Angels Landing: Comparable to the Cables Route on Half Dome, this hike, while much shorter than Half Dome, is not for the faint of heart. The hike is 5miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The first two miles are gradual, smooth and paved.
The trail steepens breifly as it ascends Walter's Wiggles, a series of switchbacks carved into the mountain side by the impetuous first custodian of Zion National Park, Walter Reusch, who in 1924 set out to build a trail that would defy early Zion explorer Frederick Fisher's assessment that the summit of this ridge was such that "only an angel could land on it."
Once finished with the Wiggles, hikers arrive at Scout's Lookout, a beautiful perhaps 50 foot wide flat saddle with open air views out into Zion Canyon to the North. For many who attempt the Angel's Landing hike, this is their turnaround point. Already fabulous in its own right, the hike to Scout's Lookout is one every capable visitor to Zion should make.
From here, the exposure and possible danger increase dramatically as the trail leads hikers up along a steep narrow ridge line for approximately a half mile with 1,000+ foot drop-offs on both sides. Along the trail there are chains to assist hikers in their balance. The chains however would not keep one from falling off should a hiker lose their balance, composure, or grip of the chain. Several people have died on this trail in the past 10 years alone.
The trail reaches its terminus on the summit of Angel's Landing with stunning views down Zion Canyon to the South, the Organ, The Great White Throne, and Cerberus Gendarme.
Allow 5 hours on average and start early to avoid the crowds! Exercise extreme caution, use your own judgement about your abilities, and honestly self-assess your comfort with exposure before beginning the final section. There are plenty of hikes in the world. Not every trail is for everyone. Bring extra water and be advised that in early Spring and Winter the trail can be icy, and in our opinion, not attempted in such conditions under any circumstances. Carefully check the weather and keep an eye on the clouds. Do not hike this trail if a thunderstorm is forecast, possible, or appears to be forming or approaching.
Approach: Park at or shuttle to The Grotto parking area. Here, cross the Virgin River via the narrow bridge and turn right at the fork in the trail. This is the trail to the top of Angel's Landing.
Bring extra water and be advised that in early Spring and Winter the trail can be icy, and in our opinion, not attempted in such conditions under any circumstances.
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