Angels Landing – Received its name in 1916 after a group was noted saying that only an Angel could land on top of it. The trail to the start of the chains was constructed in 1926. The trail contains a series of 21 short switchbacks affectionately named “Walters Wiggles” after the man who constructed them.
General Information
You access the trail from stop #6 The Grotto on the Zion Canyon Shuttle. From the trail head the hike to the top of Angels Landing is about 2.7 miles with almost 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The estimated travel time round trip is about 4 hours.
Do not attempt the chains portion of the trail if you are not in good physical shape. You should also avoid this section if it is wet, icy, or there are thunderstorms in the area. All of these things increase the danger of the hike.
The Crowds
Angels Landing is a popular hike, and because of this, it is very crowded. We recommend catching the first shuttle of the day – which leaves the visitor center at 7 A.M. You want to be coming up and down the chains with as few people as humanly possible.
The vast majority of people end their hike on Scouts Landing, but still quite a few people continue on through the chain section. This section travels the spine with drop-offs that range from 800 to 1000 feet, and sometimes is only a few feet wide. You will be using the chains to help you scramble up and over sandstone. If you come across people as hiking through the chains section and there is no wall on the side of you holding yourself under the chain is going to be your safest option and where you might feel most secure as you let others pass.
The View from Above
When you get to the top you can see why so many people have decided to do this hike. The views are spectacular. They will take your breath away. And the fact that you made it all the way to the top will make all the struggles of getting to the top worth it.
Should you hike Angels Landing?
If you have an uncontrollable fear of heights. The spine is narrow and the drop-offs are steep, and coming back down is scarier than walking up. You cannot afford to panic while you are going up or down as you are putting both yourself and others in danger.
You must be in good physical fitness. You are going to climb and then descend 1500 feet. This is no easy feat. If you do not feel you are fit enough to climb up steps and over sandstone on the spine do not attempt the chains portion.
What to Bring
Hiking Shoes. Do not attempt this in flip flops, tennis shoes, Crocs, or Converse. You need either Hiking Shoes or Boots for this hike.
Water. Bring plenty of water on this hike, depending on the time of day and year the heat and sun is going to get to you. There is also very little shade so you want to ensure that you are staying hydrated.
Sunscreen. There is very little shade, and none once you reach Scouts Landing and above, make sure you are protecting your skin.