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Hiking Angels Landing Zion National Park (NP) is one of the most talked-about hikes in the U.S. because of its sheer beauty, thrill, and a strong sense of adventure. If this hike is not on your bucket list yet I am sure by the end of this post you will be wondering why you haven’t added it to your bucket hiking list sooner!
There are three points in the trail to look forward to, Refrigerator Canyon, Scout Lookout, and Angels Landing spine.
What to bring
- Kafka Kool Tie to keep cool. I never go on a sunny hike without it! It has a cooling effect that lasts from 2-3 days!
- Gloves (optional) for the chain section with grip for better grasp and support.
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle This one is my absolute favorite, keeps the water as cold as you first put it in the bottle for all-day hydration.
- Hiking Trekking Poles To prevent knee injury and help support the additional weight, especially during the incline sections of the trail including Walter’s Wiggles. These collapsible ones are awesome because they easily fit inside a small hiking backpack.
- Hiking Shoes/Boots These are my new fav! They have been awesome! Good tread, ankle support, and comfortable!
What you should know
Check NPS for Zion NP shuttle schedule, and check the website for any closures or updates for the trails or park.
A hiking permit is now required for this hike.
Right of Way: Hikers going up the trail have the right of way so those descending need to step aside.
About the Trail
- Elevation: 1,448 ft tall rock formation
- Unbelievable panoramic views of Zion Canyon
- Distance: 5.4-mile round trip hike
- Time: Apx. 4 hours to hike
- 21 steep switchbacks also known as Walter’s Wiggles
- Scout Lookout is typically the turnaround point before the chain section.
- The last half-mile is the ascent to the top of the mountain holding on to a single link chain to hold onto as you make your way to the top at 5,790 feet for the most incredible views of the Zion Canyon.
For all my fellow dog lovers: our furry members are not allowed on this trail. They are only allowed on a leash at Pa’ Rus Trail. We have brought Sophia (ShihTzu-Maltese) and have her taken care of at Doggy Dude Ranch which is about 15 minutes away from Zion NP. If you would like a personable experience for your fur baby I recommend using TrustedHousesitters and finding reviewed and verified pet sitters this way you can still bring your furry member along for the adventure.
* NEW * Permit Required to Hike Angels Landing
This hike has gained significant popularity over the past couple of years so much so that effective April of 2022 a permit will now be required to hike this incredible trail, specifically after the Scout’s Lookout section.
For more information about the permits and when the lottery opens up to obtain them visit: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm
Keep reading as we go through this fantastic trail together.
Take the Shuttle
If you are staying outside Zion National Park I would highly recommend taking the Springdale Shuttle instead of driving into the National Park. Parking here gets jam-packed and you will pay the parking fee. If you are staying in the town of Springdale you can utilize the free shuttle system, just make sure to check the schedule to plan your day. When you arrive at the Zion National Park entrance you will take the Zion shuttle to Shuttle Stop 6 – The Grotto to Angels Landing via West Rim Trail. As of February 18, 2022 shuttle bus tickets are no longer required to take the shuttle. It is a hop-on, hop-off system and shuttles arrive every few minutes.
When you arrive at The Grotto shuttle stop there will be restrooms, make sure to go! There are no restrooms on the trail so just give it a go, you never know. 😉
If you are an adrenaline junky like I am, approaching the sign of the Angels Landing trail, you are overwhelmed with a sense of such excitement and anticipation just reading the dangers of the chain section and knowing you are about to embark on a thrilling hiking adventure!
Refrigerator canyon
After 1.1 miles of starting the trail in the hot sun through the incline windy portion of the trail, you will be pleasantly rewarded with the Refrigerator Canyon, 4900′ elevation crevice of the mountain casting nothing but shade and a well needed cooling period just before you arrive at your next obstacle, Walter’s Wiggles. Take a moment to take in the stunning view of the Zion mountains right before you enter Refrigerator Canyon.
Walter’s Wiggles
Depending on your physical activeness, this portion of the trail can be a bit strenuous and intense but keep it moving you are almost to the top where every struggle up the trail is absolutely worth it.
Scouts Lookout
After 1.95 miles of intense incline on Walter’s Wiggles, you arrive at Scouts Lookout and all your physical pain just melts away with the stunning views of the canyon. If you decide not to do the chain section of Angels Landing this endpoint is a must if you choose to do this trail. Scouts Lookout is a common turnaround point and is a great spot to hydrate and have snacks. Just be aware there are very cute tiny chipmunks native to Zion that are not shy whatsoever! The chipmunks are brave and bold enough to get into your backpack or snatch snacks out from your hand!
As with all wildlife, the chipmunks should not be fed and always follow the leave no trace rules when adventuring in Mother Nature.
As you contemplate the rest of your hike up Angels Landing enjoy the incredible views from Scouts Lookout.
Angels Landing
With the entrance sign, the Angels Landing Marker, and another Angels Landingsign, Zion NP does a great job of making you contemplate and making you aware of the dangers of hiking the chain section of the trail. If reading and seeing these signs haven’t scared you yet, let’s continue to the rest of the hike, shall we? 🙂
Be careful in the steep areas such as this because the steepness coupled with fine grains of sand/dirt, and smooth surface makes it a great recipe to cause a slip. Thankfully this section has a chain section you can hold on to. As you make your ascent to the top you are gratified with the incredible views of the canyon!
Going back down on the trail is a bit more tricky and you do have to slow just a bit as you descend from the incline of the trail. Remember that those hiking up the trail have the Right of Way, so step aside safely so they can make their ascent up the trail.
As with all adventures, once you’ve taken all those gorgeous, social media-worthy photos take a moment to just soak in the view, the journey it took to get there, and just a second to be present at the moment in solitude and the blessing that it is to be alive to experience such heights and adventures.
Hiking Angels Landing is such an adventure and one that can be enjoyed more than once and you will still get that same sense of thrill and adventure. Zion NP has so many incredible hikes! I also talk about hiking the Narrows here, another unforgettable and bucket list hike!
Looking for a Utah Adventure Itinerary one that can be enjoyed by the entire family? See my post 30 Flirty And Hiking! : Utah Road Trip for a detailed itinerary including hiking, ATVing, and visits to two other National Parks and the famous Horseshoe Bend.
