Angel's Landing Trailhead

"Angels Landing is one of the most iconic hikes in the world, and also one of the most dangerous. But with proper hiking endurance and equipment, you'll be able to conquer this hike safely! And feel extremely rewarded for doing so. I've hiked Angels Landing 5 times in my life and it is one of my all-time favorite hikes. Here are my best tips: - Start EARLY! And I mean be at the trailhead right at sunrise. The earlier you go, the less crowded it'll be on the chains (which is the last part to the summit). When the chains are crowded, that is when this hike becomes a bit scary, so I always prefer to do this hike as early as I can to avoid a lot of people. It also means less heat, which make going up the 21 switchbacks less painful. - Wear good hiking boots, ones that have grip. This will help give you extra support on the chains. - Hiking gloves with grip. I've actually never used grip gloves when hiking Angels Landing, but every time I'm on the chains, I wish I had them! Sometimes the chains are really cold (depending on how early you start), sometimes they're really hot (again, depending on when you start), and sometimes your hands just get sore from pulling on them or holding on super tight. Having the grip gloves will just enhance your experience and give you extra traction. Not a must-have, but something that would be nice to have handy. - When you're on the chains, make sure to use a lot of communication with your fellow hikers, even if they aren't in your group. There's a lot of extremely narrow parts where you may need to hang tight in one spot for a few minutes to let someone coming down/going up safely pass you, so it is important to communicate with others on the chains about who is going to cross first, who is going to let the other pass, etc. Communication is really key on a hike like this! Angels Landing is a 4.3 mile out-and-back hike that is rated difficult and takes around 4 hours to complete. Though it isn't that long, it has over 1,800 feet of elevation gain and then the technical aspect of the chains which bring you to the summit make it more challenging than your typical hike. IMPORTANT: As of a few years ago, you need a permit to hike Angels Landing. And don't try and hike it without one, because they check right at the trailhead before they let you pass! I've linked the page where you can apply for a permit. It'd be best to try and get your permit as soon as you possibly can, but sometimes you can get them just a few days in advanced. ALSO IMPORTANT: During peak season, private vehicles are not allowed to drive on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive which is the road that brings you to Angels Landing and other popular hikes. Make sure you check the shuttle information prior to your visit to see if you need to take the shuttle (from the South Entrance or from Springdale) or not. I've linked the schedule for the shuttle below. I've taken the shuttle a few times and really enjoy it! The lines can be long but, again, if you start early you won't have a problem. Try and get on the first shuttle of the day. The hike to Angels Landing has two distinct parts: - Early on in the hike you'll reach Walter's Wiggles, which is a set of 21 switchbacks that take their name from Walter Ruesch, Zion National Park’s first superintendent. - The second section is known as the spine and is where the chains start. This strenuous final section of the hike features steep drop-offs of 800 to 1,000 feet on either side as you ascend 500 feet along a narrow mountain ridge for half a mile to the summit. The chains are anchored support attached along sections of the sheer cliff to assist your way up and down the carved steps. This hike can be scary for some, and it is extremely important to recognize your limits and not attempt the chains if you're afraid of heights, steep drops, or get vertigo easily. It would be a really bad idea to attempt the chains when you know this section of the hike is out of our comfort zone and then start to panic once you're on them. Getting off the chains quickly when you're panicking is NOT easy and can put yourself and your fellow hikers at risk. Know your limits and make an informed decision for yours and others safety. However, if you are confident enough in your ability to summit, it is 100% worth it and will definitely be one of your favorite hikes ever. "

"In order to be able to hike to the top (which is very narrow and has a chain to hold onto along the path), you must get a permit. However, you can hike to Scout Lookout via Walter's Wiggles without a permit, and you will see so many of the best views! This is a hike that you shouldn't miss, but it is a strenuous one!"

"Interested in doing the Angels Landing hike? It begins here. Make sure you get an early start to avoid the summer heat, and take the free shuttle to The Grotto."