Hiking Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park

To hike Angels Landing at Zion National Park you must have a bit of a screw loose in your brain. Under no circumstances should you be allowed to climb this mammoth of a rock. That being said, it is totally awesome and you have to at least try!

One of the most traversed trails in Zion National Park, Angel’s Landing will push your body and your nerves to new heights. No, literally, you’re going to be climbing really high. 1600 feet of elevation from the trailhead to the top in 2 miles. If you are afraid of heights, this may not be the hike for you.

However, if you can swallow your fear and stop those trembling legs, Angel’s Landing will be an unforgettable journey that you can brag about for a lifetime.

The Trailhead

Take the shuttle from the Visitor Center to the trailhead. There will be announcements from the bus driver about upcoming stops. Listen for the Angel’s Landing stop and say farewell to the other passengers who are much smarter than you and are going to go enjoy a simpler hike, where falling to their death isn’t a concern.

You still want to go after reading that? Oh well, it’s your potential funeral. From the bus stop, you will cross the street and the bridge then hang a right. See that massive peak with the teeny trees on top? That is your destination.

The trail is made of pavement and maintained very well for the first mile. The beginnings of Angel’s landing is nothing but switchbacks. It’s almost like the rock is punishing you early on for even attempting this. But you’re in good shape so trudge along with confidence.

After a few switchbacks, you are rewarded, with a jaunt through Refrigerator Canyon. The wind slices through this narrow canyon creating an air conditioning effect.  Savor this part of the trail.

Scout’s Landing

Now that you have cooled down, the real challenge begins. Your next warning sign that this is a bad idea is Walter’s Wiggles. Sounds cute right? Wrong, there hasn’t been a Walter this evil, since Breaking Bad.  Walter’s Wiggles is a set of near vertical switchbacks. Midway through don’t even bother asking others if you are close to the top. They will all say, “yes” and they are all dirty rotten liars. The fun is just starting.

Survive Walter’s Wiggles and arrive at Scout’s Landing. You’re on top of the world! Well not quite. People often mistake Scout’s Landing with the top of Angel’s Landing. The main reason is because the nice paved trail ends here.

Scout’s Landing has an incredible view of the valley below. You really don’t need to go any farther. Why spoil a good thing right? Not buying that, huh? Well since common sense doesn’t seem to be your strongest quality push forward and look for a vague path worn into the rock by millions of footsteps.

Angel’s Landing Chain Gang

Why are you still here? Head back down with your sanity in check, and lounge in the river with an ice-cold beer. On the other hand, you’ve already made it this far. You might as well grab a chain and push forward. The rest of the trail from this point on is scrambling up rocks lined with heavy metal chains to keep you from toppling over the edge and falling to your certain death. If you’re scared of heights and didn’t take my advice earlier, this is typically where your mental breakdown will occur.

At less than 15 feet at its widest, there is no room for error at this point. For better or worse this trail is typically quite crowded, so you’ll need to travel in packs allowing room for those coming down to pass by much like a busy intersection. Wait your turn and be patient and polite. Remember, if you fall, these strangers will be the ones who the news station interviews and you want them to have good things to say about you.

Sweet Victory!

Yay, you’re still alive! That means you made it to the top! Try to put all the fear aside and enjoy the 360-degree view of Zion National Park. The view is unforgettable. Nothing can prepare you for this feeling of great accomplishment. Take lots of pictures and high-five the other hikers that survived.

You wouldn’t think so but going down is easier. Same rules apply though, go slow and be patient.

Angel’s landing is one of the most unusual hikes you will ever do. I don’t know how in their right minds the National Park Service allows people to do this hike, but be thankful for being able to complete this unforgettable adventure.

Trail Tips

• Skip this hike if heights bother you.
• Avoid bringing big backpacks that could cause you to lose your balance.
• Don’t do this hike if you have balance issues or get dizzy easily.
• When someone asks you how hard it is, be honest
• Go slow and don’t do anything to make others nervous

Chad Albright

Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.