stretch, and enjoy the divine view. When ready, proceed back to Grotto trailhead exactly the way you came.

History & Background

Angels Landing (previously Temple of Aeolus) sits in Zion National Park near the shuttle stop called The Grotto. The trail was first constructed in 1926 with the help of Walter Ruesch, whom the 21 switchbacks are named after. -- Walter's Wiggles. The final 0.5 miles beyond the switchbacks make the strenuous and infamous ridge climb, where several people have fallen and died over the years. You may choose to turn around at Scout Lookout instead of taking on the chains if you want an easier and less vertigo-inducing version of the hike.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Zion National Park

Shared By:

Jason Smith with improvements by Barrett Langton and 3 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 719 votes

#1

in Zion Canyon

#8

Overall
  4.9 from 719 votes
5 Star
92%
4 Star
7%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Zion Canyon

#1

in Utah

#8

Overall
76 Views Last Month
60,054 Since Dec 21, 2014
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Add a Photo

Photos

Zion After Dark.
Jan 15, 2016 near Springdale, UT
On the Edge.
Jan 15, 2016 near Springdale, UT
There's a reason Angel's Landing is so popular – you just can't beat the view.
Apr 27, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Looking down over the trail to Angels Landing.
Dec 19, 2015 near Springdale, UT
On the way up
Oct 12, 2017 near Springdale, UT
The West Rim Trail never disappoints.
Apr 27, 2017 near Springdale, UT

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