Angels Landing - Zion National Park

Angels Landing

If you are not afraid of heights, sheer cliffs, drop-offs of 1,000+ feet on both sides, rocky terrain, and 1,500 feet elevation gain in 2 miles then this hike is for you.  You will be rewarded with a killer view of Zion Canyon and the personal satisfaction when you are back down on the canyon floor of looking up at the behemoth of Angels Landing and saying  "I stood on top of that!"  Back when I attended college in Southern Utah, I hiked this many times.  But I recently did it again for the first time since 1998.  I had forgotten how gnarly the "neck" part of the hike is out onto Angels Landing.  This hike is extremely rewarding and one of my all time favorites. 

In my prior post I posted a video of part of the hike.  You can check it out to get an idea of what this "experience" is like.  Again, like I said earlier it is not for anyone afraid of heights or even beginner hikers.  There have been numerous deaths due to falls off of the trail on Angels Landing.  If you trip up or slip in some of these sections you could fall over 1,000 feet.  It isn't a hike to take lightly.

The trail is located in Zion National Park.  One of the most beautiful places in Utah.  You access the trail from across the road from the Grotto Picnic area.  If you look across the road and look to your right you will see a towering sand stone formation jutting out from the main canyon wall, this is Angels Landing and at the end of this hike you will be standing on top of that narrow neck. The trail is a total of 5 miles out and back. The first 2 miles of this hike is spectacular in its own accord.  It's the last half mile out on the narrow neck that you start entering a high risk zone.

A really bad picture of "Walter's Wiggles"

The hike begins relatively flat for the first half mile.  The trail then begins to ascend right up the side of the cliff.  The trail at this point has literally been carved into the sandstone wall.  The trail switchbacks up and opens up into a canyon called Refrigerator Canyon.  This is a narrow canyon and its name describes it perfectly.  Due to it's location and how narrow it is it stays shaded most of the day.  This is a beautiful canyon, lined with trees and plants.  This section is flat, which gives you a bit of reprieve from the hike up the side of the cliff you just did. The trail then heads to your left and to a section called "Walter's Wiggles."  This is a great part of the trail, tight switchbacks zigzag up the side of the cliff again, they were built using rock and are quite an impressive feat of trail building.  This section is a bit of a lung burner.  Here is a better photo of Walter's Wiggles. Upon reaching the top you are on Scout Lookout, which is 2 miles from the trailhead.  The trail head in two directions here.  one heads to your left to the West Rim Trail and the other to your right out onto the neck of Angels Landing.  This is also a great spot if you do not have the stomach to head out on the neck to sit and relax, enjoy the view and head back down the trail.  For those who need a bit more the "fun" is about to begin.

First obstacle. 

The trails first obstacle to get out on the neck is one, if you don't feel comfortable doing you probably should not go any further as the obstacles along the neck are similar to this one and some more challenging.  Most of this section of the trail is lined with chain, to give you added comfort and a bit of a helping hand as you navigate your way along 1,000 foot drop offs.  The first obstacle heads out onto an exposed sandstone slab lined with chains you must move up and around.  Making a mistake along here, is not an option.  Watch your feet and take your time.  One added element to this trail is the the amount of use it receives.  Plan on plenty of people with all skill levels making their way out and back.  At times you have to wait to let them by as the trail is very narrow. 

You then come to a narrow section, where the trail is literally as wide as your wingspan with drop off's on each side.  This part is amazing, but again watch your feet.  You then head to the left of the neck and right along the edge of the cliff.  This section is in the video.  If you are afraid of heights then you will know it at this spot.  Past this section you will look up and see the trail heading up along the narrow neck.  There are several obstacles that must be maneuvered along this section.  One, that got my heart pumping and scared me was a section where you are on an exposed cliff and have to step up into a carved step and grab the chain.  Don't look down!  I hiked this with my brothers and of course the goal was to not touch the chains the entire hike.  They succeeded.  I did not. You will have half a mile of these obstacles and then you come out on top of Angels Landing.  It is incredible.  The neck is wider and allows for you to relax and take in the amazing 360 degree view of Zion Canyon.  Take your time up on top to just sit and take it all in.  There is a reason this is called Angel's Landing.  It is beautiful. 



As you get ready to head back down, keep two things in mind.  When you walk over and look at what you scrambled up and realize you have to go down it, it is a bit daunting.  TAKE YOUR TIME!!!  Your legs will be tired and most of the obstacles are more difficult to navigate going down than up.  Once you get across the neck and back to Scout Lookout turn around and look at what you just accomplished.  You will amaze yourself with what you accomplished.  It is a great feeling.  It's all down hill from here back to your car which is great on the lungs, but tough on the knees and toes.  Check out this link to see specific points on this photo.

This is one of my all time favorite hikes.  You get a bit of a adrenaline rush, a great work out and an incredible view.  Those three pack a punch you don't want to miss. 

Hike Details
Length: 5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1488 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Kids: Not recommended
Hiking time:  5 hours
Fee: $25.00 per vehicle Zion Natl Park entrance fee
Trail Access: April 1st - October 30th Zion Canyon is accessed via shuttle. Private cars are allowed in Zion Canyon the rest of the year. Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to ride the shuttle and get off at the Grotto shuttle stop. The rest of the year, when the shuttles are not operating, drive into the canyon and park at the Grotto.

Looking back down the neck you hiked across and up